Auston Matthews wins 2017 Calder Memorial Trophy

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be dominating the silverware for many years to come, but for now, it’s all about the first few steps. The team made a giant one today, as Auston Matthews was named the winner of the 2017 Calder Trophy as the National Hockey League’s rookie of the year.

The 2016 first overall pick breathed new life into Maple Leafs organization almost instantaneously, breaking team records for rookie goals (40) and points (69). He edged out Winnipeg Jets sniper Patrik Laine and Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Zach Werenski for the honours.

Matthews got 164 of 167 first place votes, with Laine getting the other three.

Matthews is the first Leafs player since Brit Selby in 1965-66 to win the award. Selby didn’t turn into much, but many of the other Leafs winners (Kent Douglas, Dave Keon, Frank Mahovlich, Howie Meeker, Frank McCool, Gus Bodnar, Gaye Stewart, and Syl Apps) went on to be legends within the organization. Hopefully, Auston follows the same path.

Mitch Marner finished fifth in voting, while William Nylander finished sixth.