Top 5 Calder Trophy Candidates at the End Of November

Matty Beniers, Seattle Kraken

Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers has been the best overall rookie so far. In his rookie campaign, he scored nine goals and eleven assists for 20 points in 22 games. He is first in scoring, second in goals scored, second in assists, and third in points per game with 0.75.

Beniers has been arguably Seattle’s best player en route to Seattle having a 14-5-3 record, which is second in the Pacific Division.

Beniers has been a top-six forward since making his NHL debut. He is a smooth skater, yet gets in the dirty areas if it means creating an opportunity in the offensive zone.

A tenacious forechecker, Beniers is an offensive threat when on the ice. He sees the ice well and makes good decisions with the puck. He is a skilled forward who creates offense out of nothing, sometimes while in the defensive zone.

Beniers has an array of tools that he can use to create offense. He has incredible passing skills, an NHL shot, and he is one step ahead of the play most nights. Beniers is only a rookie, but he is putting this team on his back and leading the charge.

Drafted second by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL Draft, He came into the league with high expectations. Beniers has a quiet confidence that has led him to exceed those expectations so far in his NHL career.

Beniers also has a good defensive game and the speed to catch an opposing forward in the defensive zone. He is defensively responsible, adding to his all-around game. He is the favorite to win the Calder Trophy a month into the season.