NHL rookie Lane Hutson just made history, and he did it in spectacular fashion.
The Montreal Canadiens defenseman ran away with this year’s Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie, grabbing 165 of 191 first-place votes. It wasn’t even close.
What makes Hutson’s win so special? He’s only the fourth defenseman since 1944 to lead all NHL rookies in scoring. That puts him in some pretty incredible company – we’re talking hockey legends like Bobby Orr and Brian Leetch.
His 66 points this season included a whopping 60 assists, tying an NHL record for rookie defensemen that’s stood since 1981.
“It’s honestly surreal to be mentioned alongside those names,” Hutson said after receiving the award. “I’m just trying to help my team win games.”
The Canadiens haven’t had many Calder winners – Hutson’s just their third since 1968. Ken Dryden and Brendan Gallagher are the others.
Meanwhile, Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers picked up his second straight Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward. It’s actually his third overall, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Barkov’s been a defensive force for the Panthers, helping them become one of the league’s toughest teams to score against. They finished seventh in goals against per game at 2.72.
The Panthers captain put up impressive numbers at both ends of the ice. He was a +13 at even strength while still managing to score 71 points – pretty amazing considering he usually faces the other team’s best players.
In other award news, Spencer Carbery won the Jack Adams Award as top coach in just his second year with the Washington Capitals. He’s led them to the playoffs both seasons, building a solid 91-53-20 record.
The rest of the NHL awards will be handed out June 12, right before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. Still to come are some big ones:
– The Hart Trophy (MVP)
– The Vezina Trophy (best goalie)
– The Norris Trophy (best defenseman)
– The Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player, voted by players)
It’s been quite a year for fresh faces and familiar stars in the NHL. And with the Stanley Cup Final heating up, there’s still plenty more hockey drama to come.
