The NHL rookie of the year award race could get tight with about one month left in the season. Artemi Panarin of the Chicago Blackhawks is looking like the favorite, but players like Jack Eichel, Connor McDavid, Shayne Gostisbehere and Max Domi are also in the mix.
Panarin is leading the rookie class in overall points and scoring, and it helps that he is also contributing to a Stanley Cup contender. McDavid has shown that he has the most talent among the rookie class with how he has played for the Oilers, but he missed time with an injury and may not have the stats to win the award. Eichel has stepped up during the season half of the season, while Domi has been playing well all season for the Coyotes.
McDavid was the number one overall pick in the draft last year ahead of Eichel, and both players have been impressive this season. McDavid missed three months with an injury, so his stats are not as high as some of the other rookies and could hurt his chances. Here is a look at the top candidates for the award:
Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks
Barring a big run from Eichel or Domi, Panarin is going to be the top scoring rookie this season. Panarin has 61 points for the Blackhawks, putting up 24 goals and 37 assists, leading all first-year players in those categories. Some around the NHL have pointed out that the 24-year-old has had professional experience in Russia and isn't exactly the same level as the other rookies, but he has still been very impressive in his first year in the NHL. Panarin currently looks like he will win the award after with the numbers that he has put up.
Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
Eichel was the second overall pick in the draft behind McDavid, and he has played up to those expectations. Eichel has seen extended time with the Sabres while the team deals with injuries, and he has been very productive. Eichel ranks in the top five among rookie in points, goals and assists this season. Eichel has scored 19 goals for the Sabres and should get some solid consideration for the award, even if he can't overtake Panarin.
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
The biggest knock for McDavid is simply that he has not played enough this season. The eye test shows that McDavid might be the best rookie of the group, but his limited time on the ice may keep him from getting enough numbers to get into the mix for the award. McDavid has been very productive in the games that he has played for the Oilers, and that could get him some votes. McDavid now has 34 points in 31 games, including 13 goals and 21 assists.
