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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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May 11, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes in the overtime in game five of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes in the overtime in game five of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

NHL rookies to watch in 2023-24: 2. Luke Hughes (New Jersey Devils)

Luke Hughes played two seasons of NCAA hockey with the University of Michigan before signing his entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils, who drafted him fourth overall in 2021. Hughes racked up 48 points in 39 games with Michigan last season. He represented the United States at the 2023 World Junior Championships, serving as team captain.

Hughes played in two regular season NHL games and three Stanley Cup Playoffs games in the 2022-23 season. The 19-year-old already made an impact on the Devils, sealing an overtime win for a franchise-record 52nd win in the last regular season game. He was called upon during the playoffs to slot in for an injured Ryan Graves. Hughes is an elite skater and a strong playmaker, known for his speed and offensive production.

Devils fans are clamoring for a Luke Hughes/John Marino pairing on the blueline. Marino’s shutdown defense would allow Hughes room to play to his strengths as an offensive defenseman. Hughes will develop alongside a young, talented Devils core group (which includes his older brother, Jack Hughes). The future is bright in New Jersey, and Luke Hughes is a big reason why.

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