High expectations are placed on some sophomores in the National Hockey League, especially those who excelled in their debut. No one is immune from the prophetic “sophomore curse,” which is characterized by a noticeable decline in performance.
Here are some of the best signings of the 2022-23 season and their chances of success next season.
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Matty Beniers – Seattle Kraken
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The last Calder Trophy winner will have bigger shoes to fill after his promising 57-point season. It’s rare for winners of this award to have a bad season immediately afterwards. In 2017 and 2018, for example, Mathew Barzal increased his score from 85 to 62 points and has yet to rediscover the magic of his early days. Beniers’ contract ends next summer, so the striker will definitely want to prove his skills.
Stuart Skinner-Edmonton Oilers
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If the Oilers were able to dream of the Stanley Cup last season, it’s probably because of Skinner. The Albertan stole the No. 1 goaltender job from Jack Campbell with a phenomenal end to the season. He posted a 29-14-5 record and best of all: a .914 save percent. After earning his team’s confidence in the playoffs, the 24-year-old masked man should be Edmonton’s starter, but Campbell, a veteran goalie who hasn’t shown bad stats, will certainly be on the lookout for a relegation diet.
Owen Power-Buffalo Sabres
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According to Power, the Sabers can aim for the moon with a roster that barely changed in the offseason. The top pick in the 2021 draft proved with 35 points that he can be behind Rasmus Dahlin and should maintain his performance. The Ontario native will also be able to learn from veteran Erik Johnson, who Buffalo recently signed. Beyond individual stats, Power has to think about leading the Sabers to the playoffs for the first time since 2010-11.
Wyatt Johnston-Dallas Stars
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At just 19 years old and without playing time in the American League, Johnston stood out among Stars forwards with 41 points. The centre-back will be watched more closely in 2023/24 and his performance could decline slightly. With a difference of +6 – a far cry from his linemate Jamie Benn (+23) – he also needs to work on his defensive game. Finally, the arrival of Matt Duchene could also take away some opportunities.
Matias Maccelli – Arizona Coyotes
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In his second season in North America, Maccelli proved a nice surprise for the Coyotes with 49 points in just 64 games. The Finn is part of the project, but the desert organization relies on many talented wingers. Jason Zucker and Alexander Kerfoot have joined a group that already includes Clayton Keller, Lawson Crouse and Dylan Guenther. Still, Maccelli has proven he can adapt and his second full season could be even better than his first.
Mason McTavish – Anaheim Ducks
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Barely out of puberty, the man who was selected two spots after Power in 2021 inherited great responsibility in Anaheim. McTavish was the third-best forward scorer for the Ducks, a team that continues to struggle. The Canadian has the potential to become a complete player and could continue to grow rapidly surrounded by Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry and Alex Killorn.