Aaron Ekblad, Johnny Gaudreau, Mark Stone voted Calder Trophy finalists

For much of the season, Nashville Predators rookie Filip Forsberg appeared to be a favorite for the Calder Trophy.

A late-season fade, however, hurt him, and Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau and Ottawa Senators forward Mark Stone were announced as finalists on Thursday.

The award is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Stone, Gaudreau and Forsberg finished 1-2-3 in rookie scoring, with one point separating the three.

Forsberg had 42 points in 48 games over the first four months of the season, but had 17 points in 30 games, plus a -10 rating, in February and March as the Predators fell out of first place.

A closer look at the finalists:

Ekblad

Ekblad, who was taken first overall by the Panthers in the 2015 draft, set team records for goals (12), assists (27) and points (39) by a rookie defenseman. He had 39 points, two shy of the NHL record for an 18-year-old defenseman set by Bobby Orr in 1966-67.

Gaudreau

The former Hobey Baker Award winner tied with rookie leader Stone with 64 points. He led rookies in assists (40) and power-play goals (eight).

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Stone

He won the rookie scoring race because he had more goals than Gaudreau. He had 35 points in 31 games down the stretch to help the Senators rally and clinch a playoff spot. He finished with points in his final nine games, including two goals in the season finale. He led rookies in plus-minus (+21).

The winner will be announced at the June 24 awards show in Las Vegas.

Vezina Trophy finalists will be announced on Friday.

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