Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde, who led all rookies with 5-11—16 in 14 games, has been named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for February.
Gourde edged New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (2-14—16 in 12 GP), Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (6-5—11 in 12 GP), New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (5-6—11 in 14 GP) and Vancouver Canucks right wing Brock Boeser (5‑5—10 in 13 GP) for the honor.
Gourde registered at least one point in 12 of his 14 February appearances, highlighted by a seven-game streak to open the month (Feb. 1-13: 5-5—10). He also led all rookies with three power-play goals, six power-play points (3-3—6) and a +8 rating (tied).
Gourde – who was signed by the Lightning as an undrafted free agent in 2014 – has played in 64 contests this season, ranking among the top five rookies in plus/minus (t-1st; +26), game-winning goals (t-1st; 5), goals (t-2nd; 22), power-play goals (2nd; 7), points (3rd; 49) and assists (t-4th; 27).
The 26-year-old Saint-Narcisse, Que., native joins Arizona Coyotes center Clayton Keller (October), Boeser (November and December) and Barzal (January) as a Rookie of the Month winner in 2017-18.
* Information provided via NHL Press Release
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