Media by Associated Press – Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers (10) plays against the Detroit Red Wings in the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Expansion franchises often take a few years to find a foothold in the communities that they settle into. New franchises oftentimes are not good at the beginning and then take some time to build into a winning reputation. But leagues have lightened their stances on dispersal drafts in recent years to make things easier for teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken.
Matty Beniers, a rookie for the Kraken, may provide Seattle with its first trophy in the award case. Here’s a look at the top contenders for the NHL’s top rookie.
Matty Beniers, Center, Seattle Kraken, -375
Beniers, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, had a cup of coffee with Seattle in 2021-22, appearing in 10 games and producing nine points. But this season, Beniers has become a major contributor on a team that is likely headed to its first-ever playoff appearance.
Beniers is second on the team in goals scored with 19, and he has also produced 25 assists. Beniers have a +7 plus/minute. The Kraken is hoping that he can build on the foundation he has laid the past two seasons. With Seattle’s strong record as a team and Beniers’ role in that success, he is the odds-on favorite to win the award as the season heads down the stretch.
Owen Power, Defenseman, Buffalo Sabres, +1000
Power, like Beniers, was brought up to the big time after having a cameo with Buffalo during the 2021-22 season. In his brief eight-game stint last season, Power produced three points in eight games. However, Power has been finding his groove with an offensive-oriented Sabres’ attack.
In 57 games this season, Power has produced a +11 plus/minus and has recorded 19 assists. Power has also scored four goals, but that isn’t his main job for Buffalo, which has plenty of consistent scoring threats.
Mason McTavish, Center, Anaheim Ducks, +1000
McTavish is having a solid season on a sinking ship. The Ducks haven’t produced much in the win column and are a team that will need more players like McTavish to build behind as they try to rebuild their franchise. As a result of the Ducks’ struggles, McTavish has a -13 plus/minus.
McTavish has shown plenty of ability to be a productive player, scoring 14 goals and handing out 23 assists. The Ducks’ lack of success and other compelling candidates will prevent him from winning the award barring a wild finish to the year.
Cole Perfetti, Center, Winnipeg Jets, +1600
The Jets have been a strong contender in the Central Division all season. Perfetti has been one of the players that have helped Winnipeg stay in the playoff chase. Perferrti had eight goals and 22 assists before an injury in mid-February had him relegated to the sidelines for eight-plus weeks.
Perfetti has an excellent +10 plus/minus.
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