As the NHL season progresses, the competition for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league's top rookie, intensifies. While many initially believed that Connor Bedard would easily secure the honor, a quarter of the way into the season, other players have emerged as strong contenders.
Bedard's impressive performance, with 10 goals, 17 points, and 57 shots, solidifies his dominance among rookie forwards. However, defensemen Luke Hughes of the Devils and Pavel Mintyukov of the Ducks have also caught the attention of fans and analysts with their notable contributions.
- Connor Bedard, with his remarkable stats of 10 goals, 17 points, and 57 shots, has established himself as a standout rookie forward.
- Bedard's 19 minutes and 33 seconds of ice time per game set a new record among forwards, surpassing Leo Carlsson by nearly two minutes.
- Luke Hughes of the Devils and Pavel Mintyukov of the Ducks have emerged as strong contenders for the Calder Trophy.
- Both defensemen have already accumulated 12 points this season.
- Hughes, with a record of 2 goals and 10 assists, plays an average of 19 minutes and 31 seconds per game, slightly more than Mintyukov's 19 minutes and 11 seconds.
- Hughes is the fourth most utilized defenseman in the New Jersey team, while Mintyukov ranks third in Anaheim.
- The absence of Jamie Drysdale, due to injury, has provided Mintyukov with increased playing time and opportunities to showcase his talent.
- Currently, Bedard holds a slight advantage over Hughes and Mintyukov in the race for the Calder Trophy, but with a significant portion of the season remaining, anything can happen.
- Other notable candidates to keep an eye on for the Calder Trophy include Logan Cooley, Leo Carlsson, and Adam Fantilli, among others.
It's an exciting competition as these young players continue to make their mark in the NHL, and fans eagerly await the outcome of the Calder Trophy race.
