To no one's surprise, Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner was among the three finalists the NHL announced today for the Calder Trophy, which goes to the league's rookie of the year.
The San Jose Sharks' Logan Couture and the New York Islanders' Michael Grabner, both forwards, are the other finalists. The NHL awards ceremony is June 22 in Las Vegas.
Skinner, at 18 the youngest player in the NHL and the youngest All-Star in major pro sports history, led all rookies with 63 points and was a big reason the Hurricanes came within a win of making the playoffs, although his 31 goals trail Grabner (34) and Couture (32). He played in all 82 games for the Hurricanes, and his plus-minus of plus-3 was tied for second among Carolina forwards.
The other finalists may be good news for Skinner, as he fares well in head-to-head comparisons with the other forwards. If Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford, Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban or Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson had been among the finalists, or any of the other goalies or defensemen, it might have indicated that some voters looked beyond the scoring stats and at team impact -- but that's just conjecture.
No Hartford or Carolina player has ever won the Calder Trophy. Carolina's most recent major trophy winner was Rod Brind'Amour, who won the Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward in 2006 and 2007. (Goalie coach Tom Barrasso won the Calder with the Buffalo Sabres in 1984.)
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at (919) 829-8947, @LukeDeCock on Twitter or
Comments
Hope
Wed, 04/20/2011 - 10:47 — girlshockeydadHope Skinner win! All three have good stats.
Skinner should win hands
Tue, 04/19/2011 - 19:26 — hellfishSkinner should win hands down... Couture and Grabner were held out to preserve there status which cannot be overlooked...Couture on the Sharks = hard not to look good on that team...Should come down to Skinner/Grabner imo.
Skinner
Tue, 04/19/2011 - 16:47 — abramsdougI really hope Skinner gets the Calder Trophy; but I admit I think all three players, Skinner, Grabner, and Couture all have earned the award. It's a year where I wish all three could share the award. There are legitimate arguments in favor of all three. To me the most compelling argument is that Skinner went directly from the OHL into the NHL. That fact shouldn't be over-looked or under-appreciated. Even so, the fairer approach would be to say Skinner, Grabner, and Couture all showed they were amazing rookies and none of them deserved to be left out of the award.
Skinner
Tue, 04/19/2011 - 18:26 — SkylinerIs Couture really a rookie? Didn't he play (maybe) 25 games for the Sharks last season? If so, almost a third of a season in the pros should hardly be considered rookie status! Also, Skinner is more impoirtant to his team than Couture is to his team. Where might the Hurricanes be had we not had Skinner this year? Whereas the Sharks are loaded talent wise and would still be considered a powerhouse w/o Couture.
Really good players, all three, but let's hope Skinner is bestowed the Rookie honors.
Corey Crawford Oversight
Tue, 04/19/2011 - 16:39 — LainiencVery surprised Crawford wasn't a finalist since he is the reason Chicago made the playoffs and his stats were better than many of the veteran goalies. Guess the NHL wants to be able to market a face and can do that better with someone that plays 16 mins. / game vs. someone that plays 60 behind a mask, even though they're a crucial part of their team's success. Not taking anything away from any of the forwards, but this is shortsighted by the voters in my view.
Its well know that the NHL
Tue, 04/19/2011 - 13:54 — PhantomLordIts well know that the NHL brass are not big fans of the Hurricanes. If Skinner does not win, there is little to know question its because he plays for Carolina and that alone will be the reason he didn't win.
There is no question that voting should be unanimous to award it to Skinner.
it's well known that the NHL
Tue, 04/19/2011 - 14:03 — louis12580doesn't like the 'Canes. The league doesn't vote on who wins the awards, it's the writers. (On a side note, did I hear that the NY writers aren't voting this year? Some kind of disagreement with the league?) To me, it should come down to Grabner and Skinner. Couture has 40 games of NHL experience over two seasons. I know that under the rules he qualifies, but come on. Playing those games gives him an advantage, not to mention who he pays with. The other factor that should weigh heavily in Skinners' favor is that he's 18 and was on the receiving end of a lot of hits (clean and questionable). It will be interesting to say the least.