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Alex Ovechkin Calder Commemorative Coin

It’s been about ten years since Alex Ovechkin’s amazing rookie season ended. To commemorate his rookie of the year award, the Capitals honored him prior to the Oct. 14, 2006 game against Atlanta and handed out solid bronze medallion to fans. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since some of us got our hands on this. Here it is.

Left wing Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals’ top overall pick in the 2004 Entry Draft, was named the 2006 rookie of the year and awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy. The Calder Memorial Trophy, named after former NHL president Frank Calder, is given to the most proficient first-year player in the NHL as voted upon by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association at the end of the regular season. Ovechkin, a 21-year-old native of Moscow, became the first Washington Capital to win the Calder Trophy, which has been awarded annually since 1933. Ovechkin finished the season as just the second NHL rookie in the league’s 89-year history to record 50 goals and 100 points. Ovechkin’s 52 goals and 106 points both ranked third all-time among NHL rookies. He set Capitals rookie records for goals, assists (54), points, power-play goals (21) and shots (425). Ovechkin’s point total was the second best in Washington Capitals history and his goal total was tied for third in franchise history. Ovechkin led all NHL rookies in goals, points, power-play goals and shots. He finished third overall in NHL scoring and tied for third in goals.  His 425 shots not only led the league and set an NHL rookie record but also was the fourth-highest total in NHL history.

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Ben Sumner

Ben Sumner is the editor of Capitals Outsider. He also works for The Washington Post and contributes there when he gets a scoop.

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