As expected, Connor Bedard is the favorite among NHL rookies to win the Calder Trophy in 2024. But as Tony Ferrari examines, many players aren't far behind.
It's time to check in on the NHL rookie class as we reach a new month.
The monthly Calder Trophy Tracker on The Hockey News is back to track the NHL’s best rookies throughout the season. All the rookies have begun to become acclimated to the NHL, and we’ve seen some impressive play from first-year players.
Connor Bedard came into the year as the favorite, and although he hasn’t exploded onto the scene the way many had thought, he is still in pole position among the rookies – but the gap between Bedard and the field is not nearly as wide as most assumed it would be.
Sample sizes remain limited, even if we've had a glimpse of what to expect, so the rookies are in tiers to begin this season's tracker.
Tier 1: The Leader of the Pack
Connor Bedard, C, Chicago Blackhawks
The rookie leader in goals (four) has been fun to watch, and his ability to generate offensive chances is unreal.
Bedard has more shots on goal than any other rookie, with 28, and according to NHL EDGE data, only five came from a low-danger area – none of which were from above the faceoff circles. His first NHL goal came on a wraparound, which was considered a low-danger shot.
Despite being one point behind a tie for first in the rookie scoring race, Bedard is generating offensive chances at a very impressive level. There is an element of anticipation with Bedard still as he looks to be on the verge of popping off. There are flashes of brilliance and domination from Bedard. His acclimation may take a bit longer than expected, but the kid is about to explode.
Tier 2: The Contenders
Pavel Mintyukov, D, Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks defender has been an instant impact player for the squad as he injected life into their back end, tied for the rookie scoring lead with seven points.
The most impressive part of his production to this point is that all seven of his points were at even strength. Mintyukov has found a balance between the all-out offensive style that became his norm at the OHL level and becoming a more well-rounded player who makes good plays on the defensive end of the ice.
Despite playing on a team with subpar metrics across the board, Mintyukov has some of the most interesting data on NHL EDGE, especially regarding zone time. Mintyukov consistently finds a way to get his team into the offensive zone and make plays. His offensive acumen and developing defensive game could make him a true contender for the Calder at season’s end.
Logan Cooley, C, Arizona Coyotes
After a pre-season in which he was all over the highlight reels, Cooley has cooled down just a bit despite his six assists, which lead all rookies. Five of his six assists have come on the power play, and although everyone expects Cooley to get going at 5-on-5, that hasn’t happened yet.
Cooley controls the pace of play and is at his best when he attacks defenders head-on. When he asserts himself, he is one of the best players in the rookie class.
Cooley’s talent on its own should allow him to stick around the rookie lead in scoring, and the opportunities he will continue to get in Arizona will only help matters. Cooley scored his first NHL regular-season goal last night on a beautiful rush, which tied him with Mintyukov and Greig in the rookie scoring race.
We still haven’t seen Cooley at full power just yet. We will in due time.
Lukas Dostal, G, Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim's been happy to rely on John Gibson in goal for years, but the rookie is pushing him for the starting role as he's off to a white-hot start.
Dostal earned rookie of the month honors in the NHL for October, and his play in net has allowed the Ducks to be competitive each time he's in the crease. Although the Ducks split starts between him and Gibson, Dostal has the extra start under his belt.
Dostal's been phenomenal for the Ducks, even if they haven’t had the best defensive environment. They are a young team that's learning on the fly every day, with their young goalie bailing them out when necessary. With Gibson approaching the second half of his career, Dostal's emergence is a big win for Anaheim. His Calder candidacy will depend on just how many starts he can steal from his veteran partner in net.
Ridly Greig, C, Ottawa Senators
No rookie has found the scoresheet more than Greig as the calendar turns to November. His seven points are notable, but what's really impressive is to see Greig supplement the Senators while Josh Norris was out to start the season and then fill the shoes of the unsigned and now-suspended Shane Pinto.
Greig plays with an edge, which has endeared him to Senators fans, and he lit a fire under big off-season acquisition Vladimir Tarasenko after an initial slow start for the Russian sniper.
Greig's done everything asked of him and more for the Senators. He even forced Sens fans to wonder if signing Pinto is necessary or a luxury. That alone makes what Greig has done impressive.
Tier 3: The Challengers
Luke Hughes, D, New Jersey Devils
The high-flying Devils are incredibly fun to watch this season, and Luke Hughes has been a massive part of it.
His power-play impact gives the Devils an embarrassment of riches regarding skilled players. He’s relegated Dougie Hamilton to the second power-play unit and formed a dynamic duo with his brother Jack, who leads the NHL in scoring.
His defensive game is still a bit of an issue at times, but he has more than made up for it with his insane puck-moving ability. Hughes' passing in transition and offensive zone mastery have made up for the odd mistake or two he makes in his own end.
Hughes has been an integral part of one of hockey’s best teams, and if he continues to do that, he could see his name listed among the Calder finalists.
Adam Fantilli, C, Columbus Blue Jackets
Sometimes, a player steps into the NHL, and he immediately looks comfortable doing all of the little things. Even if the production isn’t quite there, that player is among their team's best. Adam Fantilli is that player.
Fantilli already possesses one of the best shots on the team, and his ability to control the puck and keep play alive is admirable. The Blue Jackets are still finding his best set of linemates, but regardless of who he plays with, he elevates their play.
Fantilli has five points through nine games, but he is poised to break out.
Tier 4: The Dark Horses
Joseph Woll, G, Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs came into the season with Ilya Samsonov as their starter, but Joseph “the Brick” Woll forced them to give him more starts.
Woll plays a controlled and collected style of play that brings a sense of calm to the team’s crease. It seems the Leafs duo will split starts fairly evenly for the next little bit, but Woll has an opportunity to take the crease from Samsonov. The Leafs haven’t had a homegrown netminder handle the starting job since James Reimer.
Matthew Poitras, C, Boston Bruins
The biggest surprise of any player on this list, Matthew Poitras was expected to be among the OHL’s leading scorers. Instead, he is among the NHL’s leading rookie scorers as one of Boston’s top two centers.
The Bruins needed a miracle after franchise icons Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired, and the miracle came in the way of a 2022 second-round pick. Poitras plays with fire in his belly and has found a way to fit right in with the Bruins culture.
Few teams do a better job of drafting players that emit the team’s attitude than the Bruins, and they’ve found that in Poitras. That’s a big reason why he isn’t heading back to the OHL yet.
Bobby Brink, RW, Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers have been better than expected to start the season, and Bobby Brink has been impressive since finding a home in the team’s top nine.
The skilled playmaker had a full off-season to train after hip surgery the summer before last season, and he looks fully recovered. He is feisty, skilled, and plays with an unreal amount of creativity. He may be a dark horse when it comes to winning the Calder, but he will give Flyers fans plenty to rave about.
Matthew Knies, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs have looked up and down throughout the early season, and questions arose here and there about effort. Knies hasn't lacked effort, consistently providing energy and tenacity every time he steps on the ice. He started the year on the third line and has slowly earned a role in the top six.
Knies brings a physical blend of skill and power to Toronto’s top six – something they’ve sorely been lacking. If he can continue getting those opportunities, his point totals should improve, and Knies could shoot up this board.
