Dallas Stars Forward emerges as Top Rookie in NHL

The Dallas Stars are once again one of the best teams in the Western Conference. It continues a run that started in 2021-2022, a run that has quietly put the Stars into the conversation as one of the best running franchises in all of hockey.

The Stars are dangerous again in 2024 with an 8-5 record to start the year. With the Central division looking like the toughest in the NHL this season, it’s been an impressive first five weeks for the Stars as they hold onto third place in the Central.

A big part of their success early has been the impressive play of rookie forward Logan Stankoven. Stankoven, previously a second-round pick by the organization in 2021, is the latest in a long line of homegrown players in Dallas to make an impact in their lineup.

Not only has Stankoven shown that he belongs in the NHL this year, he is becoming the early favorite to capture the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. Offensively, Stankoven is ahead of the pack. He leads all rookies in scoring with two goals and 10 assists in 13 games.

What’s really impressive is that Stankoven does all of this without playing a typical number of top-six minutes. Sure, he plays online with very talented players in captain Jamie Benn and Wyatt Johnston, but the 21-year-old ranks sixth among forwards in ice time, averaging 15:49 per game. match.

takes a look at NHL EDGE, there is one stat that has been a contributor to his offensive success thus far. While Stankoven has always been rated as a playmaker first, he knows how to put the puck on the net and create plays.

In just 13 games, he has already accumulated 15 shots on goal from the middle range of the offensive zone. His 15 shots from the slot area and face-off dots rank in the 93rd percentile among all position players. That’s a huge reason why he has 10 assists already on the year because he’s able to keep the offense going and put pucks on net, create rebounds and additional chances for his teammates to cash in.

When you’re a smaller player like Stanoven (listed at 5’8 and 165 pounds), you have to be smart and creative with the puck on your stick. The Stars’ rookie forward knows this all too well, and his lightning-quick assessment and decision-making skills stand out in every game. He may not be the flashiest rookie in this class, but his performance so far has made him the best rookie in the NHL this year.

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