New York Rangers defenseman Michael Del
Zotto has been selected as the NHL's top rookie for the month of October.
Del Zotto led all rookies in points with 12 over New York's first 14 games
during the month. He has four goals and eight assists, having registered
points in nine of those 14 contests.
The 19-year-old Ontario native became the youngest defenseman to suit up for
the Blueshirts since Dave Maloney in 1974 and is tasked with helping to
orchestrate a Rangers' power play which ranked seventh in the league at the
conclusion of the month.
Taken 20th overall in the 2008 draft by New York, Del Zotto concluded a
successful stint in the Ontario Hockey League last season by racking up 13
goals and 50 assists in 62 games while skating for both the Oshawa Generals
and London Knights.
Others garnering attention for the season's initial rookie honors included
Avalanche center Ryan O'Reilly (two goals, nine assists in 14 games),
Islanders center John Tavares (four goals, six assists in 13 games), Stars
left wing Jamie Benn (three goals, seven assists in 14 games), Sabres
defenseman Tyler Myers (two goals, three assists in 11 games) and Flyers left
wing James vanRiemsdyk (two goals, eight assists in nine games).
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