Dominik Kubalik’s out-of-the-blue rookie explosion received a major accolade Wednesday.
The 24-year-old Blackhawks forward was named one of three finalists for the Calder Trophy, the NHL’s rookie of the year award.
Although Kubalik will almost certainly not win the award — Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar and Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes are the other two finalists and are considered neck-and-neck frontrunners — it’s a big accomplishment nonetheless.
Kubalik tallied 30 goals and 46 points in 68 games for the Hawks this year, brilliantly utilizing his rocketing shot and knack for getting open around the net. Incredibly, 26 of the 30 goals came at even strength, tying Kubalik for seventh in the NHL in that regard.
No other rookie this season scored more than 20 goals (Buffalo’s Victor Olofsson and Dallas’ Denis Gurianov both hit that mark).
It’s only been four years since the Hawks had a Calder Trophy winner, with Artemi Panarin taking it home in 2015-16. Now, Panarin has a chance to win the Hart Trophy as league MVP with the Rangers this season.
