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New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Favorites to win Calder Trophy who aren't Connor Bedard

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 9/11/23

Hockey fans everywhere are counting down the days until they can watch Connor Bedard make his NHL debut in what is expected to be a Rookie of the Year-caliber campaign. After registering 143 points (71 goals, 72 assists) in 57 games at the WHL level last year, it's no surprise that sportsbooks from coast to coast are already listing the No. 1 overall pick by the Chicago Blackhawks as the favorite to win the Calder Trophy.

Of course, Bedard isn't the only rookie looking to take the league by storm this coming season. There is a whole crop of players primed to make an impact in their first NHL season, and oddsmakers already have an idea of which players they think have the best chance at taking the rookie honors.

Here is a look at the favorites to win the Calder Trophy this year outside of Bedard.

Luke Hughes for the win in overtime, with his first NHL goal pic.twitter.com/SRRzWDfA3i
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) April 14, 2023

Bedard may be the -140 favorite at DraftKings to win the Calder Trophy, but Luke Hughes is listed next at +700, and for good reason. The New Jersey Devils defenseman played in two NHL games last season and registered two points (one goal, one assist). The 20-year-old is expected to be a regular in the Devils lineup this season and will be Calder eligible, so fans can expect more highlight-reel performances from him in 2023-24.

Adam Fantilli is another strong candidate to win the Calder, listed at +1100 odds at DK. The third overall pick from the 2023 NHL Draft is coming off of a big season playing college hockey at the University of Michigan, where he registered 65 points (30 goals, 35 assists) in 36 games. The Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to stay healthier this season and make the playoffs for the first time since 2019, and a big rookie campaign from Fantilli could help get them there.

Rounding out the favorites to win the Calder are Logan Cooley and Devon Levi, both listed at +1200. Cooley was the third overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft, taken by the Arizona Coyotes, and is considered one of the world's top prospects, while goaltender Levi is aiming to get the Buffalo Sabres back to the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

The NHL season officially gets underway on Oct. 10 when Bedard and the Blackhawks take on Sidney Crosby — the Calder Trophy runner-up in 2005-06 — and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Don't be surprised if Bedard and his fellow rookies start making their cases to be the NHL's best newcomer from the first drop of the puck.

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