Fans debate Connor Bedard winning Calder Memorial Trophy over Brock Faber: "Rigged that was Faber's award" "Well deserved"

Connor Bedard won the 2024 Calder Memorial Trophy. The Chicago Blackhawks rookie, who was picked first overall, led all rookies in goals (22), points (61) and tied Minnesota Wild's Brock Faber with 39 assists.

Minnesota Wild rookie defenseman Bedard was Bedard's competitor for the Calder Memorial Trophy, being the only other player to receive 42 first-place votes. Bedard received 152 first-place votes, 38 second-place votes and three third-place votes.

NHL fans were divided after Bedard took home Rookie of the Year honors. Reactions poured in on social media platform X (formerly Twitter); here are the best ones:

"rigged that was faber's award congrats on the mickey mouse trophy."

One fan opined the award was Brock Faber's to win and gave Bedard a rather salty congratulation.

One fan pointed out Bedard's defensive shortcomings throughout the season.

"Definitely not rookie of the year when you can't play defense." wrote @durston_kate

One fan pointed out the stark difference in the overall league placements of Connor Bedard and Brock Faber in their respective positions.

"Bedard 77th out of all forward in points. Faber 27th out of defensemen, played massive minutes in the top pair, and PP and PK" wrote maidl_a

Some fans opined that the 18-year-old Blackhawks rookie deserved the award.

"Deserved. Still had the most points while injured. if Faber truly was good he would've caught if not passed Bedard and won the Calfer, but he didn't" wrote #monfero1223

"Congrats to Bedard! Well deserved!" wrote @chricampasano

Supporting his Calder Trophy win, one fan made a bold claim regarding Connor Bedard's future with the Blackhawks.

"Just the beginning. Bedard will bring a minmum of 3 cups to Chicago" wrote @Gobucks5240

Despite fans debating the more deserving Calder Memorial Trophy winner, Connor Bedard had only good words to say about Brock Faber.

“He’s a great player. He was, all year, just a rock for them and what he did not only offensively but his all-around game was remarkable. He’s going to be a fun guy to watch for a lot of years,” Bedard said via NHL.com.

Connor Bedard made Chicago Blackhawks history with Calder Memorial Trophy win

The Chicago Blackhawks have drafted some of the most elite NHL players over the years, and Connor Bedard is now part of an elite group of players from the Blackhawks organization that has won the Calder Memorial Trophy.

The nine other Chicago Blackhawks players to have previously won the award are:

• Artemi Panarin (2015-16)
• Patrick Kane (2007–08)
• Ed Belfour (1990–91)
• Steve Larmer (1982–83)
• Tony Esposito (1969–70)
• Bill Hay (1959–60)
• Ed Litzenberger (1954–55),
• Cully Dahlstrom (1937–38) and
• Mike Karakas (1935–36).

In his acceptance speech, Connor Bedard lauded his Rookie of the Year award finalists, Brock Faber and Luke Hughes. He also thanked the Chicago Blackhawks organization, the fans and his family, who were in attendance at the 2024 NHL Awards.