Blackhawks star forward named early candidate to secure prestigious award

Connor Bedard has a Calder Trophy to his name.

Won during his first season in the NHL as the rookie MVP in 2023-24. He'd be a nominee from the beginning of his rookie campaign, and even despite suffering a broken jaw, which kept him out a significant amount of time, he locked in.

He'd defeat defenseman Brock Faber for the piece when it came down to the final stretch of voting.

Scoring 61 points in his first season (22-39), he overcame a broken jaw and the odds to do so. Now in his third year in the NHL, Bedard has become a silent candidate for one of the league's most prestigious awards, the Hart Trophy.

Joining the ranks of elite forwards who have won it before, like Connor McDavid, he could find himself competing against some of the best down the stretch before the victor is known.

Joining him this year are David Pastrnak, Leo Carlsson (3rd in 2023), Macklin Celebrini (1st in 2024), and Nathan MacKinnon.

The youth movement in the NHL is taking over.

In a choice that surprised us all, the NHL selected goaltender Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets last season to win the illustrious trophy.

He was the 1st goalie to win the gear since 2014-15, and this season could be a return to normalcy, as the young stars are taking over the NHL.

That includes Macklin Celebrini, who has been off to a hot start this year with 26 points (10-16) in 17 games.

Connor Bedard is putting up a great fight, with 25 points (9-16) in 16 games, just a point shy of Celebrini.

Does Connor Bedard deserve a Hart Trophy?