Rangers' Del Zotto top October rookie

Nineteen years old and already New York Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto has something to brag about.

The Rangers' blue-liner was named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for October after posting 12 points in 14 games. Del Zotto scored 4 goals, including three on the power play, and had 8 assists to lead all rookies in scoring for the first month.

Del Zotto, who the Rangers selected with the 20th pick in the 2008 Entry Draft, scored his first goal in only his second game. He added a goal and an assist two nights later. He had points in seven of his first nine games and in nine of the 14 October games.

"Forget about his skill and all the points he's put on the board, but it's the way he handles himself," Rangers coach John Tortorella said of Del Zotto. "I don't think he's afraid to make mistakes so it allows him to try to make a difference. That's pretty unique for a 19-year-old guy playing the toughest position in the game."

Check out NHL.com's coverage of Del Zotto's hot start:

Schoenfeld believes
Great start for Del Zotto
Del Zotto shines in victory

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