Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau, who led all rookies with eight goals and 13 points in 14 games, has been named the NHL Rookie of the Month for December.
Gaudreau edged Nashville Predators center Filip Forsberg (4-8—12 in 13 GP), Winnipeg Jets goaltender Michael Hutchinson (5-2-0, 2.14 GAA, .927 SV%), Florida Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad (3-6—9 in 14 GP), Ottawa Senators left wing Mike Hoffman (4-4—8 in 13 GP) and Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Antti Raanta (5-0-0, 1.57 GAA, .949 SV%, 1 SO) for the honor.
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Hoffman is hilarious. He qualifies as a rookie by the slimmest of margins possible. He is just barely young enough, and just barely meets both the single-season and two-season games played thresholds.
Hutchinson's play in Winnipeg could well have earned that kid this honour, but Gaudreau's unreal week to end the year probably sealed the win.
Closing on pretty hard on Forsberg (seriously, how was that trade made...?) recently. Have to think there's a few more of these coming up on his race to the Calder.
Johnny only had five assists? His line really went cold after Jooris' hat trick.
Jooris turned into an offensive boat anchor for much of that time. Still generating the chances, but in a game of inches, the game moved an inch the wrong way for him. That is why it was so nice to see the kid get the OT winner against Edmonton.
Gaudreau named NHL's rookie of the month for December
