Brendan Gallagher, Montreal Canadiens
Gallagher had an impressive first season with the Canadiens, finishing with 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists) in 44 games. Gallagher also tallied an impressive +10 rating. Playing on a line with fellow rookie Alex Galchenyuk, it shows that Gallagher is not a liability when on the ice. Sabres fans might best remember him best as the “Brad Marchand” north of the border, for his scrappy and edgy play. Gallagher was also good in the clutch, scoring 3 game winning goals this season. Gallagher was good at both ends of the ice this season, and is well deserving of the nomination. Gallagher was a large part of the drastic turn around of Montreal this season, helping them into the playoffs.