The NHL rookie of the year race has Artemi Panarin of the Chicago Blackhawks as the leading favorite to take the award. Players like Shayne Gostisbehere, Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid are also candidates.
Panarin has the lead in the race right now, as he is first in the league among rookies in scoring. It also helps that he is contributing to a team that is a Stanley Cup contender this year. McDavid and Eichel were the top two picks in the draft and should get some attention for the Oilers and Sabres. McDavid has shown that he is as talented as any rookie in the league, but an injury robbed him of three months and he may not have the stats to back things up.
Eichel has stepped up for the Sabres over the last month, while Gostisbehere has been the most impressive defenseman among rookie players. He is among the leaders in points for first-year players, and is helping the Flyers stay in the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. He could end up being a Calder Trophy finalist this season, giving him a strong chance to make an impact in the rookie voting.
There are some other names that could impact the race as well, including Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings and Max Domi of the Arizona Coyotes. Larkin is ranked fourth among rookie in points and third in goals, while Domi has 44 points this season to rank third among first-year players. Domi has also scored 17 goals.
Here is a look at the top candidates:
Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks
Panarin remains the favorite for the award heading into the final stretch of the season. The first-year player has been as impressive as any rookie, and he has been a major contributor for a team that is going to be in the playoffs. All that gives Panarin a strong chance to win, and it helps that he is leading all rookies in scoring. He should win the scoring title among rookies unless something drastic happens. The winger has 62 points with 25 goals and 37 assists this season, and is the leader among first-year players in all of those categories, Eichel is closest with 48 points.
Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadlephia Flyers
Gostisbehere has continued to get better and better as the season has gone on. The defenseman has 38 points this season to rank in the top five among rookies with 15 goals and 23 assists. Gostisbehere is fourth among rookies in assists. The first-year player also set a record for points in consecutive games by a rookie defenseman this season by recording a point in 15 straight games. Gostisbehere should get some major attention for the award, even if he doesn't win it.
Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
Eichel should get some strong consideration after being the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, but this is Panarin's award to lose. Eichel has 48 points with 22 goals and 26 assists this season. The Sabres star has put up some strong numbers, but it won't be enough to win the award.
