Canucks' Elias Pettersson wins Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year

Elias Pettersson has been named Rookie of the Year for the 2018-19 season, winning the Calder Trophy at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas.

Pettersson picked up 88% of first place votes, beating out St Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington and Buffalo Sabres defenceman Rasmus Dahlin for the award.

With 88% of first place votes, @_EPettersson is the overwhelming choice for the Calder Trophy. https://t.co/jlpwCzYrTS #NHLAwards #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/fzcdB90fdu

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 20, 2019

With 66 points in 71 games, Pettersson set a new Canucks rookie record, breaking Pavel Bure’s total from 1991-92. Pettersson also joins Bure as the only players in Canucks history to win the Calder Trophy. Brock Boeser finished runner-up to Mathew Barzal last season.

In a classy gesture, Pettersson made sure to mention the late Jason Botchford in his acceptance speech.

… and the Calder Memorial Trophy goes to ELIAS PETTERSSON! 🏆#NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/gBQvgPHWxX

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 20, 2019

“Thanks to everyone who voted for me. I’m pretty sure that included Jason Botchford, who recently passed away,” said Pettersson. “Jason was a great supporter of the Vancouver media and a great man.”

Petey, talking to the media, gets emotional when asked about thanking Botchford. pic.twitter.com/cHlL0HAHXg

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 20, 2019

Pettersson thanked Canucks ownership, management, and coaching staff, saying: “You believed in me and it was my goal from day one to prove you right.”

He thanked his teammates: “You guys took care of me and made me feel part of the team from day one.”

He showed appreciation for Canucks fans: “You made me feel right at home from game one and it’s so much fun to play in front of such passionate fans.”

Right off the #NHLAwards stage, legs still shaking! PETEY! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/lwzXDei0j6

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 20, 2019

And of course, he thanked his family, of which his mother, father, and brother were in attendance: “Without you and your support throughout the years, this wouldn’t be possible.”