Your 2013 Calder Trophy nominees for the best rookie in the NHL have been released, let's take a look at the three finalists.
Brendan Gallagher - Montreal Canadiens: Not much was expected of the undersized Gallagher when he was drafted in the 5th round of the 2010 NHL entry draft. Though he was an oustanding scorer for the Vancouver Giants of the WHL in junior, some doubted if that skill would translate to the NHL. However his size, speed and shot have meshed perfectly with the Canadien's roster which went from worst to first in the division this year. The 21 year old finished second among rookies with 15 goals, 4th in points with 28 and top five in shots, plus minus and game winning goals.
Jonathan Huberdeau - Florida Panthers: Unlike Gallagher, Huberdeau entered the NHL with the pedigree of being a top draft pick, taken 3rd overall by the Panthers in 2011. He stepped right into the NHL from the QMJHL this season and didn't miss a beat, picking up 31 points which not only had him second among all rookies, but also second on the Panthers. He was the only offensive bright spot on a Florida team that finished dead last in the league. He also set new Florida franchise records by becoming the first player to score two penalty shot goals in a season for the club, as well as scoring the most points by a teenager.
Brandon Saad - Chicago Blackhawks: While Huberdeau must have felt he was playing on an island by himself at some points during the season, Saad had the advantage of playing on one of the best and deepest teams in the league. Some may fault Saad for that, but the truth is that he wouldn't have played with Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa for most of the season if he did not have the skill to do so. Saad finished 5th in all major offensive categories among NHL rookies with 10 goals, 17 assists and 27 points, and he unsurprisingly led all rookies with a plus 17 rating.
Missing The Cut:
Nail Yakupov (RW-Edmonton) - 17 goals, 6 power play goals, 31 points
Cory Conacher (LW-Tampa Bay/Ottawa) - 11 goals, 3 game wining goals, 28 points
Justin Schultz (D-Edmonton) - 8 goals, 27 points, -17
Jonas Brodin (D-Minnesota) - 11 points, +3, 23:12 average ice time.
Jake Muzzin (D-Los Angeles) - 7 goals, 16 points, +16
Jake Allen (G-St. Louis) - 9 wins, 2.46 gaa, .905 S%, 1 shutout.
Prediction: This Calder race may be one of the closest in years, as there were many players worthy of the top three. Saad may be the favorite here, and Huberdeau may have better numbers, but I'm going to go with Gallagher to win it.
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