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Blackhawks Rookie Connor Bedard Unsurprisingly Named Calder Trophy Finalist

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Jonnie Nonnie | Last updated 4/30/24

In perhaps the least surprising news of the 2023-24 NHL season, Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard was named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy. The phenom forward lived up to the hype during his first NHL season, making him a shoo-in finalist for the league's Rookie of the Year award.

Bedard recorded 61 points in 68 games to lead the Blackhawks in points, goals (22), and assists (39). His totals could've soared even higher if not for a fractured jaw that sidelined him for five weeks from early January to mid-February.

As a result, Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber made his case for the Calder Trophy by playing in all 82 games and posting 47 points (eight goals, 39 assists). Another young blueliner, Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils, rounds out the award's group of finalists after notching 47 points (nine goals, 38 assists) in 82 games.

Connor Bedard, Brock Faber and Luke Hughes are the three finalists for the 2023-24 Calder Memorial Trophy. https://t.co/BDtb5gty9c #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/Spvjg5Y1Tc
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 30, 2024

Bedard's point production, which helped him win three Rookie of the Month awards this season, should make him the frontrunner for the Calder Trophy. However, Faber's reliability and Hughes' boost from the back end must also be considered. Alas, the debate — primarily between Chicago and Minnesota supporters — will continue until the NHL Awards show in late June.

Bedard looks to become the 10th player in Blackhawks history to win the Calder Trophy since the award's inception in 1933. Artemi Panarin (2016) was the last Chicago player to take home the hardware.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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