Achi news desk-
Blackhawks centerConnor BedardWild defenderBrock Faber and the Devil’s protectorLuke Hughes have been named a finalist for this year’s Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s best rookie.
Bedard, still just 18, led rookie (and Blackhawks) scoring with 22 goals, 39 assists and 61 points despite being limited to 68 games with a broken jaw held mid term. He is the second-youngest rookie in NHL history to lead their team in all three major offensive categories behind Sidney Crosby, who did it with 39 goals, 63 assists and 102 points in 81 games with the Penguins in 2005-06. Last year’s first overall pick also led rookies across the league in shots on goal and takeaways.
Although he is the favorite to win the award, it is likely that there will not be a very large gap between him and Faber when the voting breakdown among PHWA members is released. The rights to sign the Kings’ 2020 second-round pick were dealt to Minnesota in theKevin Fiala trade a few years ago, and turned pro last spring after three seasons at the University of Minnesota. He immediately jumped into the NHL lineup and stabilized the Wild defense this year with a captainJared Spurgeon missed most of the season with various injuries, posting eight goals and 47 points while playing in all 82 games. Faber averaged 24:58 per game – the most among eligible rookies since the stat was tracked (1997-98), beating Atlanta’sToby Enstrom within a full 30 seconds.
Those advocating for Faber to take home the award will point to Bedard’s -44 score, which was near the bottom of the league. Both players had a difficult use against the main competition of other teams, especially Faber. Still, compared to their teammates, Bedard was better at controlling possession than Faber, posting a relative 0.2 CF at even strength compared to Faber’s -3.4 CF% impact. In a team context, however, Faber was much better at dominating possession quality with a 50.6 xGF% compared to Bedard’s 42.3 xGF%, per Hockey Reference.
Hughes’ chance for the award is slim compared to his peers, but the nomination still puts a bow on a nice rookie season for the younger brother Jack and Quinn. WithDougie Hamilton Missing most of the campaign, New Jersey relied on Hughes as their best puck-moving and power-play option on the blue line. He responded well, tying Faber’s offensive totals with 47 points (nine goals, 38 assists) while also playing in all 82 games, a rarity for a Devils team struggling to stay healthy this season. He averaged 21:28 per game and controlled possession well at even strength with 55.0 CF% and 52.3 xGF%, with his -25 rating mostly sunk by the team’s poor goaltending.
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