Each season, the NHL presents the Calder Memorial Trophy to the rookie who has the strongest season. Several talented rookies are poised to headline the exciting race in 2023-24.
Connor Bedard is the clear favorite to win the 2023-24 Calder Trophy for the NHL player deemed most proficient in his first season. Is there a world where another player challenges him? It seems unlikely right now, but it's possible. It will be an interesting race to see which two players are finalists alongside Bedard.
Being the first overall draft pick is not a guaranteed Calder Trophy win, though. An interesting point, as noted by Nick Villano of Pucks and Pitchforks, is that "the favorite for the Calder is rarely the player who wins it. Since 2000, five first-overall picks have won the Calder Trophy." Connor McDavid didn't win the Calder Trophy and neither did Jack Hughes or Taylor Hall. Although Bedard is a generational talent, history is not on his side.
In any other season, predictions would be split between players like Luke Hughes and Matthew Knies. With Bedard in the mix, the predictions are overwhelmingly pointing to him. The Athletic (subscription required) recently published an early predictions piece on the 2023-24 season. In the piece, they revealed that the Professional Hockey Writers' Association voted on who will win the Calder Trophy, and 96.8% of the votes went to Bedard, while 3.2% went to Matthew Knies.
A factor to consider is that Hughes and Knies are playing on much stronger teams than Bedard is. Even though Bedard is the favorite, there are several other rookies who will turn heads in the 2023-24 season. These players deserve to be in the conversation, and they'll likely have plenty of special moments during their NHL rookie season.
First, here are some honorable mentions who could very well be in the Calder Trophy conversation.
NHL rookies to watch in 2023-24: Honorable mentions – Shane Wright, David Jiricek, Jakob Pelletier, Brandt Clarke, Devon Levi
Shane Wright was the fourth-overall pick in 2022 by the Seattle Kraken. He's a two-way center with sharp hockey sense. David Jiricek was drafted sixth overall in 2022 by the Columbus Blue Jackets. His size and physicality make him a tough defenseman to get past.
Jakob Pelletier was selected by the Calgary Flames 29th overall in the first round of the 2019 draft. He's a versatile forward who skates well. Brandt Clarke was selected eighth overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2021. The offensive defenseman is a force on the power play.
Devon Levi was selected 212th overall in the 7th round in 2020 before his rights were traded to the Buffalo Sabres. The agile goaltender is not to be overlooked despite being a late-round draft pick. He played seven games for the Sabres last year and is expected to sparkle between the pipes in 2023-24.
These players will be fun to watch. Now, here are five of the top rookies to watch this coming season.
NHL rookies to watch in 2023-24: 5. Logan Cooley (Arizona Coyotes)
2022 third-overall draft pick Logan Cooley was expected to head back to Minnesota for his sophomore season of NCAA hockey. The center had a change of heart and decided to sign his entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes, ending his college career. With Cooley ready to join the NHL squad, Arizona fans have a reason to be excited.
The 19-year-old two-way forward is a playmaker and a strong skater. He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award for the top NCAA men's hockey player. In 39 games with the University of Minnesota, Cooley scored 22 goals and made 38 assists. He played for the United States at the 2023 World Junior Championship, where he racked up 14 points.
Cooley attended the Coyotes' development camp this summer, and GM Bill Armstrong was impressed. "He had some star quality moments in (development) camp for us like he had in Minnesota," Armstrong told NHL.com. He shared that Cooley's game is unique, and he's one of their best players. The Coyotes expect big things from Cooley, and it will be exciting to see how he develops in the NHL.
NHL rookies to watch in 2023-24: 4. Adam Fantilli (Columbus Blue Jackets)
The Columbus Blue Jackets drafted Adam Fantilli as the 2023 third-overall pick. The 18-year-old spent last season in the NCAA with the University of Michigan. In 2023, he was selected as the Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner, presented to the top college hockey player. Fantilli has now left the NCAA, signing his entry-level NHL contract.
In Michigan, the center scored 30 goals in his freshman season. Fantilli participated in the 2023 World Championships, where he won a gold medal with Canada. He was nominated for the International Ice Hockey Federation's Male Player of the Year award. Fantilli is known for his speed and playmaking ability. He possesses an impressive hockey IQ and is a force in the offensive zone.
Fantilli is poised to become a top-line center, and he will begin his journey toward becoming a top-tier NHL player in 2023-24. He will certainly be someone to watch as he grows. The Blue Jackets have a hill to climb, but Fantilli will be crucial to their future success.
NHL rookies to watch in 2023-24: 3. Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Matthew Knies was drafted in 2021 in the second round 57th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Knies is proof that you don't have to be a top draft pick to land on the Calder Trophy watch list.
He's the only second-round pick out of these five players, but he's just as impressive as the other rookies. Knies played two seasons in the NCAA before signing his entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs. He also represented the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
The 20-year-old winger started his NHL career during the 2022-23 season, playing in three regular season games and seven playoff games after his NCAA season ended. During his sophomore season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Knies tallied 42 points in 40 games. His size and playmaking ability are valuable assets. Knies profiles as a two-way player with a lot of potential to be an excellent NHL forward.
Expect Knies to have a big season alongside players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander with the Leafs who hope to make another playoff run in 2023-24. Knies will make an impact on the Leafs for years to come.
NHL rookies to watch in 2023-24: 2. Luke Hughes (New Jersey Devils)
Luke Hughes played two seasons of NCAA hockey with the University of Michigan before signing his entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils, who drafted him fourth overall in 2021. Hughes racked up 48 points in 39 games with Michigan last season. He represented the United States at the 2023 World Junior Championships, serving as team captain.
Hughes played in two regular season NHL games and three Stanley Cup Playoffs games in the 2022-23 season. The 19-year-old already made an impact on the Devils, sealing an overtime win for a franchise-record 52nd win in the last regular season game. He was called upon during the playoffs to slot in for an injured Ryan Graves. Hughes is an elite skater and a strong playmaker, known for his speed and offensive production.
Devils fans are clamoring for a Luke Hughes/John Marino pairing on the blueline. Marino's shutdown defense would allow Hughes room to play to his strengths as an offensive defenseman. Hughes will develop alongside a young, talented Devils core group (which includes his older brother, Jack Hughes). The future is bright in New Jersey, and Luke Hughes is a big reason why.
NHL rookies to watch in 2023-24: 1. Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks)
It's no secret that Connor Bedard is already the favorite for the Calder Trophy. He recently signed his entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 18-year-old 2023 first-overall draft pick is highly regarded as a generational talent.
Bedard is an elite goal scorer with incredible speed and strong puck-handling ability. In 2022-23, the center played 57 games with the Regina Pats of the WHL. He scored 71 goals and produced 72 assists. Bedard participated in the 2023 World Junior Championships, winning gold with Team Canada. In 2023, he became the IIHF's inaugural Male Player of the Year.
It's going to take some time for the Blackhawks to become a threat again, but Bedard will be right there when it happens. How will his rookie season compare to the rest of his career? He's very young, and there will be an adjustment to NHL-level play even for a generational talent. But Chicago is excited to move forward, and Bedard is poised to be their next superstar.
Bedard might be the favorite in the Calder Trophy race, but keep your eyes on all five of these players. The highly anticipated rookies are ready to make an impact.