In a year that saw numerous rookies break onto the NHL scene, the three best were named finalists for the Calder Trophy. Forward Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon were named the three finalists for the 2013-2014 Calder Memorial Trophy. The Calder Trophy is awarded yearly at the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas. The award goes to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of play in the NHL. The award is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning
Johnson is the first undrafted player since goaltender Ed Belfour to be selected as a Calder Finalist. Tampa Bay signed Johnson in March of 2011 as a free-agent. He was tied with MacKinnon for the leading rookie goal scorer with 24. He also had more ice time than any other rookie in the league. Johnson played four years for Spokane in the Western Hockey League before joining the Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate in Norfolk for two seasons.
Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
As a member of the surprise Colorado Avalanche, MacKinnon shocked the hockey world with his mature, dominant play. MacKinnon was tied for the league rookies in goals with 24, and led the league rookies with 63 points. The first overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft exploded onto the NHL scene with offensive production from the start of the season. MacKinnon played two seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Halifax Mooseheads before being drafted, and signing with the Avalanche. MacKinnon looks to have a bright future as an NHL star.
Ondrej Palat, Tampa Bay Lightning
Palat joins fellow teammate Tyler Johnson as a Calder Finalist. His 59 points ranked second amongst rookies in the NHL. He netted an impressive 23 goals, and had 36 assists this season. Palat has world-class speed, and a great scoring touch. With a plus-minus of +32 he has proven to all that he can be a great two-way NHL player. The Czech superstar played last season with Drummondville of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
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