Connor Bedard is the No. 1 prospect in hockey on every list — until he graduates about a week into the season because he’s an NHL regular. Being arguably the most hyped prospect to ever enter the league, he’s the heavy favorite to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year. But that doesn’t mean he’s a lock to win it. And Bedard will have stiff competition this season.
Here are the guys I thꦜink could pressure Bedard for the top rookie prize at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Devils Defense
There could be two rookie defensemen who could put pressure on Bedard this season: Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec. The problem they’ll likely face when the voters make their selections is stealing votes from each other if New Jersey has the kind of season many feel they will.
Nemec was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and had a strong first professional season with 34 points in 65 games with𒀰 Utica in the AHL. Hughes, the No. 4 overall pick in 2021, spent two seasons at the University of Michigan before signing his ELC. He scored a goal and added an assist for two points in two NHL ga꧑mes with the Devils last year.
Both players could play a prominent role for the Devils this seas💜on, which could get them a lot of attention on a successful team in a big market.
Hobey Baker Finalists
The top two vote recipients in the NCAA player of the year race last year will make the move to the NHL this season. Adam Fantilli won the award at Michigan, while Logan Cooley was the runner-up at Minn🐬esota. While there was t༒alk Cooley would return to school for another season, he opted to sign and go pro this summer.
Both players are joining teams that failed to make the playoffs last year and could play important rol💙es in the offenses of their respective NHL teams. Fantilli was the third overall pick this summer; Cooley was draf🍷ted third in 2022.
I like Fantilli in Columbus (though a Michigan man being a star in Columbus, Ohio is funny) with some young forwards around him. The same can be said for Cooley in Arizona. The quicker they can get comfortable in top-six roles the faster they’ll have voters’ attention for the Calder.
Others to Watch
Devon Levi, G, Buffalo — the highest rated collegiate goaltender last year, Levi left Northeastern after his sophomore season. He appeared in seven NHL games last year and posted a .905 save percentage after appearing in 34 college games. If the Sabres take a step into playoff contention, he’ll be a big part.
David Jiricek, D, Columbus — like the Devils defensemen, he might lose attention/split votes with Fantilli. But he’s a terrific defenseman who appeared in four NHL games last year.
Matthew Knies, F, Toronto — Knies played incredibly well with Cooley at Minnesota last year, putting up 21 goals and 21 assists in 40 games. He made the jump to the Leafs’ lineup and had four points in seven playoff games after one assist in three regular-season contests.
Brandt Clarke, D, Los Angeles — the No. 8 overall pick in 2021, Clarke appeared in nine regular-season games last season with the Kings. That was after he produced 61 points in 31 games for Barrie in the OHL. The Kings will be good this year, and Clarke might benefit from a strong situation.
