Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, Buffalo Sabres defenceman Owen Power and Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers are the finalists for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year, the NHL announced Wednesday.
Skinner took over the top goaltending job from Jack Campbell midway through the season and guided the Oilers to a second-place finish in the Pacific Division.
The Edmonton native, a third-round pick in 2017, was 29-14-5 with a 2.79 goals-against average and .914 save percentage.
Skinner made a long journey through the minor leagues before getting the chance with his hometown team, starting his pro career with Wichita of the ECHL in 2018.
Beniers, picked second overall by the Kraken in 2021 after Power went first to the Sabres, led the rookie scoring race with 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) in 80 games.
Although the award is strictly based on regular-season performance, Beniers and Skinner both are big parts of teams competing in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Power was second on the Sabres in ice time, playing a big role for a team that improved dramatically and fell just two points short of a playoff spot.
The native of Mississauga, Ont., had four goals and 31 assists in 79 games.
The NHL Awards show is June 26 in Nashville.
