Keller named NHL's top rookie in October

NEW YORK - Arizona Coyotes center Clayton Keller, who led all rookies with nine goals and 15 points in 13 games, has been named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for October.

Keller edged Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (4-7-11 in 13 GP), New Jersey Devils teammates Will Butcher (0-11-11 in 10 GP) and Jesper Bratt (4-6-10 in 10 GP), and Los Angeles Kings left wing Adrian Kempe (6-3-9 in 12 GP) for the honor.
Keller became the first Coyotes/Jets rookie to post nine goals in one calendar month since Teemu Selanne (20) in March 1993. He also became the first Coyotes/Jets rookie to collect 15 points in one calendar month since Selanne (20-7-27 in 14 GP) and Keith Tkachuk (6-9-15 in 14 GP) each accomplished the feat in March 1993.

Keller, who paced all rookies with 49 shots on goal, registered at least one point in 10 of his 13 October appearances, highlighted by a seven-game point streak to close the month (6-5-11) - the longest by any Coyotes/Jets rookie since Jan. 10-21, 2008 (Peter Mueller: 4-7-11 in 7 GP).
The seventh overall selection in the 2016 NHL Draft, Keller made his League debut March 27 after spending one season at Boston University, where he earned rookie of the year honors at the national, regional (New England) and league (Hockey East) levels. The 19-year-old Chesterfield, Mo., native has 9-8-17 in 16 total NHL outings.

Clayton Keller in October

Date, Opponent, G, A, PTS, Result
Oct. 5, at Anaheim, 1, 0, 1, 5-4 L
Oct. 7, VEGAS, 0, 0, 0, 2-1 OT L
Oct. 10, at Vegas, 0, 1, 1, 5-2 L
Oct. 12, DETROIT, 2, 0, 2, 4-2 L
Oct. 14, BOSTON, 0, 0, 0, 6-2 L
Oct. 17, at Dallas, 0, 0, 0, 3-1 L
Oct. 19, DALLAS, 2, 1, 3, 5-4 L
Oct. 21, CHICAGO, 1, 0, 1, 4-2 L
Oct. 24, at NY Islanders, 0, 2, 2, 5-3 L
Oct. 26, at NY Rangers, 1, 0, 1, 5-2 L
Oct. 28, at New Jersey, 1, 0, 1, 4-3 L
Oct. 30, at Philadelphia, 0, 1, 1, 4-3 OT W
Oct. 31, at Detroit, 1, 1, 5-3 L
Totals, 9, 6, 1, 1-11-1