Makar, Hughes, Kubalik named Calder Trophy finalists

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, and Chicago Blackhawks forward Dominik Kubalik were voted as the three finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy, the NHL announced Wednesday.

The trophy is awarded to the league's top rookie.

Makar - who made his NHL debut with the Avalanche during last year's playoffs - led all rookies in points per game (0.88). He also led rookie defensemen in goals (12) and even-strength points (31) despite playing 11 fewer games than fellow nominee Hughes. Makar finished the 2019-20 regular season with 12 goals and 38 assists in 57 games.

Hughes led all rookies this season in points with 53. He averaged the second-highest time on ice per game at 21:53 and played meaningful minutes with Vancouver all season long. He was a vital reason why Vancouver's power-play ranked fourth in the league, as he collected 25 of his 53 points with the man advantage.

Kubalik was selected in the seventh round of the 2013 draft and seemingly came out of nowhere to shock the hockey world this season. He notched 30 goals and added 16 assists in 68 games. His 46 points led all rookie forwards, and he also led all rookies with 38 even-strength points, 26 even-strength goals, and 157 shots on goal.

Canucks forward Elias Pettersson took home the Calder Trophy last season.