Richards named top NHL rookie in October

NEW YORK, Nov. 2 -- Tampa Bay Lightning center Brad Richards Thursday was named NHL Rookie of the Month for October.

The 20-year-old Richards leads all rookies in scoring with 11 points, recording three goals and eight assists in 10 games. He had four multiple-point games, including a three-assist performance in a 5-2 win over Atlanta on Oct. 15.

A third-round pick in 1998, Richards won the Canadian Hockey League's scoring title last year.

Also considered for the award were goaltenders Evgeni Nabokov of the San Jose Sharks, Jani Hurme of the Ottawa Senators and Brent Johnson of the St. Louis Blues.