The Colorado Avalanche likely won't be participating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this spring, but not all is lost in the Mile High City.
Gabriel Landeskog -- the club's first-round pick (No. 2) in 2011, was everything the Avs could have asked for and more. A 19-year-old who is mature beyond his years, Landeskog entered the final week of the season tied for second on the team with 51 points and paced the club with 22 goals and a plus-23 rating.
2011-12 NHL TROPHY TRACKER
With the final week of the regular season upon us, NHL.com takes a look at which players from around the League are on track to be considered for some of hockey's most storied awards.
- HART TROPHY: Dominant Malkin in a landslide
- VEZINA TROPHY: Quick gets nod in photo finish
- NORRIS TROPHY: Karlsson stands out from pack
- JACK ADAMS AWARD: Hitch brings out best in Blues
- SELKE TROPHY: Bergeron is our wire-to-wire winner
- LADY BYNG TROPHY: Eriksson elevates his game
- CALDER TROPHY: Well-rounded Landeskog shines
- GM OF THE YEAR: Poile builds Preds into contender
Here are our picks at the finish line:
WINNER
Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche -- The second choice at the 2011 NHL Draft has come as advertised. His 22 goals are second among all first-year players, while his plus-23 rating is good enough to land in the top 15 in the League. Landeskog is already emerging as a leader in Colorado's dressing room and will likely have a letter sewn on the front of his sweater in the near future. He'll be a star in this League for years to come.
FINALISTS
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers -- One could make a strong case that had Nugent-Hopkins not suffered a shoulder injury midway through the season, he'd win the award. Still, the No. 1 selection at the 2011 Entry Draft has strong enough numbers (51 points in 59 games) to be a finalist. He leads all rookies with 23 power-play points and is ranked third on his team in scoring. As long as Nugent-Hopkins remains healthy, Edmonton's future is extremely bright.
Matt Read, Philadelphia Flyers -- What a find this 25-year-old has proven to be by general manager Paul Holmgren. An undrafted free agent who excelled at Bemidji State University, Read leads all first-year players with 23 goals. Along with Sean Couturier, the Flyers boast two of the top rookies in the League.
Follow Brian Compton on Twitter: @BComptonNHL
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