Connor Bedard, despite missing 14 games due to injury, led all NHL rookies in goals (22) and points (61), earning him the Calder Trophy. Throughout the season, he captivated fans with his impressive skills, justifying his selection as the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. In one memorable game against the Blues in St. Louis, he executed "The Michigan," scoring a lacrosse-style goal by backhanding the puck into the top shelf. Just four days later in Chicago, he scored his first-ever overtime goal, electrifying the home crowd. Starting deep in the defensive zone, Bedard picked up speed as he skated up the ice with the puck. With both defensemen retreating, he stopped in the high slot and unleashed a wrist shot that beat the goaltender.