Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Gabriel Landeskog makes a serious Calder statement

Colorado Avalanche v Toronto Maple Leafs

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 17: Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche skates with the puck past a checking Matt Frattin #39 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in a game on October 17, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. The Avalanche defeated the Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Getty Images

When the Colorado Avalanche made Gabriel Landeskog the second overall pick of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, one of his biggest selling points was his NHL-readiness.While Ryan Nugent-Hopkins made the splashiest early impact, one could argue that the sentiment still holds up because RNH’s body didn’t exactly, well, hold up.

Either way, Landeskog is making a strong argument for the 2012 Calder Trophy and tonight’s overtime game-winning goal (Colorado beat Anaheim 3-2 in OT) might be the lead moment of his highlight reel.

OK, so it’s not exactly Michael Jordan’s “flu game” but Landeskog deserves some credit for toughing it out. Landeskog spoke about being the only rookie to lead his team in scoring in the video below.

(Landeskog also broke a quirky record: he’s now the all-time Avalanche rookie leader in shots on goal.)

So where does Landeskog rank among the Calder candidates? Here’s a quick survey:

Points: second with 44 (Adam Henrique leads with 46 in 10 fewer games)

Goals: Tied for first with Matt Read at 19

Assists: Third with 25

Plus/minus: first overall with +20 (I’m not a fan of the stat, but it’s fairly impressive and voters probably will dig it.)

Game-winning goals: second with four (Read leads with five)

Time on Ice: eighth overall with 18:27 minutes per game, first overall among forwards

As you can see, if you were to argue Landeskog’s case, you’d spotlight versatility. He’s doing a little of everything and excelling in most areas. Landeskog is playing a significant role on a team fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot.

In fact, some might argue that the Avalanche’s postseason chase might just define Landeskog’s Calder argument. Who’s your pick for the Calder so far?