It’s been a good time for Chicago Blackhawks rookies, hasn’t it? And not just this year – let’s not forget Artemi Panarin won the 2016 Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie last season, too.
Panarin, then 24, just barely squeaked under the age limits to win the Calder. But he was eligible, and he scored 77 points in 80 games, so.
And that scoring hasn’t dried up in the slightest. After putting up seven assists and 10 points in four games this past week – all multi-point games – he’s been named the NHL’s first star of the week.
It’s not like there was anybody better out there this past week, now was there?
Panarin now has 34 points in 34 games this season, taking over for the Hawks’ scoring lead. What a player. With his scoring explosion as of late, he’s been key in their latest five-game winning streak, which sees them sit atop the Western Conference.