Welcome to Las Vegas, where Ducks forward Bobby Ryan has bet against himself to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year.
Ryan said this afternoon that he and Chicago Blackhawks forward Kris Versteeg both wagered on Columbus goaltender Steve Mason, who is the odds-on favorite to be presented the award here at the Palms Hotel and Casino.
“It’s a little surreal still,” he said. “It’s nice to be in this company and get to know these guys a little bit.”
Ryan had a breakout season for the Ducks, leading all NHL rookies in goals (31) and points (57). Versteeg led all rookies in assists (31) and short-handed goals (4), and played an integral role in the Blackhawks’ run to the Western Conference finals. But Mason, at age 20, posted the best season by a goaltender in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ young history. He was second in the league in goals-against average (2.29) and is also a candidate for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goaltender.