Future Watch: Johnny Gaudreau Rookie Hockey Cards, Calgary Flames – Johnny Gaudreau or “Johnny Hockey” as he is known to fans and teammates, has had an amazing last two years. He had a nice run to the Frozen Four with the Boston College Eagles in 2013 and won the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s best player. This year he helped lead the Calgary Flames to the playoffs and is now a Calder Trophy finalist for the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.

Possibly following in the footsteps of longtime NHLer, Chris Drury, who won both a Hobey and a Calder, Gaudreau racked up 24 goals and 64 points in his rookie season. Not bad for a 5-9, 150 pound winger who was told he was too small to play in the NHL. He also scored nine points in 11 playoff games against much bigger competition.

Stature never takes into account a players’ heart and how that can drive him. The South Jersey resident is an absolute burner on the ice and his elusiveness keeps him from being plastered along the wall. His exceptional hockey I.Q. gets him into prime scoring position  usually resulting in him burying the puck in the back of the net.

Gaudreau may be leading the charge, with an influx of small, fast players in the NHL reminiscent of Martin St. Louis and Patrick Kane. It took a long time for general managers to buy into these types of players. However, it now seems that they are opening up to the idea of fielding a team with wingers who are smaller in stature if they can skate. This will provide a lot more opportunities for players around the globe.

Because he secured himself a spot on the roster during this past regular season, all of Johnny Gaudreau’s rookie cards hail from 2014-15 Upper Deck Hockey products. This includes his red hot Young Guns rookie card.

A gifted skater and puck handler, watching these video clips will give you an idea of just how special this kid is to his team.

Check out his fancy puck skills:

Watch him play keep away in international competition on a bigger ice surface:

Future Watch: Johnny Gaudreau Rookie Hockey Cards, Calgary Flames Image Gallery

 

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