Former Vancouver Giants captain Brendan Gallagher finalist for NHL Rookie of the Year

by Jeff Paterson on May 6th, 2013 at 11:09 AM

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On his 21st birthday, Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher has been named one of three finalists for the Calder Trophy presented annually to the National Hockey League's best rookie player. Gallagher, the former captain and all-time scoring leader of the Vancouver Giants, registered 15 goals and added 13 assists for 28 points in 44 games this season. Gallagher finished in the top five among league freshmen in shots on goal (117), plus-minus (plus-10) and game-winning goals (three).

He's added two goals in his first three games in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Habs' fifth round draft pick in 2010 becomes the first former Giant to become a finalist for an individual NHL award.

Gallagher, a Delta native, is up against Florida Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau and Chicago forward Brandon Saad. The NHL will present its individual year-end awards next month.