After the first half of the NHL season, it’s time to take stock of who has separated themselves from the pack for league’s top individual honors.
Like Second City Hockey’s preseason picks, there are definitely some obvious choices but a few surprises as well.
The Calder Trophy for the league’s best rookie and the Rocket Richard for the top goal scorer were both unanimous picks of Canucks winger Elias Pettersson and Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin, respectively. Pettersson leads all rookies in points (45), goals (23) and assists (22). Ovechkin’s 37 goals lead the league by seven over Sabres winger Jeff Skinner.