Connor Bedard Wins 2024 Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year

As the pinnacle of the offseason gets underway, the Chicago Blackhawks were recognized at the NHL Awards, but not as a team. Rather, an individual player is bringing home some hardware.

After posting 61 points in 68 games, Connor Bedard has been awarded the Calder Trophy, given to the NHL's rookie of the year after each season.

Bedard's rookie campaign wasn't perfect, but the 18-year-old led the Blackhawks in scoring despite missing five weeks with a broken jaw. The rookie phenom was tied for the team lead in goals (22) and led the team in assists (39).

Bedard is the 10th player in Blackhawks history to win the Calder Trophy. The first trophy was awarded to goalie Mike Karakas in 1935-36. The most recent winner was Artemi Panarin in 2015-16.

Chicago Blackhawks Calder Trophy Winners (All-Time)

Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber finished in second for the award, and New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes finished in third.

Following a successful season for Bedard, the key for the Blackhawks is to now continue building around him. Plenty of reports link the Blackhawks to top-six and middle-six forwards , meaning Kyle Davidson is actively looking to give Bedard more help. Considering he didn't have a ton of help in his rookie season and still took home the Calder Trophy should mean things will only get better for Bedard and the Blackhawks in the future.

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