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***Whitecap*** · 04-14-2024, 03:17 PM

The S77 draft class has finally gotten some games in for their new teams in the SMJHL, and while it’s still too early to make any predictions for awards or scoring leaders, it’s far enough into the season to check in on the players to see how they are performing so far.

I fully did not expect the race to be as tight as it is, as there are often one or two players that tend to break out from the rest of the pack. After about 18ish games, the top 9 point scorers are only separated by 2 points, ranging from 16 to 18 at the top. There are currently three players tied for first, starting with Swedish Chef (CAR). Chef is notable because his team has played the fewest games, sitting at only 14 as I’m writing this article. In those games, he’s put up 6 goals and 12 assists for 18 points, along with an impressive +13 rating.

Interestingly, the next two players, Gina Pinard and Sam Volta, two rookies from the new expansion side in San Diego, have exactly matched Chef’s stat line of 6 goals and 12 assists, although in two more games.
The leading goal scorer so far in the S77 class actually happens to be my own player, Emeric Gagner (KEL). Gagner has so far scored 11 goals and put up 6 assists, although he did it in 18 games. It should be noted, however, that Gagner is playing for the last place Knights, also sitting in second in scoring on his team. Other players with 17 points include Chairy Styles (DET), and Big Papi (YUM).

Amongst defensemen in the S77 draft class, things are less close. Notably, both rookie defensemen scoring leaders play for Vancouver, a testament to their successful S77 draft. In first place here is David Vent, who sits at and impressive 5 goals and 9 assists for 14 points in 17 games, leading defensemen on his own team as well. At second place, Trevor Lopez is actually a forward who is being played as a defenseman, so I’ll count it here as well. Lopez is sitting a few points back with 11 points himself.

Of course, points aren’t everything. Olafur Atlason (NL) currently leads the class in +/- with a whopping +15 in only 15 games. The current PIM leader is Max Kielinen in Detroit, with 23 PIMS in 18 games, which includes a fight in a 6-4 loss to Colorado. He also got into a fight in the preseason, maybe a reflection of the type of player he will become given that he also ranks 2nd among rookies in hits. First in hits is Skyler Stevens (SDT) at 51 hits. Lastly, the shot blocks leader is Boofa Benson (MET) by a wide margin at 61 blocks.

There is still plenty of time for things to change, and players to fall and rise in the rankings, but this first stretch of the season does give us some insight into who may be leading by the end of it. Up to this points, the rookie scoring race is Swedish Chef’s to lose, but he’ll surely have plenty of competition nipping at his heels.

*Scrufdaddy* · 04-17-2024, 11:34 PM

Approved @Whitecap @CptSquall

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