The NHL's top draft pick of 2023 is expected to be the top rookie in 2023-24. No one else comes close to the Blackhawks center in our THN preseason poll.
Connor Bedard is the overwhelming pick to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 2023-24 per a preseason poll of 33 writers from The Hockey News and its team sites. Click on the interactive version of the graphic below in the link.
The 18-year-old has already been tabbed as the Chicago Blackhawks No. 1 center in training camp, skating on line with veterans Taylor Hall and Ryan Donato so far. Bedard has been dominant in scrimmages just as he was in a rookie tournament game against the St. Louis Blues when he scored three goals and an assist while taking 11 shots.
Coach Luke Richardson thought Bedard had even more shots in a dominant performance.
Next up for Bedard is his first NHL exhibition game. Chicago hosts the Blues on Thursday.
Columbus Blue Jackets rookie forward Adam Fantilli got four Calder votes from the THN writers. Fantilli had been rated the No. 2 prospect heading in the draft, but was taken third by the Blue Jackets when the Anaheim Ducks used the second pick to select Swedish forward Leo Carlsson.
Carlsson got no Calder votes. Others who did were Arizona forward Logan Cooley (2), New Jersey defenseman Luke Hughes (1) and Buffalo goalie Devon Levi (1).
Oddsmakers also heavily favor Bedard for the Calder. DraftKings lists the 18-year-old from North Vancouver, British Columbia at -140. FanDuel has him at -120.
