Patrik Laine, Auston Matthews, Zach Werenski named finalists for Calder Trophy

Before everyone gets caught up in the Stanley Cup playoffs, let's take a look at one of the best rookie classes in recent memory.

Patrik Laine, Auston Matthews, and Zach Werenski are the nominees for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s most proficient rookie.

Laine scored 36 goals for the Winnipeg Jets, second among rookies, and seventh most of any NHLer this season. The second pick of the 2016 NHL Draft played in 73 games and turned 19 years old on Wednesday.

Matthews led all rookies in goals (40) and points (69). Only Sidney Crosby scored more goals than 2016’s No. 1 pick this season, which also saw Matthews lead the Toronto Maple Leafs in points en route to their first playoff berth since 2013. He played in all 82 games this season. The last Leaf to win the Calder Trophy was Brit Selby in 1966.

Werenski led rookie defencemen in goals (11) and points (47). The 19-year-old averaged 20:55 a night while appearing in 78 games for a Columbus Blue Jackets team that finished with a franchise-high 108 points. He also set a new Columbus record for assists and points by a rookie.

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