The NHL has named Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson the rookie of the month for December. This news may be surprising to some, not due to Gibson’s play, but because of the fact he is still considered a rookie.
The NHL’s rookie qualifications state that to qualify as a rookie a play must have done two things.
- Not played in more than 25 games in any preceding season.
- Not played in 6 NHL games in any of two preceding seasons.
Gibson appeared in 3 games during the 2013-2014 season and 23 games last season.