Connor Bedard on track to win the Calder Trophy

The anticipation surrounding the announcement of this year's Calder Trophy nominees was high, and the NHL did not disappoint.

Three standout rookies have made the cut: Brock Faber from Minnesota, Luke Hughes of New Jersey, and the widely acclaimed Connor Bedard from Chicago.

Both Hughes and Faber have showcased their formidable talents throughout the season.

Hughes, a rookie defenseman, has been notable both on offense and defense, playing crucial roles in key games for New Jersey. Meanwhile, Faber has been nothing short of remarkable in Minnesota, taking on the top defense role in his debut year, a testament to his skill and poise on the ice, supported by his strong performance metrics.


However, despite the impressive seasons from Hughes and Faber, Connor Bedard has been the rookie everyone's been watching. Bedard's inaugural NHL season has been filled with highlight-reel goals and a memorable stint wearing a protective fishbowl after a significant hit from Devils' Brendan Smith sidelined him for a few weeks.

His resilience and flair have not only captivated fans but also showcased his potential as a generational talent.

Throughout his 68 games, Bedard tallied an impressive 22 goals and 61 points, a significant achievement given the overall struggles of the Blackhawks this season.

His performance has not only fulfilled the lofty expectations set for him but has also solidified his reputation as a future star who could consistently hit the 100-point mark in coming seasons.

As the Calder Trophy decision approaches, many are already seeing it as Bedard's award to lose, celebrating his exceptional entry into the league and hinting at the bright future ahead for this young phenom.

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