The National Hockey League has announced the Calder Trophy finalists for 2024. Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard, New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes and Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber were nominated as the three finalists for the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie.
Even though Bedard missed 14 games due to a jaw injury, he is the heavy favourite to win the award. Throughout 68 games, the 2023 first-overall pick scored 61 points (22G, 39A) which led rookies in goals and points. The North Vancouver, B.C. product will join Canada at the World Championships in Czechia, his first experience with Canada at the senior level.
Hughes scored 47 points (9G, 38A) in a full 82-game season with the Devils. He led the way in Devils defensemen for points and finished fourth on the club in assists. Hughes’ 47 points set a Devils franchise record for points by a rookie defenseman, this surpasses the 45 points that Will Butcher scored in 2017-18. He also averaged 21:28 TOI as a 20-year-old. The Manchester, New Hampshire product will also participate in the World Championships representing the United States. Hughes was drafted fourth overall by the Devils in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Faber, 21, finished the season with 47 points (8G, 39A) and matched Hughes’ 47 points. The Maple Grove, Minnesota product led all rookies in average TOI with 24:58 where he played in all situations for the Minnesota Wild. Faber was originally a second-round (45th overall) draft selection by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Faber was acquired by the Wild along with a first-round pick in exchange for Kevin Fiala in 2022.
Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers won the award last season. The NHL will announce the three finalists for the Norris Trophy on Wednesday, May 1.
