The NHL features five games with key matchups including rookie defensemen Buium and Schaefer facing off, MacKinnon aiming to extend his point streak, a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference Final between the Panthers and Hurricanes, the Stars' strong road performance, and Schmaltz leading Utah in the absence of Cooley.
Lane Hutson has won the 2024-25 Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie, becoming the seventh player in Montreal Canadiens history to earn this honor and ending a long drought for the franchise. The article highlights past Canadiens winners and Hutson's achievement in the context of the team's rich history of developing top rookies.
Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov will be a healthy scratch for the first time in the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, as announced by coach John Tortorella. Despite being a top contender for the Calder Trophy with 10 points in 13 games, Michkov's recent performance has dipped, prompting Tortorella to bench him as a developmental strategy. Flyers GM Danny Briere anticipated challenges for Michkov this season, emphasizing the demanding nature of the NHL and Tortorella's coaching style aimed at fostering Michkov's growth.
As the 2023-24 NHL season begins, predictions for major awards are being made. While Connor McDavid is the favorite for the Hart Trophy, Jack Hughes could challenge him if voter fatigue sets in. Auston Matthews is predicted to win the Rocket Richard Trophy for leading goal scorer, and Cale Makar is expected to win the Norris Trophy for best defenseman. The Vezina Trophy race is tight, with Ilya Sorokin and Igor Shesterkin as top contenders. Rick Tocchet and Don Granato are among the favorites for the Jack Adams Award. Connor Bedard is the frontrunner for the Calder Trophy, but Devon Levi could challenge him if he leads the Sabres to the playoffs. As for the Connor Hellebuyck sweepstakes, it is uncertain which team he will be on at the end of the season, but the Winnipeg Jets may hold onto him if they are in playoff contention.
Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken has won the Calder Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year. The 20-year-old forward led NHL rookies in goals, points, and plus/minus in 80 games, and was second in assists. He received 160 of the possible 196 first-place votes for 1,836 voting points. Beniers helped the Kraken clinch a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in their second NHL season as the first wild card from the Western Conference.
Former Michigan Wolverines center Matty Beniers becomes the first rookie from an expansion franchise to win the Calder Trophy in the NHL since 1980-81. Beniers, who played for the Seattle Kraken, received 160 first-place votes and led rookies in various statistical categories. In other NHL Awards, Connor McDavid won his third Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, Erik Karlsson received the Norris Trophy as top defenseman, and the Boston Bruins had multiple award winners.