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Nylander beats out Matthews for rookie of the month

Toronto Maple Leafs v Ottawa Senators

OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 12: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his fourth goal of the game in his first career NHL game with team mate William Nylander #29 against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on October 12, 2016 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)

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Toronto finished October with an ugly 2-4-3 record, yet it could still be seen as a success.

Why?

Well, on Tuesday, the NHL announced that William Nylander has been named the top rookie for October, beating out fellow Maple Leafs freshman Auston Matthews in the process.

More:

Nylander edged teammate Auston Matthews (6-4—10 in 9 GP), Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine (6-2—8 in 9 GP), Philadelphia Flyers center Travis Konecny (1-6—7 in 10 GP) and New York Rangers left wing Jimmy Vesey (5-1—6 in 9 GP) for the honor.

Nylander, the eighth overall selection in the 2014 NHL Draft, collected at least one point in seven of his nine appearances, highlighted by his first career multi-goal performance Oct. 22 at CHI (2-0—2). He recorded three other multi-point efforts: Oct. 12 at OTT (0-2—2), Oct. 19 at WPG (1-1—2) and Oct. 25 vs. TBL (1-1—2).

Nylander also shared the League lead with seven power-play points, while placing second among rookies with three power-play goals and 31 shots on goal.

Nylander and Matthews aren’t the only Toronto rookies doing the business, either. Mitch Marner has been effective with six points through nine games, while both Zach Hyman and Connor Brown have been regular lineup fixtures, and are among the team leaders in shorthanded time on ice for forwards.