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Johnny Gaudreau selected as rookie of the month

Los Angeles Kings v Calgary Flames

Johnny Gaudreau

NHLI via Getty Images

Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau was picked by the NHL as the top rookie of the month for December. That’s not surprising given that he led the pack with eight goals and 13 points in 14 contests last month.

Gaudreau posted a hat trick on Dec. 22 as part of his stretch of six goals in the span of three contests.

Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg had a big month too with four goals and 12 points in 13 games. Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (nine points in 14 contests) and Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Antti Raanta (5-0-0 record, 1.57 GAA, and .949 save percentage) were also among the honorable mentions.

The rookie scoring race has evolved into a two-way battle between Gaudreau (30 points in 38 games) and Forsberg (35 points in 36 contests). Unless Forsberg slows down though, he’ll be the clear favorite to win the Calder Trophy as he might become the first rookie since Evgeni Malkin to reach the 80-point mark.

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