Colorado Avalanche centre Matt Duchene named NHL rookie of the month

Colorado Avalanche's Matt Duchene, left, celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild with T.J. Galiardi during the first period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, in St. Paul. Minn. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jim Mone

NEW YORK - Colorado Avalanche centre Matt Duchene was named National Hockey League rookie of the month Tuesday.

He led all rookies in scoring with 13 points (five goals, eight assists) last month. Duchene has 27 points (11-16) in 43 games this season.

Anaheim Ducks right-winger Dan Sexton, New Jersey Devils right-winger Nicklas Bergfors, Colorado left-winger T.J. Galiardi, Buffalo Sabres defenceman Tyler Myers and Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard were also considered.

Duchene, a native of Haliburton, Ont., was the third overall selection in last year's NHL entry draft.