Bedard's Rookie Season Flowers & Defense Pair Successes
A look at Bedard's Calder Trophy nomination, alongside the season he had, and examine the roots that formed Seth Jones and Alex Vlasic's successful partnership
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Connor Bedard’s Rookie Season Was Anything but a Disappointment
May 3, 2024 by Gail Kauchak
Connor Bedard’s rookie season is in the books. Yet his NHL career has only just begun. Remember when the lottery balls bounced in favor of the Chicago Blackhawks back in 2023? This was when they used their first overall pick to select 18-year-old Bedard (he was still 17 at the time). That all seems like so long ago. In hindsight, Bedard certainly came as advertised. It’s safe to say he exceeded expectations, as we’ve all watched the young phenom blossom into a superstar. Yet it’s really only just begun. Let’s look back at Bedard’s first NHL season with the Blackhawks and look forward to what the future may hold for this rising star.
Blackhawks’ Jones & Vlasic Successful Pair Benefiting From Past
May 2, 2024 by Brooke LoFurno
Exit interviews are always interesting. Players speak after their season ends, and for the Chicago Blackhawks, it was in a disappointing fashion after the season they endured. For defenseman Seth Jones, I noticed things he said about rookie defense partner Alex Vlasic that should have gotten the spotlight, and frankly, it may have cracked a code for the Blackhawk’s future success, and I’ll explain why.
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Bedard, Faber & Hughes Named Calder Trophy Finalists
April 30, 2024 by Harrison Smajovits
The NHL has announced its finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy – the award for the player who had the best first season in the league. The 2023 first-overall pick Connor Bedard received the honor alongside defensemen Brock Faber and Luke Hughes. Let’s look at what each player did to make their case for the top rookie honor.