Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber just did something even his star teammate Kirill Kaprizov never did: win the NHL Rookie of the Month award.
Faber was announced the NHL's top rookie for January after he led all rookies with 11 assists and 13 points. Minnesota was 5-8-1 in the first month of 2024 and entered the All-Star break 27th overall in the NHL, but within striking distance – seven points – of a wild card spot.
Faber is currently the second favorite to win the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's rookie of the year, behind Chicago's Connor Bedard. The Chicago forward has been out since fracturing his jaw on Jan. 5 and is expected to miss at least several more weeks.
Bedard's injury combined with consistent play from Faber has seen his chances of winning the award climb over the last month from +1400 to +430, according to FanDuel.
Kaprizov, while a near unanimous winner of the 2020-21 Calder Trophy, never was voted rookie of the month in the COVID-shortened season. Kaprizov was the first Wild player to win the rookie of the year award while Bobby Smith and Danny Grant won the award as members of the Minnesota North Stars.
Faber has four goals and 25 assists for Minnesota. He joined the Wild late last season after leading the Gophers to a national championship appearance.
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