NEW YORK -- Chicago Blackhawks teammates Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, along with Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals, were named Calder Trophy finalists for the NHL's top rookie, the league said on Wednesday.
Kane, the top pick in the 2007 draft, led all rookies and the Blackhawks in scoring, recording 72 points (21 goals, 51 assists) in 82 games.
Toews scored his first career NHL goal with his very first shot and despite missing a month with a midseason knee injury still finished as the top rookie goal-scorer with 24.
Swedish playmaker Backstrom finished second in rookie scoring with 69 points, including 55 assists to better the previous Capitals record for rookie assists set by MVP favorite Alexander Ovechkin of Russia.
Teammates also finished in the top three last year. Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin won the award and teammate Jordan Staal was third in the voting by media members.
The winner will be announced at the league's awards in Toronto on June 12.
Information from The Associated Press and Reuters was used in this report.