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This comes as no surprise to anyone who watched the Avalanche this year. The NHL announced today the finalists for the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. The finalists are: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Adam Henrique, and our Gabriel Landeskog.
Gabe finished tied with Nugent-Hopkins for the most points at 52. He was also 2nd in goals (22) to Matt Read (24) who was not nominated, and 2nd in hits with 219 (Montreal defender Emelin had 236 hits). Gabe was 3rd in assists and second in +/- (+20) to the Rangers' Carl Hagelin (+21). Landy also led all rookies in takeaways with 58, was first among rookie forwards in both blocked shots (58) and average ice time with 18:36 p/g. Some may say that the reason #92's numbers are solid is because he was on the ice a lot. The only reason he was on the ice that much was because he deserved to be. He was the Avs best forward most nights, and one of the more consistent players despite his youth. If he wins the Calder, it will be because of his all around play more than any one stat.
The Selke nominees are announced Monday, that's when we'll find out if the league's leader in takeaways gets some love, or if they already gave the award to Datsyuk.