I have been saying it since day 1 of training camp, Gabriel Landeskog will be the Calder Trophy winner come June. Fast forward to last night, and Gabriel was awarded the honour as top Rookie of 2012, beating out fellow rookies Adam Henrique and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. What a great season for Gabriel: 22 goals, 30 assists, 52 points, +20, 219 hits, 5 game-winning goals, 270 shots on goal. However, statistics weren't the only factor in Gabriel's game that was impressive: it was his leadership on and off the ice that impressed every single member of the Avs organization (and beyond that in the NHL). The 19-year old became one of the Avs leaders this year, a rare thing for a rookie of his age. He received tons of praise and respect from all his teammates, how he wasn't afraid to voice his opinion and contribute in the lockeroom (usually rookies don't do that). The fact is Landy (as his teammates call him) is a 200-foot hockey player, and that is what seperated him from Nugent-Hopkins. While Nuge had the same amount of points in considerably less games (52 in 62 games compared to Landy 52 in 82), he lacks the defensive qualities that Gabriel has. Henrique had a very impressive season (51 points), but really took off in the playoffs and unlucky for him they playoffs don't factor in the voting for the Calder. Landeskog doesn't shy away from the phyiscal game, he finishes his check every time and takes a hit to make a play, something that Ryan O'Reilly also has and is a big reason the 2 gelled this season. Landeskog was used at every part of the game; whether that be even strength, powerplay, penalty kill, empty net, overtime - the kid does it all. It is rare to see a coach earn so much trust in a rookie, but that is the mentality of his game and he will only get better. This kid has all the credentials to be the captain in a few seasons, while he is only 19, I fully expect him to be wearing an A or C next season. There is no question Landeskog is in for a very bright, successful career and hopefully he remains in Colorado for years to come. Once again congrats to Gabriel Landeskog on being the 2012 Calder Memorial Trophy Winner as top Rookie in the NHL!
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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