Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog and Adam Henrique have been named the finalists for the NHL’s Calder Trophy on Friday.
Nugent-Hopkins, the first-overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, had 18 goals and 34 assists despite missing 20 games due to injury. The Edmonton Oilers forward became the first 18-year-old in NHL history to earn five assists in a single game on Nov. 19 against Chicago.
Landeskog finished with 22 goals and 30 assists, tied with Nugent-Hopkins for the rookie lead in total points. The second-overall pick in the 2011 draft, Landeskog set a Colorado Avalanche record with 270 shots on goal this season. The 19-year-old forward was also the only rookie to lead his team in goals.
Henrique, a third round pick by the New Jersey Devils in 2008, scored 15 goals and added 35 assists while filling in for Travis Zajac on the team’s top line. Henrique led all rookies with four short-handed goals.
Voting was conducted by members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.
The winner of the league’s top rookie honour will be announced on June 20 during the NHL Awards in Las Vegas.
