The NHL's leading rookie scorer claims he hasn't been watching coverage, discussion of competition between him and Minnesota D-man Brock Faber.

When it comes to all things hockey, Connor Bedard usually keeps a close eye on details.

But the Chicago Blackhawks and NHL's leading rookie scorer of 2023-24 claimed he hasn't been monitoring this season's race for the Calder Trophy. 

Claimed he hasn't been... 

The 18-year-old Bedard and 21-year-old Minnesota defenseman Brock Faber are the frontrunners. The NHL will announce three finalists for its rookie of the year, and other awards, during the playoffs.

"No I haven't paid attention at all," Bedard said Thursday in Los Angeles. "I think it's a good rookie class and a lot of guys that it's been fun to watch come into the league and have success, but I really haven't paid attention to that at all. 

"I've just tried to be the best I can be and not focus on stuff like that." See Bedard in the following video.

Bedard, the NHL's heralded top draft pick of 2023, finished with 22 goals, 39 assists and 61 points in 68 games. He missed 14 with a broken jaw.

Bedard took 206 shots on goal to lead all rookies and set a new Blackhawks mark for first-year players. The North Vancouver, British Columbia native averaged 19:47 of ice time per game, tops for rookie forwards. 

He also was a minus-44, worst among all rookies and tied with linemate Philipp Kurashev for second-lowest among all skaters. The 31st-place Blackhawks had a minus-111 goal differential, second worst in the league.

Bedard's energy seemed to tail off down the stretch. He had one goal and four assists in his last 10 games, managing only three shots on goal in his last three.

More Mature Faber Seized Opportunity

Faber is completely different kind of player than the shifty, crafty Bedard. The Twin Cities product had the benefit of three years of NCAA hockey at the University of Minnesota and is stronger and more mature.

After Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon was sidelined with back and hip injuries (leading to surgeries), the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Faber got more ice time in all situations and became a workhorse. He led Minnesota and all rookies with 24:58 of ice time per game, a mark that's sixth-highest overall, and played in all 82 games.

Faber's 47 points, on eight goals and 39 assists, tied him for second with New Jersey's Luke Hughes among rookies.

Faber had nothing but praise for Bedard after Minnesota blanked the Blackhawks in Chicago on April 7.

"Obviously, it's awesome to see," Faber said. "He's a superstar. He's incredible.

"Playing against him, you gotta' know where he is on the ice every time he steps on the ice. He's that good."

But when it comes to keeping an eye on the race for this season's Calder Trophy, Faber also said, "Oh, no, no no" even if he and Bedard are the leading candidates .

"But other than that, I'm not focused on any of the Calder stuff," Faber said. "I'm just focused on winning games and, again, just putting my best foot forward." 

The Calder Trophy and most other major NHL awards are based on votes from members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. (https://www.thephwa.com/)

The Blackhawks limped in at 23-53-6 following a 5-4 overtime loss to the Kings in their regular-season finale on Thursday. 

Chicago's 52 points were seven fewer than 2022-23, when it was 26-49-7. The Hawks .317 points (winning) percentage was their eighth-worst in 98 seasons in the NHL and lowest since the team finished at .307 in 1954-55.