Big Ten Produces Pair of NHL Calder Memorial Trophy Finalists

ROSEMONT, Ill. — Chicago's Connor Bedard is sharing the spotlight with two former Big Ten players as finalists were announced for the Calder Memorial Trophy, presented to the NHL's top rookie.

The Minnesota Wild's Brock Faber and New Jersey Devils' Luke Hughes excelled in their debut seasons.

Faber finished third in rookie scoring with 47 points (8 goals, 39 assists) in 82 games. The defenseman led rookies in ice time while setting Wild rookie records for assists and defenseman scoring. He played three seasons (2020-23) at Minnesota and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year his junior season.

Hughes placed second in rookie scoring, totaling 47 points (9 goals, 38 assists) in 82 contests. A defenseman, he led NHL rookies in power play assists (21) and points (25). Hughes played two seasons (2021-23) at Michigan, earning All-America honors his sophomore campaign.

In addition to Faber and Hughes, several other Big Ten products turned in outstanding rookie seasons. Former Golden Gopher Logan Cooley notched 44 points in 82 games with the Arizona Coyotes — his 21 goals ranking second-most among first-year players. Minnesota teammate Matthew Knies compiled 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 80 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Michigan's Adam Fantilli missed a portion of the season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but still managed to collect 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in 49 games.

In all, 94 Big Ten players appeared in the NHL during the 2023-24 regular season.