Posted by R.G. Mason

NASHVILLE (June 26, 2023) – Center Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken is the 2022-23 recipient of the Calder Memorial Trophy, presented “to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition,” as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Beniers, the first NHL Awards finalist in Kraken history, is the first player from an expansion franchise to win the Calder Trophy within his team’s first two seasons since Peter Stastny captured the award in 1980-81, the Quebec Nordiques’ second campaign.

Beniers was a decisive winner, collecting 160 first-place votes among the 196 ballots cast for 1,836 voting points. Second-place Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers received 24 first-place votes and was the second choice on 71 others for 1,074 points, followed by Owen Power of the Buffalo Sabres, who ranked third in voting with 929 points (nine first-place selections).

Beniers led rookies with 24-33—57 in 80 games to help the Kraken (46-28-8, 100 points) post the largest win (+19) and point (+40) improvements by an NHL franchise from its first to second season. The No. 2 overall pick from the 2021 NHL Draft, the first selection in Seattle history, also ranked among the top rookies in multi-point performances (1st; 18), shooting percentage (1st, minimum: 80 S; 16.2%), plus/minus (1st; +14), goals (t-1st; 24), assists (2nd; 33), game-winning goals (2nd; 4), shots on goal (4th; 148), power-play points (6th; 10), power-play goals (t-6th; 4) and power-play assists (8th; 6). Beniers, who finished second among rookie forwards in total time on ice (1,367:22) and fourth in average time on ice (17:06), was assessed only one penalty to become the fourth different player in League history – rookie or veteran – to skate in at least 80 games in a season and receive two or fewer penalty minutes.

For more on the Calder Trophy, including a list of past winners, click here.

COURTESY NHLmedia.com