Tag: NHL Rookie of the Month

Today the National Hockey League has announced the Rookie of the Month for the month of March 2025.

Lane Hutson (D – MON)

• Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, who paced all rookies with 14 assists and 15 points in 14 games (1-14—15) to lift the Canadiens (34-30-9, 77 points) into the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for March.
  
  Hutson edged Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (5-9—14 in 16 GP), Anaheim Ducks left wing Cutter Gauthier (3-10—13 in 15 GP), St. Louis Blues center Zack Bolduc (8-3—11 in 15 GP), and San Jose Sharks teammates Will Smith (4-7—11 in 13 GP) and Macklin Celebrini (3-8—11 in 13 GP) for the honor.
  
  Hutson, who previously was named “Rookie of the Month” for December, joins Michkov (October and February) as a repeat winner this season. He is the first defenseman to earn the honor multiple times within the same campaign since Nicklas Lidstrom in 1991-92 (November and December w/ DET) and the first Canadiens player at any position with multiple “Rookie of the Month” recognitions in the same season since center Kjell Dahlin in 1985-86 (October and December).
  
  Hutson, a second-round pick (62nd overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft, became the first rookie defenseman with at least 14 assists in a single calendar month since Alexei Zhitnik in March 1993 (5‑14—19 in 14 GP w/ LAK). Only two other rookie blueliners since Zhitnik have compiled at least 15 points in a single calendar month: Cale Makar in November 2019 (7-9—16 in 14 GP w/ COL) and Quinn Hughes in February 2020 (2-13—15 in 13 GP w/ VAN).
  
  Hutson additionally ranked among the top three March rookie skaters in total time on ice (1st; 327:08), average time on ice (1st; 23:22), power-play assists (1st; 6), power-play points (t-1st; 6), even-strength assists (3rd; 8), even-strength points (3rd; 9) and plus/minus (t-3rd; +7).
  
  He found the score sheet in nine of his 14 March appearances, including five multi-assist/point performances and his second career three-assist game (March 30 at FLA). His 14 total multi-assist efforts in 2024-25 are tied for the second-most in a season by a rookie blueliner in NHL history, behind just Chris Chelios in 1984-85 (16 w/ MTL).
  
  The 21-year-old Hutson tops all rookies, forwards and defensemen, with 5-54—59 through 73 overall contests in 2024-25. He also leads rookies in assists (54), total time on ice (1,651:16), average time on ice (22:37), even-strength assists (30), power-play assists (24) and power-play points (25).
  
  Only two rookie defensemen in League history have accumulated more assists in a single campaign: Larry Murphy in 1980-81 (60 w/ LAK) and Chelios in 1984-85 (55 w/ MTL). Hutson also is one of 10 rookie blueliners in NHL history with at least 59 points in a season – and the first since Lidstrom in 1991-92 (11-49—60 w/ DET).

* All Graphics Courtesy of the NHL.

*Player Profile written by NHL PR Staff.

TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.

Today the National Hockey League has announced the Rookie of the Month for the month of February 2025.

Matvei Michkov (RW – PHI)

• Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov, who topped all rookies with five goals and 10 points in seven games (5-5—10), has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for February.
  
  Michkov edged Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (3-3—6 in 7 GP), Utah Hockey Club right wing Josh Doan (2-4—6 in 9 GP), Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (1-5—6 in 8 GP) and San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (2-3—5 in 6 GP) for the honor.
  
  Michkov – who previously was named “Rookie of the Month” for October – also led or co-led February rookies in assists (5), shots on goals (27), even-strength goals (4), even-strength assists (5), even-strength points (9) and plus/minus (+5).
  
  The No. 7 overall pick from the 2023 NHL Draft registered four multi-point performances in his seven outings, collecting eight of his 10 total points during a three-game stretch after the League returned from the 4 Nations Face-Off break (Feb. 22-27: 3-5—8). He became the seventh different Flyers rookie to accumulate at least eight points within three contests and the first to do so since Eric Lindros from Nov. 12-15, 1992 (5-3—8 in 3 GP).
  
  The 20-year-old Michkov paces NHL rookies with 19-25—44 through 58 total appearances this season. He also ranks among the 2024-25 rookie leaders in goals (1st; 19), power-play goals (1st; 7), overtime goals (1st; 3), even-strength points (1st; 29), even-strength goals (t-1st; 12), assists (2nd; 25), even-strength assists (2nd; 17), power-play points (2nd; 15), power-play assists (t-2nd; 8), shots on goal (3rd; 131), time on ice (3rd; 928:08) and game-winning goals (t-5th; 3).

* All Graphics Courtesy of the NHL.

*Player Profile written by NHL PR Staff.

TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.

Today the National Hockey League has announced the Rookie of the Month for the month of January 2025.

Dustin Wolf (G – CAL)

• Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf, who led all rookies with seven wins in 10 games (7-3-0, 2.32 GAA, .922 SV%), has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for January.
  
  Wolf edged Ottawa Senators goaltender Leevi Meriläinen (5-2-1, 2.02 GAA, .928 SV%, 2 SO), Montreal Canadiens teammates Jakub Dobes (4-1-1, 2.43 GAA, .912 SV%) and Lane Hutson (1-12—13 in 14 GP), and Detroit Red Wings center Marco Kasper (7-5—12 in 14 GP) for the honor.
  
  Wolf, who also topped January rookie netminders in games played (10), saves (270) and shots against (293), became the second rookie goaltender in Flames history to win at least seven contests in a single calendar month. The other: Mike Vernon, in both November 1986 (9-3-0, 3.09 GAA, .897 SV%, 1 SO in 12 GP) and December 1986 (7-3-1, 3.16 GAA, .900 SV% in 11 GP).
  
  Wolf yielded two or fewer goals in six of his 10 starts and made at least 25 saves six times – highlighted by a season-high 38 stops in a 3-1 victory over the League-leading Winnipeg Jets Jan. 18. Four of his seven wins came on the road (4-1-0, 2.59 GAA, .911 SV%), tied for the most by any netminder (rookie or veteran) in January.
  
  The 23-year-old Wolf, a seventh-round pick (214th overall) from the 2019 NHL Draft, paces NHL rookies and shares eighth place in the entire League (rookies and veterans) with 19 wins through 29 total appearances this season (19-8-2, 2.51 GAA, .917 SV%, 2 SO). The Gilroy native, one of five California-born goaltenders in NHL history, also tops 2024-25 rookie netminders in games played (29), saves (802), shots against (875), shutouts (t-2) and assists/points (3).
  
  Wolf follows Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (October: 4-5—9 in 11 GP), San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (November: 7-5—12 in 14 GP) and Hutson (December: 2-11—13 in 14 GP) as a “Rookie of the Month” winner in 2024-25. He is the first Calgary player to receive the recognition since left wing Johnny Gaudreau, who was honored twice during the 2014-15 season (December 2014: 8-5—13 in 14 GP, March 2015: 7-9—16 in 15 GP).

* All Graphics Courtesy of the NHL.

*Player Profile written by NHL PR Staff.

TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.

Today the National Hockey League has announced the Rookie of the Month for the month of December 2024.

Lane Hutson (D – MON)

•  Hutson edged San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (4-9—13 in 13 GP), Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (3-7—10 in 13 GP), Canadiens teammate Emil Heineman (4-5—9 in 14 GP) and Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (4-1-1, 2.64 GAA, .905 SV%, 1 SO) for the honor.
  
  Hutson also paced December rookies in assists (11), power-play assists (7), power-play points (7), average time on ice (21:18) and total time on ice (298:07). Only one rookie defenseman has recorded more assists or points for Montreal in a single calendar month: Chris Chelios, in both February 1985 (1‑14—15 in 12 GP) and December 1984 (1-13—14 in 15 GP).
  
  Hutson found the score sheet in 10 of his 14 December appearances, producing two point streaks of five games: Dec. 1-9 (0-6—6) and Dec. 14-23 (2-5—7). The former extended his overall assist/point streak to seven contests (Nov. 27 – Dec. 9: 0-8—8), the longest by a rookie defenseman in franchise history ahead of Glen Harmon (Jan. 9-19, 1943: 2-5—7 in 6 GP) and Chelios (Dec. 16-27, 1984: 1-8—9 in 6 GP and March 1-14, 1985: 3-6—9 in 6 GP).
  
  The 20-year-old Hutson, a second-round pick (62nd overall) from the 2022 NHL Draft, places third among rookies – behind only Michkov (12-17—29 in 36 GP) and Celebrini (12-15—27 in 28 GP) – with 2-24—26 through 37 total contests this season. He also ranks among the top rookies in assists (1st; 24), power-play assists (1st; 11), blocked shots (1st; 47), takeaways (1st; 17), average time on ice (1st; 22:26), total time on ice (1st; 830:10), power-play points (2nd; 11) and shots on goal (t-11th; 42).

* All Graphics Courtesy of the NHL.

*Player Profile written by NHL PR Staff.

TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.

Today the National Hockey League has announced the Rookie of the Month for the month of November 2024.

Macklin Celebrini (C – SJ)

• San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, who led all rookies in goals (7), points (12), game-winning goals (t-3) and shots on goal (45) across 14 appearances, has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for November.

  Celebrini edged Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (5-2-1, 2.23 GAA, .925 SV%, 1 SO), Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (5-5—10 in 12 GP), Sharks teammate Will Smith (3-6—9 in 13 GP), New York Islanders right wing Maxim Tsyplakov (2-6—8 in 15 GP) and Florida Panthers right wing Mackie Samoskevich (4-3—7 in 11 GP) for the honor.

  Celebrini, who returned from a 12-game absence on Nov. 5, also ranked among the top November rookies in even-strength goals (1st; 6), even-strength points (1st; 10), face-off wins (1st; 105), face-offs taken (1st; 207), total time on ice (2nd; 279:31), average time on ice (3rd; 19:58) and assists (t‑4th; 5).

  The No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 NHL Draft recorded his first career multi-goal game on Nov. 7 vs. MIN (2-0—2). At 18 years, 147 days, he became the third player in franchise history to achieve the feat before his 19th birthday, joining Patrick Marleau (Nov. 18, 1997 vs. ANA) and Jeff Friesen (2x, most recently March 26, 1995 vs. LAK).

  On Nov. 18 vs. DET, Celebrini (18 years, 158 days) became the third-youngest player in NHL history at the time of their first regular-season overtime goal, behind only Sidney Crosby (18 years, 101 days on Nov. 16, 2005) and Jordan Staal (18 years, 153 days on Feb. 10, 2007).

  Celebrini, who added game-winning goals on Nov. 25 vs. LAK (2-1—3) and Nov. 29 vs. SEA (1‑1—2), finished the month on a four-game point streak (Nov. 25-30: 4-3—7). Through 15 total contests this season, he places among the leading rookies in points per game (1st; 0.93), game-winning goals (t‑1st; 3), goals (2nd; 8), points (3rd; 14), shots on goal (3rd; 47), shooting percentage (minimum: 1 SOG/GP; 4th; 17.0%) and assists (t-6th; 6).

  Celebrini follows Michkov (4-5—9 in 11 GP in October) as a “Rookie of the Month” winner in 2024-25. He is the first Sharks player to receive the honor since center Tomas Hertl in October 2013 (8‑3—11 in 13 GP).

* All Graphics Courtesy of the NHL.

*Player Profile written by NHL PR Staff.

TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.

Today the National Hockey League has announced the Rookie of the Month for the month of March 2024.

Connor Bedard (C – CHI)

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, who led all rookies with 4-13—17 in 14 games (the most assists or points by a rookie in a calendar month since Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell in January 2022: 3-14—17 in 15 GP), has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for March.

Bedard, who also earned “Rookie of the Month” honors for November and December, is the first player to win the award at least three times in one season since Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid in 2015-16 (October, February and March).

Bedard edged New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (1-11—12 in 15 GP), Arizona Coyotes center Logan Cooley (8-3—11 in 15 GP), Colorado Avalanche goaltender Justus Annunen (4‑1-0, 1.51 GAA, .952 SV%, 1 SO) and Montreal Canadiens goaltender Cayden Primeau (3-1-1, 1.97 GAA, .939 SV%, 1 SO) for the March honor.

Bedard, who also ranked among the March rookie leaders in shots on goal (1st; 54), power-play points (t-1st; 8), power-play assists (2nd; 7) and average time on ice (3rd; 21:06), set a franchise record for assists in a calendar month by a rookie – ahead of Brandon Saad’s 12 in March 2013 (3-12—15 in 14 GP) – and became the third Blackhawks rookie to compile at least 17 points in a single month, joining Steve Larmer in December 1982 (9-10—19 in 14 GP) and March 1983 (8-9—17 in 14 GP) as well as Jeremy Roenick in December 1989 (7-11—18 in 12 GP).

The 18-year-old Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 NHL Draft, found the scoresheet in nine of his 14 March appearances. That included his fourth career multi-goal and third career three-point performance March 10 vs. ARI (2-1—3), followed by a career-best 1-4—5 March 12 vs. ANA. The latter marked the fifth five-point game by an 18-year-old in NHL history, following Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (0‑5—5 on Nov. 19, 2011), Ilya Kovalchuk (1-4—5 on Jan. 19, 2002), Dale Hawerchuk (3-2—5 on March 13, 1982) and Jack Hamilton (4-1—5 on Dec. 4, 1943), as well as the third four-assist contest by an 18-year-old (after Nugent-Hopkins and Kovalchuk).

Bedard also reached the 50-point and 20-goal milestones as part of his five-point performance (52 GP). He became the third-fastest Chicago player, from the start of his NHL career, to hit the 50-point mark – behind Bill Mosienko across three campaigns from 1941-42 to 1943-44 (35 GP) and Terry Ruskowski in 1979-80 (50 GP) – as well as the second 18-year-old in franchise history to score 20 goals in a season, joining Eddie Olczyk in 1984-85 (20-30—50 in 70 GP).

Despite missing 14 games due to injury, Bedard places first among rookies in goals (21), assists (36), points (57), shots on goal (190) and game-winning goals (t-2) through 60 total appearances this season. He also sits among the 2023-24 rookie leaders in power-play assists (2nd; 16), power-play points (2nd; 19), power-play goals (t-4th; 3), average time on ice (5th; 19:42 – minimum: 5 GP) and shooting percentage (10th; 11.1% – minimum: 1 SOG/GP).

* All Graphics Courtesy of the NHL, and Player Profile written by NHL Staff.

TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.

Today the National Hockey League has announced the Rookie of the Month for the month of February 2024.

Pyotr Kochetkov (G – CAR)

• Pyotr Kochetkov would go 5-3-0 with a 1.71 goals against average, .940 save percentage, and two shutouts for the Carolina Hurricanes to lead all rookie goaltenders in the League for the Month of February.
  • Kochetkov would edge out fellow netminders Samuel Ersson (PHI) and Nico Daws (NJ), as well as forwards Matthew Knies (TOR), Connor Bedard (CHI), and Tyson Foerster (PHI) for the Rookie of the Month honor.

* All Graphics Courtesy of the NHL

TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.

Today the National Hockey League has announced the Rookie of the Month for the month of January 2024.

Brock Faber (D – MIN)

• Brock Faber would led all rookies with 11 assists and 13 points in 14 games played for the Minnesota Wild. Faber would also lead all rookie defenders in total minutes (355:37) and average time on ice (25:24). He would also have 38 blocked shots (first among rookies).
• Faber would edge out defenseman Simon Nemec (NJ) and forwards Logan Cooley (ARI), Ridley Greig (OTT), and Alex Laferriere (LA) for the honor.

* All Graphics Courtesy of the NHL

TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.

Today the National Hockey League has announced the Rookie of the Month for the month of December 2023.

Connor Bedard (C – CHI)

• Connor Bedard his second consecutive Rookie of the Month honor after recording five goals and ten assists for 15 points in 15 games for the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard would lead all rookies in powerplay assists (5), powerplay points (5), and shots on goal (50).
• Bedard would edge out forwards Adam Fantilli (CLB) and Marco Rossi (MIN), and goaltenders Pytor Kochetkov (CAR), Samuel Ersson (PHI), and Devon Levi (BUF) for the honor.

* All Graphics Courtesy of the NHL

TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.