Huberdeau takes over top spot in HF’s February Calder Poll

[HF Article]

With the lockout-shortened season, most teams will reach the midway point of their 48 game season sometime over the next week. In terms of the race for the 2013 Calder Trophy, most of the front-runners from the season's opening month continued to shine.



But the injuries that some anticipated due to the lack of extended training camps are beginning to mount for some clubs and that has effected the Calder race, both taking some players out of action and also providing opportunities for newcomers.

St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko, who led our poll in January, and Montreal's Brendan Gallagher (ninth in January) both suffered concussions while Red Wings' defenseman Brendan Smith suffered a shoulder injury.… read more



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[CanadienShark]

Gallagher is only HM? I'd expected top 5 or at least top 7. I'd have him above Galchenyuk even. I also do not think that Yakupov or Tarasenko should be that high (the latter because of injury). Decent list, but it seems to be heavily biased towards big names.

[Private Encounter]

Considering Gallagher is top 3 in rookie scoring, shares the lead in +/- for rookies and leads all rookies with game-winning goals, Gallagher should be a candidate at this point. If he continues to keep this up and finishes where he sits right now, he'll be a nominee. Maybe not a house-hold name around the league, a la Yakupov, Schultz, Huberdeau, but there's no doubt he is among the best rookies this year.

[Jabba11]

I like Huberdeau in the lead.

Btw, he went 3rd overall in 2011 if you guys want to change it.

[Tyson]

I have seen every Calder candidate and so far Gallagher has been the most impressive. The kid works harder than anyone, scores clutch goals and plays fearless!

[HossTheBoss]

No love for Brandon Saad, eh? Since getting his frist NHL goal and point against San Jose on February 5th, he has 11 points in 17 games and is currently riding a 4-game point streak, totaling 6 points in that span and has points in 7 of his last 10 games.

He's playing with great players, no doubt, but he's also playing a strong two-way game and contributing in all situations for Chicago; even-strength, penalty killing and getting some PP time now that Sharp's gone down.

[Shabutie]

Only possible reason someone could put Galchenyuk ahead of Gallagher is age... Gallagher has been by far, the habs most consistent forward. He might not put up points every night, but he gives 110%, goes to the net fearlessly, shoots, gets under opponent's skin... I'd have him in the top 5, wellllllllll ahead of Galchenyuk, who's shown growing pains all year.

[Kevin8se7en]

Ghallager as an HM? Is that a joke?

The guy is arguably top 3 and definitely top 5

[Habs514]

Brendan Gallagher should be top 3. The kid is fearless. He is constantly in front of the net battling.