Last year’s Calder Trophy was a red hot race through the whole season. From Jack Eichel, Shayne Gostisbehere, Connor McDavid and the eventual winner Artemi Panarin. So with all the attention on this year’s rookie class again, I wanted to do a “where are they now” style article in their sophomore seasons.
First up, Shayne Gostisbehere. After a 17-goal season and 29 assists last year, Gostisbehere has one goal and four assists in the first 8 games. His point-per-game ratio is a little lower than last year as he had a .71 and is down to .62 ppg. The stat that shows another step down is the minus 4 this early in the season. This stat isn’t just based off him but the team as a whole and the Flyers have struggled early this season with a 3-4-1 record. I wouldn’t worry too much about his play just yet as he still is producing.
Another player that had a good rookie season is Arizona Coyotes forward Max Domi. Domi had 18 goals and 34 assists last season. This season Domi has five assists in seven games. Domi has yet to record a goal this season and has a minus one rating thus far. Again, nobody is worried about his production this season thus far as the Coyotes have struggled this season. I don’t see Domi having the best sophomore season from this stacked class.
So how is last year’s Calder Trophy winner doing this year? Artemi Panarin had 30 goals and 47 assists last season. He currently has two goals and three assists in seven games played. The reason for his production seeming low is due to line juggling in Chicago. Panarin hasn’t played too much with Patrick Kane this season. Chicago has also struggled this season with losses to teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames.
The best sophomore season thus far, and the league leader in points
with 11 total, is Connor McDavid. McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are having a great start of the season. He has four goals and seven assists in seven games played. The Oilers are 6-1-0 and McDavid has a 1.57 PPG ratio. He is continuing where he left off last season when he put up 16 goals and 32 assists in 48 games played.
Now I don’t think McDavid will win the Art Ross this year for most points in the league, but I do believe he can continue to post at a similar rate. McDavid’s rival Jack Eichel has yet to play this season as he has a high ankle sprain that he suffered in practice the day before the season opener.
So unless a big change in Chicago occurs, I see McDavid taking my sophomore trophy with ease!
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