Top 3 Calder Trophy Candidates for 2022-23 Season

The 2022-23 NHL season is around the corner and we're here to spotlight players to watch for end of the year awards. This segment we focus on five rookies who are ready to battle it out for the league's top honors - the Calder Trophy.

Matthew Beniers, Seattle Kraken

The second-overall pick from the 2021 NHL draft heads into this season as a favorite to win the Calder trophy. The Kraken's lineup is desperate for some more offense and Beniers will be given every opportunity to contribute.

My draft crush is Matthew Berniers. I’ve seen a lot of Michigan games this year and this kid is going to be good. He reminds me of Ryan O’Reilly or Michael Peca. Here are a bunch of quotes from analysts about Berniers and his game. He’s exactly the kind of player the Sabres need. pic.twitter.com/JH28jdhUlv
— Tyler (@thayes_82) March 16, 2021

If his 10-game showcase was any indication from last season when he put up nine points, look for Beniers to hover around the 60-65 point mark this season. He played an average of 16:56 a night last season, a number that's also likely going to increase as the coaching staff becomes more confident in their young star.

Owen Power, Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres won't be holding back rookie defenseman Owen Power in the least. Buffalo is expected to let 'Power go' and give him full reigns on a top-four spot for this season. The team got a small glimpse last season as he recorded three points in eight games as a 19-year-old. It was enough to show management and the coaching staff the former number one selection is ready for primetime.

Look for the 6-foot-6 Power to be a force this season, on both sides of the puck. It won't be long before the Sabres are back into the Stanley Cup Playoff mix in the eastern conference and Power's going to be a huge part of their success.

Mason McTavish, Anaheim Ducks

Trevor Zegras will have a running mate in Anaheim this season as Mason McTavish is ready to take on full duties with the Ducks in 2022-23. He's won at every level of his career and most recently was a star at the World Juniors for Team Canada. McTavish skates like the wind, he's hard on the puck and his net-front presence has power forward written all over it.

The Ducks faithful are going to love McTavish's game as he's developing at a rapid speed and looks like he'll be a contender for the Calder trophy this season. Two goals in nine games in 2021-22, look for a 20-goal season from the Ducks rookie in 2022-23.

Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports