Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard named rookie of the month for March

Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard was named NHL rookie of the month for March, marking the first time a player has earned the award three times in one season since the Oilers’ Connor McDavid did so in 2015-16.

Bedard, 18, who was also rookie of the month for November and December, led all first-year players with three goals and 14 assists in 14 games.

If not for breaking his jaw in early January, Bedard might have won it again. Instead, he missed 14 games that kept him out of the lineup until the middle of February. Despite the absences, he still leads all rookies this season in goals (21), assists (36), and points (57). The Devils’ Luke Hughes and Wild’s Brock Faber are a distant second in points, tied with 41.

Hughes (one goal and 11 assists 15 games), Coyotes centre Logan Cooley (eight goals, three assists in 15 games), Avalanche goaltender Justus Annunen (4‑1-0, 1.51 GAA, .952 SV%, 1 SO) and Canadiens goalie Cayden Primeau (3-1-1, 1.97 GAA, .939 SV%, 1 SO) were all considered for the honour.