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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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Apr 20, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) skates during the warmup before game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) skates during the warmup before game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

NHL rookies to watch in 2023-24: 3. Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Matthew Knies was drafted in 2021 in the second round 57th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Knies is proof that you don’t have to be a top draft pick to land on the Calder Trophy watch list.

He’s the only second-round pick out of these five players, but he’s just as impressive as the other rookies. Knies played two seasons in the NCAA before signing his entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs. He also represented the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

The 20-year-old winger started his NHL career during the 2022-23 season, playing in three regular season games and seven playoff games after his NCAA season ended. During his sophomore season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Knies tallied 42 points in 40 games. His size and playmaking ability are valuable assets. Knies profiles as a two-way player with a lot of potential to be an excellent NHL forward.

Expect Knies to have a big season alongside players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander with the Leafs who hope to make another playoff run in 2023-24. Knies will make an impact on the Leafs for years to come.

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