It’s been a long time since we’ve seen an 18-year-old join the NHL’s elite (top of the top) in his first season with the pros.
Most points in a season by an 18-year-old in the last 30 years:
102 – Sidney Crosby
64 – Patrik Laine
63 – Jeff Skinner
63 – Nathan MacKinnon
52 – Ryan Nugent-HopkinsWill a player ever make an immediate impact on the league like this again? pic.twitter.com/b89K4Bd4XN
– Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) July 29, 2023
Connor McDavid, who produced at a rate of 90 points over 82 games, was 10% below Sidney Crosby.
Naturally, Connor Bedard is expected to be the ideal candidate to challenge Crosby’s figure. In a very, very offensive NHL, 102 points seems very possible for one of the most anticipated talents in league history…
However, some observers are not convinced that the Calder Trophy is in the bag for Bedard.
Nothing is guaranteed for a young man who will be taking his first steps in a totally different kind of field hockey. Some are not even predicting a point per game for the first overall pick. Are we thinking too hard?
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It’s true, however, that there will be plenty of competition for the Rookie of the Year title.
Logan Cooley, who was expected to remain in the NCAA for another year, has finally signed his entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes. He joins Adam Fantilli among the top offensive prospects who could challenge Bedard in his first NHL season.
In fact, at 19, Cooley is probably the second favorite in the race for the title. Since being drafted, his value has increased in the eyes of young player observers, and he too will be handed the keys to the franchise with the Arizona Coyotes.
Calder Trophy: Connor Bedard will have some competition(@KDubeJDQ) https://t.co/LAVNsuJ1OL
– Le Journal de Montréal (@JdeMontreal) July 30, 2023
Among defensemen, Luke Hughes and Brandt Clarke are also mentioned as candidates. However, we have to admit that they would both need an absolutely incredible season to compete with the forwards vying for the trophy.
There’s also talk of goaltender Devon Levi and even Leaf Matthew Knies.
But we’re not so sure…
For now, Bedard’ s odds against everyone else are interesting.
In a gust
– It’s all settled.
Arizona and Jack McBain have a 2x$1.6M settlement, avoiding arbitration
– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 30, 2023
– Piette’s career path.
In six years, Samuel Piette has gone from anonymous player to Montreal soccer star.
It’s an evolution filled with beauty, but also with challenges, such as managing his new life in the spotlight. Interview. #CFMTL https://t.co/g0TeegcgNA
– Justin Vézina (@justvez) July 30, 2023
– New role for Rene Bourque.
One of the lead instructors this week is Rene Bourque. The Métis citizen took his game to the ultimate level, playing 12 seasons in the National Hockey League and representing Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympicshttps://t.co/U1s7Y5tGNd
– Field hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) July 30, 2023