Connor Bedard among nominees released for Calder Trophy

Both Luke Hughes and Brock Faber have had incredible seasons in their own right, as rookie defenceman excelling offensively and defensively in high-leverage situations. Faber specifically played the number 1 defence role in Minnesota, an incredible feat in his rookie year, while posting great metrics. However, no one had any hope to beat out Connor Bedard.

Bedard had an incredible rookie campaign, marked by some incredible goals and his memorable injury which forced him to wear a fishbowl for much of the year. Bedard took a huge hit from Devils defender Brendan Smith, and missed a few weeks with the injury.

The Calder Trophy will likely be walked to Bedard for his incredible rookie year, fully delivering on the hype of a generational prospect. In 68 games this year, Bedard incredibly scored 22 goals and 61 points on an abysmal Blackhawks squad. This year proved Bedard has the talent, and with more physical development, adjustment to the NHL, and some better teammates, Bedard will be a perennial 100+ point scorer - and his season was very worthy of the Calder Trophy.