:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/643393/Skinner_w_calder.jpg)
Las Vegas, NV Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner accomplished what no other player in franchise history has been able to accomplish, he was voted as the NHL's top rookie and was awarded the Calder Trophy.
Skinner thanked his teammates and the Hurricanes organization, but most importantly to him, he thanked his family.
The final tally was a close one as Skinner picked up a total of 1055 points while Logan Couture collected 908, and Michael Grabner had 497. Skinner had a better percentage of first place votes though as his 71 first place votes almost doubled second place Couture's 41.
All I can add at this point is that it could not have happened to a more deserving person or player. Video of his press conference is after the jump.
I'll have my final thoughts about this hectic two days sometime on Thursday.