In what will most likely be the team’s’ only chance at some hardware this year, the NHL announced today that Florida Panthers C Jonathan Huberdeau has been named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy award along with Montreal Canadiens RW Brendan Gallagher and Chicago Blackhawks LW Brandon Saad. For those who are unfamiliar, the Calder Trophy is given out every season to the player who is deemed most proficient in his first year of competition.

In a season in which the Panthers could only score a meager 2.27 goals per game on average, Huberdeau rose above the muck and did his best to spark the team’s offense every night. In 48 games this season, 19-year-old Huberdeau finished tied for the rookie scoring title with an admirable 31 points (14G 17A). In addition to his impressive point total, Huberdeau also placed first among rookie forwards averaging 16:55 TOI/per game and ranked third among rookies with 112 total shots on goal.

After being selected 3rd overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Huberdeau most definitely lived up to the hype that had been building up since his exceptional performance at Panthers’ training camp prior to the 2011-2012 season. Although both Gallagher and Saad had seasons worthy of recognition, it’s hard to say that anyone did more with less than Huberdeau. While Gallagher and Saad got to play alongside established NHL veterans, Huberdeau often found himself surrounded by other rookies such as Drew Shore. Given these circumstances, to call Huberdeau’s season a success would be an understatement.

In a statement released by the team, Florida Panthers’ General Manager Dale Tallon spoke very highly of Huberdeau and his accomplishments.

“Jonathan played very well for our club during his rookie season and is most deserving of this honor,” said Tallon. “He is a young, skilled and dynamic player who was matched up against the opposing team’s best players on a nightly basis. Jonathan handled himself with professionalism and class throughout the season and we are very proud that he has received this recognition.”

While all three candidates are worthy of this award, deciding on the winner will basically come down to how a player’s “value” is viewed. Should it be given to a player who fit in well with an already established team, or rather a player who had to rise above the mediocrity of his surroundings? This question will surely be at the forefront of a heated debate until the winner is announced during the upcoming Stanley Cup final.

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