The Hockey News

In our 2024 Rookie Issue, our cover story focuses on two Minnesota freshmen who are making their marks in Year 1: Brock Faber and Marco Rossi. We also take a deep dive into Connor Bedard's game by speaking with his junior coach/GM and a group of pro scouts, and we profile two other sensational rookies: Connor Zary and Dmitri Voronkov. In addition, we look at what's led to the successful start of the PWHL and preview the NHL trade deadline, with breakdowns for all 32 clubs.

THE RACE IS NOW ON

MASTHEAD

6 Days In Ukraine Feedback

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE OLD GUARD • In an issue where we celebrate the next generation of NHL stars, let’s tip our caps to the greybeard greats who are still getting it done in a big way

‘WOMEN’S HOCKEY WORKS’ • There’s no question the PWHL has a few things to figure out – like team names and logos and merchandising and venues – but the early runaway success of the new unified women’s league cannot be denied

BEHIND THE MASK

JERSEY HOUND

HIRED GUN-O-METER • Despite living in an age of own-rentals and rent-to-own deals, where big-name acquisitions are signed soon after arriving, there’s still room for one-and-done types. But in the true rental category – players who plied their trade for one post-season before departing in free agency – who has been the best?

IN THE CARDS

THE COUNTDOWN • The Sabres, Jackets and Canadiens check in as the NHL’s most youthful teams, while the Isles, Wild and Penguins could use a few more kids in the lineup

NEW FANS HAVE A PAL IN AL • Moncton fan is determined to share his love of the junior game with new Canadians

Five Times The NHLPA Snubbed The NHL • The players’ union and the league haven’t always seen eye to eye when it comes to merchandise. Here are five examples of NHLPA-endorsed products that the NHL didn’t buy into

HOBBY HULLABALOO • Hockey card collecting and the Sport Card Expo are still going strong since COVID restrictions were lifted

‘’IN HIS FIRST GAME IN THE NHL, HE WAS THE BEST PLAYER ON THE ICE’ • John Paddock, who was coach and GM of the Regina Pats during Connor Bedard’s WHL career, has been keeping a close eye on the young star’s big-league progress, and, like just about everyone else, he’s plenty impressed with what he’s seen so far

THE BEDARD BREAKDOWN • Connor Bedard has more than matched the hype as an NHL rookie on a superstar trajectory. How’s he doing it? We talked to NHL pro scouts, who looked at 10 different facets of the Blackhawks prodigy’s game

STAY AT HOME DEFENSEMAN • Minnesota born-and-bred Brock Faber is playing more than any other NHL rookie, and he’s putting up points, too. And while the Calder Trophy depends on the health of you-know-who, don’t forget about the two-way D-man with elite mobility and hockey smarts

WORTH THE WAIT • Marco Rossi overcame a health scare after being drafted ninth overall in 2020, and now he’s repaying the Wild for their patience

ANOTHER CONNOR TO CONSIDER • Edmonton has a pretty good Connor, and Chicago does, too. And while nobody is saying that Calgary’s Connor Zary is going to turn into McDavid or Bedard, the Flames have an undeniable offensive weapon in the playmaking, sharpshooting rookie

BETTER EVERY DAY • Dmitri Voronkov had a difficult transition to life in North America, but he’s now fitting in and proving himself to be ‘sneaky tough’ on and off the ice in Columbus

THAT CRAZY CALDER • From a 13-game winner to a 31-year-old, there have been some unique storylines around the NHL’s award for rookie of the year

CHARACTER COACH • The Capitals’ Spencer Carbery hasn't shied away from the difficult decisions in his rookie season as an NHL bench boss. And he credits his ECHL beginnings...