Versteeg's season recognized as Calder finalist

CALGARY, Alberta - Kris Versteeg wasn't a first-round draft pick and he knocked around in the minors for two years before getting his chance to play regularly with the Blackhawks.

Versteeg's big breakthrough season was recognized Wednesday by the Professional Hockey Writers Association when he was named one of the three finalists for the Calder Trophy, which goes to the rookie of the year.

The winner will be announced in June.

"I always knew what I could do if I got a chance," Versteeg said. "There's a lot of kids out there who are great players playing in the minors and they never get a chance. I was fortunate enough to get a chance and I guess I rolled with it."

The 22-year-old Versteeg, acquired by general manager Dale Tallon in February 2007 from Boston in exchange for Brandon Bochenski, had 22 goals and 53 points. His 31 assists led all rookies.

"I had a fairly good season. Not as good as I thought I could have, but all in all I had a good year and they gave me a great chance," Versteeg said. "They gave me a lot of ice time as a rookie and put me in some good situations to succeed.

"It all comes along with your teammates and with them helping along the way. We've got lot of great leadership on this team that helped me out so much."

Joining Versteeg as finalists were Columbus goalie Steve Mason and Anaheim forward Bobby Ryan.

"This is a nice compliment to the year he's had," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "It was an amazing year for a guy who was just trying to make the NHL. He's very useful in all areas."

Patrick Kane won the Calder Trophy last year with Jonathan Toews also one of the finalists.

"It's great that he's come this far and had a great rookie season," Toews said of Versteeg. "He's stayed consistent the entire year."