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Connor Bedard and top 5 NHL rookies to watch in 2023-24 Calder Trophy race

By Marci Rubin

LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JANUARY 25: Forward Connor Bedard #98 of the Regina Pats skates for Team Red during the 2023 Kubota CHL Top Prospects Game Practice at the Langley Events Centre on January 25, 2023 in Langley, British Columbia. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JANUARY 25: Forward Connor Bedard #98 of the Regina Pats skates for Team Red during the 2023 Kubota CHL Top Prospects Game Practice at the Langley Events Centre on January 25, 2023 in Langley, British Columbia. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images) /
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Feb 18, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Adam Fantilli (19) skates during the Faceoff on the Lake outdoor NCAA men’s hockey game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Feb 18, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Adam Fantilli (19) skates during the Faceoff on the Lake outdoor NCAA men’s hockey game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch /

NHL rookies to watch in 2023-24: 4. Adam Fantilli (Columbus Blue Jackets)

The Columbus Blue Jackets drafted Adam Fantilli as the 2023 third-overall pick. The 18-year-old spent last season in the NCAA with the University of Michigan. In 2023, he was selected as the Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner, presented to the top college hockey player. Fantilli has now left the NCAA, signing his entry-level NHL contract.

In Michigan, the center scored 30 goals in his freshman season. Fantilli participated in the 2023 World Championships, where he won a gold medal with Canada. He was nominated for the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Male Player of the Year award. Fantilli is known for his speed and playmaking ability. He possesses an impressive hockey IQ and is a force in the offensive zone.

Fantilli is poised to become a top-line center, and he will begin his journey toward becoming a top-tier NHL player in 2023-24. He will certainly be someone to watch as he grows. The Blue Jackets have a hill to climb, but Fantilli will be crucial to their future success.

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