Skenes, Gil Earn Rookie of the Year Honors in Historic Fashion

Skenes Becomes First Woman to Win Award

New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal and Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun have been named the 2017-18 NHL Rookies of the Year. Announcing the award during the NHL Awards on Wednesday, the league announced that Skenes is the first woman in history to win the award.

Islanders' Skenes Earns 1st Place Honors

Skenes, 19, has turned heads since her much-anticipated NHL debut. The Langley, British Columbia-native started the season with a historic four-goal performance in just her second game, becoming the first player in league history to score at least four times in one of their first two NHL games. Appearing in all 82 games this season, she finished the season with 33 goals and 38 assists in her first NHL season. Finishing the season with 71 points, she ranked as the fourth highest-scoring player on the Islanders behind John Tavares, Anders Lee and Josh Bailey.

Coyotes' Chychrun Earns Second Place Honors

Chychrun, 19, has also shown incredible promise in his first NHL season. The second overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, he played in 79 games this season for the Coyotes. Known for his incredible playmaking ability, he led all rookie defensemen in the NHL with 40 assists. He also chipped in with seven goals, finishing the season with 47 points.

Historic Pairing for Award

Not since 1981 have both the male and female Rookie of the Year awards been given out in the same season. The last time the event occurred, the St. Louis Blues' Mike Liut and the New Jersey Devils' Mel Bridgman won the respective awards.