Bedards was again recognized as the best rookie of the month in the NHL

Conor Bedard | Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images/AFP

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard was recognized as the best young player of the month of the National Hockey League (NHL), according to the organizers of the tournament.

In March, the 18-year-old Canadian collected 17 (4+13) points in 14 games, and in total he has 58 (21+37) points in 61 matches this season. Bedards was also recognized as the best rookie in November and December. The last person to be recognized as the best young player in his debut season at least three months ago was Edmonton “Oilers” forward Connor McDavid in the 2015/2016 season.

In the fight for the honor of the best rookie in March, the first pick of last year’s draft was ahead of the New Jersey Devils defender Luke Hughes, who collected 12 (1+11) points in 15 games, and the Arizona Coyotes forward Logan Cooley, who scored 11 (8+) in 15 games 3) points.

Colorado Avalanche goalkeeper Justus Annunen (four wins in five games, one shutout, 95.2% shooting percentage and an average of 1.51 goals against) and Montreal Canadiens goaltender Kayden Primo also claimed the honor of the best young player of the month. (in five games, three wins, one “dry” match, 93.9% of shots saved and an average of 1.97 goals conceded.).

Bedards became the third Blackhawks player in history to score at least 17 points in one month in his debut season. Steve Larmer did it before him in December 1982 (9+10) and March 1983 (8+9), as well as Jeremy Renick in December 1989 (7+11).

Bedards scored five (1+4) points in the March 12 match against the Anaheim “Ducks”, becoming the fifth 18-year-old player to score at least five points in one match. Before him, it was done by Jack Hamilton in the 1943/1944 season, Dale Haverchuk (in the 1982/1983 season), Ilya Kovalchuk (in the 2001/2002 season) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (in the 2011/2012 season ).

Despite missing 14 games due to injury, Bedard is the top scorer (21), assists (37) and total points (58) among all rookies. Also, the Canadian is the leader in shots taken (194) and winning goals scored (2). Among rookies, Bedard is second in most assists (16) and most points (19), fourth in most goals scored (3) and fifth in average ice time (19 minutes, 45 seconds).