San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, and Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf are the finalists for the Calder Trophy, the league announced Monday.
The award is given to the player who is most proficient in his first year in the NHL, as voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
Celebrini, the reigning first overall pick, tallied 25 goals and 38 assists in 70 outings. He led the Sharks in points and led all rookie skaters in points per game.
Hutson's 66 points were tied for the fourth-most ever by a rookie defenseman. He paced all first-year players in points and tied for sixth among all NHL blue-liners. The 21-year-old helped lead the Canadiens to a surprise playoff appearance.
Wolf nearly dragged the Flames to the postseason, going 29-16-8 with a .910 save percentage in 53 starts. His 26.38 goals saved above expected was the seventh-most among all NHL goalies, according to Evolving-Hockey.
Hutson won unanimously in theScore's hypothetical ballot.
The winner will be unveiled in June.
