Connor Bedard calder rival issues statement towards him

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Joshua Deeds
April 9, 2024 (8:46 PM)

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Between two competitors, sportsmanship is one of the highest qualities you can represent yourself with.

Brock Faber has it, as the Calder Trophy race tightens between himself and Connor Bedard. The first-year defenseman, who has assumed the #1 defenseman role in the Minnesota Wild organization has had high praise for Connor Bedard.

Despite the Wild shutting down the Blackhawks 4-0, he would show Bedard a massive of amount of respect with his compliment of the rookie center.

"Obviously, it's awesome to see," Faber said. "He's a superstar. He's incredible.

"Playing against him, you gotta' know where he is on the ice every time he steps on the ice. He's that good."

Faber albeit one of the top rookies in the Calder Trophy hunt has admitted he hasn't even kept track of the Calder race, as he is focused on winning games.

"But other than that, I'm not focused on any of the Calder stuff," Faber said. "I'm just focused on winning games and, again, just putting my best foot forward."

Bedard continues to lead all NHL rookies with 22 goals and 59 points in 63 games this season. The Wild would stifle Bedard on Sunday, with 1 shot on goal and 3 shot attempts.

The Wild ended up sweeping the series with the Blackhawks 3-0, along with outscoring them 10-2. The Wild would also hold Bedard to only 1 assist in 2 games, as he missed one game in the series due to a broken jaw.

Both players found different paths to the NHL, as Faber is a product of the USNTDP program, and a Minnesota Golden Gopher and would go pro after the 2022-2023 NCAA season ended.

"The National Development Team program, you get thrown into uncomfortable situations kind of right away as a 15- 16-year-old kid, playing against guys that are bigger, older and stronger," Faber said. "Playing with the Gophers, the same thing. Playing in front of big crowds and playing big important games against guys that are older than you or physically bigger than you, whatever it is.

"Those definitely prepared me and allowed me to just be able to play my game this year."

Faber would be selected in the 2020 NHL Draft, in the 2nd round by the Los Angeles Kings, and would be shipped to the Minnesota Wild, with a 1st round pick for Kevin Fiala.

Bedard found his path to the NHL through the WHL and the Regina Pats and was the 1st pick of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Source: The Hockey News
Connor Bedard Praised By Calder Competitor Brock Faber: "He's A Superstar."