Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard, Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber and New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes have been named finalists for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s rookie of the year.
The Blackhawks selected Bédard first overall in last summer’s NHL draft in Nashville. He has scored 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games this season. Bédard’s season was cut short after suffering a broken jaw in January, but he still led all rookies in goals, assists and points.
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Faber played in all 82 games last year with the Wild, scoring eight goals and 47 points – tied for second among NHL rookies. Faber also led all rookies with an average ice time of 24:58 per game. Only five other players – John Carlson, Drew Doughty, Mike Matheson, Seth Jones and Rasmus Dahlin – have averaged more time on the ice than Faber this season.
Hughes scored nine goals, which led all rookie defensemen last season, and 47 points, tying Faber for second among rookie point scorers. The 19-year-old is the younger brother of Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes and New Jersey’s Jack Hughes. Luke is the second Hughes brother to apply for the Calder following Quinn’s appointment in 2020.
The finalists for the Norris Trophy for Defenseman of the Year will be announced Wednesday morning. The finalists for the Masterton Trophy awarded to the player “who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey” will be revealed Thursday. The finalists for the Jack Adams Trophy for Coach of the Year will be announced Friday.
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(Top photo of Connor Bedard and Brock Faber: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)