Brian Campbell, a True Gentleman


Florida Panther defense man Brian Campbell is a finalist for the Lady Byng Award as the NHL's most gentlemanly player. A defender has not won the award since 19534/54 when Detroit's Red Kelly won. This past season, Campbell collected 53 points and a mere 6 PIM's and really should win the award. Through the history of the NHL, Campbell is in fact the ONLY defense man to ever have a season of at least 50 points and under 10 PIM. In fact, only two other guys have had even 40 points and under 10 PIM, Red Kelly (twice) and St. Louis Blue, Jack Brownschidle in 1979/80.


As for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year, in my opinion it should be Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, hands down. With 52 points in 62 games, he had a Point per Game Average of 0.84. He becomes only the 10th 18 year old rookie to have at least 0.80 Pts/GP in NHL history. In order of Points per Game:

  • Dale Hawerchuk   1.29
  • Sidney Crosby       1.26
  • Ron Francis           1.15
  • Steve Yzerman      1.09
  •  Jimmy Carson       0.99
  •  Dan Quinn            0.96
  •  Phil Housley         0.86
  • Bob Carpenter        0.84
  •  Ryan Nugent-Hopkins  0.84
  • Brian Bellows        0.83

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