Blackhawks’ Panarin Wins Calder Trophy

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin has won the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded “to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League,” as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Panarin received votes on all 150 ballots and was the top choice on 88 for 1,258 voting points, ahead of Shayne Gostisbehere of the Philadelphia Flyers (955) and Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers (858).

Panarin, who signed with the Blackhawks in May 2015, led all rookies in goals (30), assists (47), points (77), power-play goals (t-8), power-play points (24) and game-winning goals (7) while skating in 80 contests.

He became the fourth rookie in franchise history to reach the 30-goal milestone and the first to do so since 1995-96 (Eric Daze). That included his first career hat trick Feb. 17 at NYR, the first by any Blackhawks rookie since 2002-03 (Tyler Arnason).

Panarin is the first Blackhawks player to win the Calder Trophy since linemate Patrick Kane in 2008.