Gaudreau, Ekblad, Stone named Calder finalists

Apr 23, 2015 - 11:34 PM New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Calgary Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau, Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad and Ottawa Senators forward Mark Stone were named the finalists for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie on Thursday.

Gaudreau, who won the Hobey Baker Award last year to cap his junior season at Boston College, accumulated 64 points (24 goals, 40 assists) over 80 games. He's trying to become the Flames' first Calder winner since Sergei Makarov in 1990 and the franchise's first North American-trained top rookie since Joe Nieuwendyk two years prior.

Ekblad was the No. 1 overall pick in last June's draft. The 19-year-old blueliner set Panthers franchise records for first-year players in goals (12), assists (27) and points (39) while appearing in 81 contests.

Stone enjoyed a late-season surge which vaulted him into serious consideration for the honor. The rookie scoring leader with 26 goals and 64 points, Stone compiled 35 points (14g, 21a) over Ottawa's final 31 games dating from Feb. 10.

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association submitted ballots for the Calder Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season.

The winner will be announced June 24 during the NHL Awards ceremony in Las Vegas.