Ex-Chief Tyler Johnson up for rookie award

Tampa Bay Lightning forwards Tyler Johnson (pictured) and Ondrej Palat are finalists for the NHL’s top rookie award. They’re joined by Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche in the running for the Calder Trophy. Johnson, the Central Valley High graduate who played for the Spokane Chiefs, had a team-record 24 goals and finished tied with MacKinnon for the NHL lead among rookies. MacKinnon, selected first overall in the draft by Colorado, led all NHL rookies in scoring with 63 points. Palat finished second among rookie scorers with 59 points and 23 goals. Tampa Bay is the first club to have multiple nominees for the award since 2008 when Chicago’s Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews were selected. The award winner will be announced June 24. – Associated Press