NHL announces Calder Trophy Finalists

The NHL has released the three finalists for the Calder Trophy, which is the annual award given out to the league's top rookie.

The three finalists, which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, are Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar, Vancouver Canuck defenceman Quinn Hughes, and Chicago Blackhawks forward Dominik Kubalik. While all three of these finalists had terrific rookie seasons, everyone knows only two of these three players nominated has a shot at this award.

Makar, 21, flashed his potential when he appeared in last year's postseason for the Avalanche and put up six points in 10 games. While it had many fans excited, no one expected him to put up the numbers he did this season. In 57 games played, the Calgary, Alberta native had 12 goals and 50 points. Unfortunately, he missed some time due to injury, but it shouldn't take away from what was a terrific season for any defenceman, let alone a rookie.

Hughes, 20, also flashed his potential when he appeared in five regular season games with the Canucks last season, putting up three assists. Some fans were worried about his small stature as a defenceman at just 5-foot-10, but he quickly put those doubts to rest. In 68 games this season, he scored eight goals and 53 points. He was a big reason the Canucks were able to have much more team success compared to the 2018-19 season.

Kubalik, 24, was a very nice surprise for the Blackhawks this season. The former L.A. Kings seventh-round pick (191st overall) came over to the NHL having spent the previous two seasons with Ambri-Piotta, in the Swiss league. It turned out to be a great decision for both him and the Blackhawks, as he put up 30 goals and 46 points in just 68 games. His 30 goals were good enough for second on the team behind only Patrick Kane, while his 46 points was the team's third highest total. He won't win this trophy as Hughes and Makar had some of the best rookie seasons in recent memory, but it was a fantastic debut nonetheless.

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