William Nylander named NHL's rookie of the month for October

A Toronto Maple Leafs forward has been named the NHL's rookie of the month for October, but not the one who scored four goals on opening night.

The distinction instead goes to William Nylander, whose four goals and seven assists in nine games topped the six goals and four assists recorded by teammate Auston Matthews in the same span.

Nylander leads all rookies in assists and total points, and his 31 shots on goal rank second only to Matthews. Only Matthews, Patrik Laine, and Jimmy Vesey have recorded more goals.

Drafted eighth overall by Toronto in 2014, Nylander scored six goals and added seven assists in 22 games for the Maple Leafs last season.