Canucks' Boeser emerging as serious Calder Trophy candidate

With a pair of goals in Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, it's officially time to acknowledge the emergence of Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks in the battle for the Calder Trophy.

Clayton Keller of the Arizona Coyotes had staked his claim as the very early
Rookie of the Year favorite by jumping out to a sizable lead in the rookie scoring race.

Boeser's two markers pulled him level with Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders for second in rookie scoring, and to within a point of Keller, all while playing fewer games.

Boeser, who was drafted 23rd overall in 2015, made his NHL debut last season, recording four goals and an assist in nine games. Add it all up, and he's been good for 13 goals and 11 assists in 27 games, averaging almost a point per contest.

Rookie of the Year or not, the Canucks appear to have mined some gold with a late first round pick, which is always a bonus.