Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski was knocked out of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Sunday when he took a puck to the eye.
Today, he got some good news as the NHL announced Werenski was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, given annually to the league's top rookie.
In much better news, #CBJ D @ZachWerenski named finalist for Calder Memorial Trophy, joining Matthews (TOR) and Laine (WPG).
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) April 20, 2017
Werenski, the Blue Jackets first-round draft pick in 2015, led all rookie defensemen in scoring with 11 goals and 36 assists for 47 points in 78 games this season, good enough to also set the Blue Jackets club rookie record for points in a season. Historically, Werenski tallied the sixth-most points by a teenage rookie defenseman in NHL history.
Werenski had one goal – coming in Game 3 prior to his injury – in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
He is the third Blue Jacket to be named a Calder finalist, joining goaltender Steve Mason and forward Rick Nash. Mason won the award following the 2008-09 season.
The Grosse Pointe, Michigan native will attend the NHL's annual awards show in Las Vegas this June, where he'll be joined by the other Calder finalists, Toronto's Auston Matthews and Winnipeg's Patrick Laine.
