Matthews, Laine, Werenski named Calder Trophy finalists

With no shortage of star rookies to choose from, three have risen to the top as the NHL's Calder Trophy finalists.

Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets, and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets are all in the running for the award given to the most proficient player in his first year of competition in the NHL.

Matthews and Laine were drafted first and second overall, respectively, at the 2016 draft, and finished in the same positions in the rookie scoring race.

The Toronto center recorded 40 goals and 29 assists in 82 games, and while Laine, a winger, trailed in total numbers (36 goals, 28 assists in 73 games), his 0.88 points-per-game average was slightly higher than Matthews' 0.84.

Werenski, the eighth overall selection at the 2015 NHL Draft, led rookie defensemen in goals (11), assists (36), and points (47) in 78 games.

The NHL Awards will be handed out June 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.