Rangers defenceman Del Zotto receives NHL rookie of the month honours

NEW YORK - Defenceman Michael Del Zotto was named the NHL's rookie of the month for October on Tuesday.

Del Zotto led all rookies in scoring with 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 14 games.

Also considered for the award were Colorado Avalanche centre Ryan O'Reilly (two goals, nine assists in 14 games), New York Islanders forward John Tavares (four goals, six assists in games), Dallas Stars left-winger Jamie Benn (three goals, seven assists in 14 games), Buffalo Sabres defenceman Tyler Myers (two goals, three assists in 11 games) and Philadelphia Flyers left-winger James vanRiemsdyk (two goals, eight assists in nine games).

Del Zotto, of Stouffville, Ont., was New York's first pick, 20th overall, in the 2008 NHL entry draft.