ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The National Hockey League (NHL) announced today that Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington has been named a finalist for the Calder Trophy. Binnington joins Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin as finalists. The Calder Trophy is awarded annually to the player “selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition.”
Binnington, 25, made was called up to the Blues and made his first career NHL start on Jan. 7 in Philadelphia, posting a 25-save shutout. He went on to log a 24-5-1 record and five shutouts during the regular season, setting Blues rookie records for both wins and shutouts. Binnington also led the NHL overall with a 1.89 goals-against average and ranked fourth with a .927 save percentage (min. 25 games played).
He became the first rookie goaltender in the NHL's expansion era (since 1967-68) to finish the season with a goals-against average of 1.89 or lower and the first to do it overall since Al Rollins accomplished it in the 1950-51 season. He also became one of just five goaltenders in history to record his first 20 wins in 25 starts or fewer. Binnington is looking to become the second Calder winner in Blues history (Barret Jackman - 2003).
Blues players and their head coach have been named finalists for five regular season awards:
Berube: Jack Adams
Binnington: Calder
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