Let the Calder hype begin!

As expected by pretty much everyone, Winnipeg Jets wunderkind forward Patrik Laine was named as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy. He was named along with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.

The 2016-17 NHL season saw an incredible field of rookies, especially when you consider some of the names left off this list such as Matt Murray, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, Matthew Tkachuk and Sebastian Aho. This year may be a case where being ‘nominated’ – an distinction given to the players who make the top three of voting done by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association – is quite the honor in itself.

Laine finished the season with 36 goals and 64 points in 73 games played which was good for second behind Matthews in both categories. His ability to shoot the puck turned many heads and it became commonplace for fans to start buzzing the moment the puck found his stick no matter if he was at home or on the road. He also was named to the 2017 NHL All-Star Game.

The winner will be announced during the NHL Awards on June 21.