Karlsson Named 2014-15 'Sharks Rookie of the Year'

SAN JOSE - The San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) announced today that forward Melker Karlsson has been selected as this year's "Sharks Rookie of the Year" in a vote by Bay Area media. Karlsson will be recognized in a video presentation during tonight's game against the Dallas Stars at SAP Center at San Jose (@SAPCenter).

Karlsson has recorded 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists) and 18 penalty minutes in 50 games with San Jose this season. He currently ranks T-7th amongst all NHL rookies in goals (13), and T-12th in points (24). The 24-year old rookie made his NHL debut on Dec. 9 vs. EDM, registering his first career point (assist) to become the 28th player in Sharks franchise history to register his first career point in his first NHL game.

From Jan. 3 vs. St. Louis thru Jan. 10 vs. New York Ranger, Karlsson scored goals in five straight games. This five-game goal streak tied a Sharks franchise record for most consecutive games with a goal by a Sharks rookie (Jeff Friesen).

In addition, Karlsson posted point-streaks of at least three games a total of three times this season (Dec. 18-22, Jan. 3-10, Mar. 14-19).

The six-foot, 180-pound native of Lycksele, Sweden, was originally signed as a free agent on May 30, 2014.