Islanders’ Mathew Barzal named NHL rookie of the month

Frederik Andersen earned the shutout while Travis Dermott and Justin Holl scored their first NHL goals as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New York Islanders.

New York Islanders centre Mathew Barzal has been named NHL rookie of the month for January, the league announced Thursday.

The 20-year-old led all freshmen with 15 points (in 12 games) during the month. He recorded his second five-point game of the season on Jan. 13 against the Rangers.

Barzal ranks first among rookies with 35 assists and 51 points this season.

This the first top-rookie of the month nod for the 2016 first-rounder.

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