Competition for top rookie honors in the NHL is down to a talented trio.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, Chicago Blackhawks winger Artemi Panarin, and reigning No. 1 overall draft selection Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, were named Calder Trophy finalists Monday.
McDavid's nod comes despite being limited to 45 games because of a broken clavicle suffered a month into his professional career. He was, however, the only rookie to average better than a point per game, scoring at a rate that exceeded Sidney Crosby and Tyler Seguin, with his 16 goals and 32 assists. He finished just eight points behind No. 2 overall selection Jack Eichel, who appeared in 81 games.
The 24-year-old Panarin, too, had no trouble producing in his debut season. The dynamic winger hit the jackpot with 30 goals and 47 assists in 80 games, triggering the bonuses built into his contract with a top-10 finish in NHL scoring.
Finally, Gostisbehere was a puck-moving catalyst for the Flyers, who turned around their season when he was called up in mid-November. The 23-year-old scored 17 goals - including four in overtime - and totaled 46 points in his 64 games.
