L.E. Baskow / AP
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard speaks with the media after winning the Calder Memorial Trophy at hockey’s NHL Awards, Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Thursday, June 27, 2024 | 7:12 p.m.
Connor Bedard at this time last year was waiting for his name to be called in the NHL draft.
The Blackhawks took the teenage forward with the first overall pick, quickly put him in the lineup and watched as he put on a show.
Bedard, 18, took the league by storm in finishing with 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points over 68 games.
At the NHL Awards on Thursday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Bedard was honored for his breakthrough season with the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie.
“It’s an individual award, but it’s cool to celebrate it with your teammates and family,” he said. “It’s a cool moment.”
Chicago picks No. 2 overall Friday in the NHL Draft at the Sphere, meaning the franchise could select another franchise-changing player to pair with Bedard.
“I don’t want every time I score a goal to be a big deal because I’m the youngest kid or whatever,” Bedard said “I’m looking forward to just having that behind me and getting to move forward.”
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes holds the James Norris Memorial Trophy at hockey's NHL Awards, Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes took home the Norris Trophy, given to the league’s top defenseman. He led all defensemen in points scored with 92 in 82 games.
It’s the first time he’s been nominated for the award, beating 12-year NHL veteran and 2020 Norris Trophy winner Roman Josi of Nashville and Colorado’s Cale Makar, the 2022 winner.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck holds the Vezina Trophy at hockey's NHL Awards, Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck won the Vezina Trophy for the second time in his career. He posted a .916 save percentage and a 37-19-4 record, which included five shutouts.
“It’s an honor. Growing up my whole goal is to be the best in the world. This is a stepping stone for it,” Hellebuyck said. “That’s not something that’s just given or awarded. It’s earned every single day.”
This is the second time he’s won the award, the first being in 2020. Hellebuyck shared the story of how he became a goalie, a position most players stray away from when they start playing hockey.
“They (his parents) just wanted me to do whatever I wanted to do,” Hellebuyck said. “That’s the same philosophy for my kids. It’s a great lesson they taught me. You’ve got to love what you do.”
Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon stands with his trophies as the recipient of the Hart Memorial Trophy, left, and Ted Lindsay Award at hockey's NHL Awards, Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon won the biggest award of the night, the Hart Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player. He recorded 40 points off 51 goals and 89 assists. It’s the first time he’s won the award after being nominated four times. He also won the Ted Lindsay Award, which is given to the most outstanding player as voted on by the players.
“I honestly never thought that I’d win these,” MacKinnon said on winning the Hart and Lindsay. “It’s very special. Like I said in my speech, every player I grew up idolizing has their name on these things. To be a part of that company is surreal.”
