(Flyerdelphia/Kate Frese)
Shayne Gostisbehere enjoyed one of the best seasons for a rookie in Flyers franchise history, and now has something else to show for it.
The 23-year-old blueliner now has a chance to do what no Flyers has done before and win the Calder Trophy, at this year's NHL Awards on June 22. Gostisbehere joins Edmonton Oilers prodigy Connor McDavid and Chicago's Artemi Panarin as this year's finalists for the league's rookie of the year award.
After starting the season with the American League's Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Gostisbehere was called up to the Flyers in mid-November, after Mark Streit suffered a detached pubic plate injury. He recorded his first NHL point with an assist against Carolina on Nov. 14, and scored his first NHL goal on Nov. 17 against Los Angeles.
In 64 games with the Orange and Black, 'Ghost' recorded 17 goals and 46 points, and added two points in six playoff games. He recorded a point in 15-consecutive games from Jan. 19-Feb. 20, setting a new NHL record for longest points streak by a rookie defenseman.
Since Barret Jackman won the award in 2002-03, only two defensemen have won it — Tyler Myers in 2009-10, and Florida's Aaron Ekblad last year. Should Gostisbehere win the award, it would be the first time since 1964 that two defensemen have won in consecutive seasons.
The last Flyer to place high in Calder Trophy voting was Matt Read in 2011-12, placing fourth. Current Flyers goalie Steve Mason won in 2008-09, as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Gostisbehere may have joined the Flyers later in the season, but there's no denying the impact he made — a reasonable argument can be made that he's one of the biggest factors for the Flyers making the playoffs. He has made history for the Flyers in several ways this season, and could continue to make history as the offseason continues.
Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia and Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61
