So right now it boils down to these 4:
Hutchinson - best rookie goalie, would be close to Vezina contention based on averaged numbers, not enough games played though. Big part of team exceeding expectations
Ekblad - best rookie defenceman, logging major minutes, driving offence on an offensively challenged team (Florida 25th in goals per game, Ekblad 2nd in points on that team)
Forsberg - one of the best rookie forwards, very high +/- of +25, leads rookies in points, but is slowing down. Big part of team exceeding expectations (2nd in points, 1st in goals on his team)
Gaudreau - one of the best rookie forwards, second in rookie points, but is speeding up. very responsible on ice (+12, 0PIM). Big part of team exceeding expectations (3rd in points, 1st in goals on his team)
How these 4 perform over the stretch will determine who emerges as the winner IMO, as I feel they are all pretty level right now, maybe slight edge to Ekblad, but his team is also outside the playoffs, which could hurt him. Gaudreau is in great form and will likely ump over Forsberg, so for me, I think the final 3 will be:
Ekblad
Gaudreau
Hutchinson/Forsberg (whomever finishes the year better)
suffice to say, best rookie class in a while IMO
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