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MrPresident · 08-21-2023, 07:04 PM

As we are not over half-way through the season, and through the SMJHL trade deadline, it's time to take a moment to look at some rookie statistics and make a way-too-unqualified-mid-season-rankings for the Esa Anrikkanen Trophy (Rookie of the Year Award).

1. Xavier Beausoleil Raptors

At the time of writing this, Beausoleil currently sits 34th in league scoring at 53 points (2nd amongst rookies). Beausoleil may be one of the only bright spots in the current Raptors season, as he currently sits second in the team for scoring, and holds the highest game rating on the team - with an impressive 78. Beausoleil isn’t afraid to play the body, and so far, has shown why he was deserving of the 1st overall pick - however, will his lead in the mid-season rankings hold up, or will Beausoleil's team's lack of success drag him down with them?

2. Sad Ketchup Berserkers

Ketchup is the current rookie scoring leader, with 56 points. Despite a less-than-impressive 69 game rating, Ketchup has shown to be an invaluable addition to the Berserkers roster, also sitting 2nd in his team’s scoring, and strong Corsi stats. Sad Ketchup also tops the rookie class in TPE at 266 at the time of writing this. Should Ketchup grow his scoring lead and help Newfoundland make the playoffs, Ketchup may easily pass Beausoleil in the standings.

3. Jim Wen Malamutes

Jim Wen currently sits 7th in the league for wins, 10th in SV%, and led for 6th in shutouts. Quite frankly however, without a goalie like Wen stepping up this season, the Malamutes’ season might not look the same. Wen has stepped up and contributed greatly to helping ensure this Malamutes team succeeds - however, unless the Malamutes are able to crawl up the standings at the hands of Wen, it is unlikely he finishes at the top of the Esa Anrikkanen voting at the end of the season. It's hard to imagine one of the only rookie goalies in the league, who is also the starter for a playoff bound team, not making the shortlist - even if he does not win it all.

4. Jordan Thompson Timber

/ Ryland Murphy Citadelles

Both have 47 points with a 77 game rating - yet, Thompson has been more well-rounded defensively, whereas Murphy’s offence has been elite for a rookie. Thompson may receive a slight edge as a result of his two-way play and scoring on over 1 minute less per game than Murphy, however Thompson plays much more of a depth role on Maine compared to Murphy on Quebec City. The tie will break down the stretch, and it’s a tossup who may take the edge - however, if I had to guess right now, Murphy takes the edge as a result of his greater role on the QCC roster.

Honourable Mentions
Jani Manty - Grizzlies

- a 40 point scorer, with solid stats on both sides of the puck. Although he has played well, it's hard to rank him highly, given he's neither a top 3 player on his team, nor is his team in a fantastic position in the standings. Nevertheless, with a team leading 4 game winning goals, he's certainly a key contributor. Should he move up the scoring charts, both within his team and the overall rookie class, he may sneak his way in to the top 5.

Liam Rodgers - Raptors

- The only defenceman on the list, however, the top scoring rookie defenceman in the league. Overall, a solid two-way guy, although quite possibly being dragged down by the overall team this season. While he may not be topping the rookie lists, keep an eye on him for the next couple seasons, because as the Raptors continue to rebuild and grow, he's certainly to grow into a key piece for the team's long-term success.

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