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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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Jan 25, 2023; Langley, BC, CANADA; CHL Top Prospects team red forward Connor Bedard (98) controls the puck against CHL Top Prospects team white defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz (4) during the third period in the 2023 CHL Top Prospects ice hockey game at Langley Events Centre. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2023; Langley, BC, CANADA; CHL Top Prospects team red forward Connor Bedard (98) controls the puck against CHL Top Prospects team white defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz (4) during the third period in the 2023 CHL Top Prospects ice hockey game at Langley Events Centre. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

NHL rookies to watch in 2023-24: 1. Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks)

It’s no secret that Connor Bedard is already the favorite for the Calder Trophy. He recently signed his entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 18-year-old 2023 first-overall draft pick is highly regarded as a generational talent.

Bedard is an elite goal scorer with incredible speed and strong puck-handling ability. In 2022-23, the center played 57 games with the Regina Pats of the WHL. He scored 71 goals and produced 72 assists. Bedard participated in the 2023 World Junior Championships, winning gold with Team Canada. In 2023, he became the IIHF’s inaugural Male Player of the Year.

It’s going to take some time for the Blackhawks to become a threat again, but Bedard will be right there when it happens. How will his rookie season compare to the rest of his career? He’s very young, and there will be an adjustment to NHL-level play even for a generational talent. But Chicago is excited to move forward, and Bedard is poised to be their next superstar.

Bedard might be the favorite in the Calder Trophy race, but keep your eyes on all five of these players. The highly anticipated rookies are ready to make an impact.

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