Connor Bedard Has Reportedly Given Up Calder Trophy Lead In Unexpected Voting Flip

Anyone who has watched Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard this season has seen a player not defined by his lack of NHL experience, but rather by his incredible skill and ability to put his team on his back. At just 18 years old, there’s no question Bedard means a ton to Chicago. He missed 14 games in January and February due to a fractured jaw, in which his team was shut out four times and held to one goal four times. There’s no question he’s one of the league’s elite scorers, even on a team that doesn’t help him out at all.

In addition to his value to his team, Bedard has stood out among the NHL’s talent-filled group of rookies, even while missing significant time. He still holds a commanding lead over all rookies with 41 points and has clearly passed the eye test, playing and carrying himself like a true pro. Bedard is much more useful on offense at this point in his career with a plus-minus of -34, but much of that number can be attributed to the team around him, which as a whole boasts a -93 goal differential. Bedard has established himself as the best and most valuable rookie in the NHL, even while playing 14 fewer games than his contemporaries.

According to an ESPN “NHL Awards Watch” article Tuesday morning, though, the PWHA Calder Trophy voters don’t see it that way. After pulling even with Bedard last month, Wild defenseman Brock Faber is now one vote ahead in Calder voting.

There’s no question Faber has been excellent this season for a rookie. His most impressive statistic, besides his second-place 34 total points, is his rookie-leading 25:06 of ice time per game. He’s showing up in big moments for Minnesota this year and will certainly be a stout blueliner for years to come.

Still, he’s no Connor Bedard. One voter for the face of the Blackhawks defended his vote with a statement that should put the debate to rest:

“He breaks his jaw and he's still leading all rookies in scoring. Give Brock Faber credit, but Bedard's Bedard.”

- Calder Trophy voter

Bedard was forced to give up flashy scoring numbers and his contention for a rookie season that will go down in the history books when he was sent to the injured list, and it doesn’t help that he plays top-line center for a team without any semblance of offensive production. Still, there’s no question he’s been the most talented and impressive rookie all year and deserves the honor for his first season. If Bedard is snubbed for the award, we’ll look back at his incredible rookie season down the road and wonder how Calder Trophy voters could have committed such a travesty.