Connor Bedard Is Starting to Look Like That Guy-And the NHL Should Take Notice
For a player who entered the league with Connor McDavid-level expectations, the early chapters of Connor Bedard’s NHL career were always going to be dissected under a microscope. Being hailed as the next generational talent is a lot to carry-especially when you're trying to find your footing on a rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks roster that’s still miles away from contention.
Bedard’s rookie campaign was solid by any realistic standard: 61 points in 68 games, including 22 goals and 39 assists. But the hype that followed him from the World Juniors and his WHL days in Regina wasn’t built on “realistic.”
It was built on highlight reels, jaw-dropping hands, and a scoring touch that made him look like a cheat code against junior competition. So when year two saw only a modest bump-67 points in a full 82-game slate-some were quick to wonder if the superstar label had been premature.
Well, those doubts aren’t just fading now-they’re getting buried.
Bedard’s Year Three Breakout Is No Fluke
Sunday night’s 5-3 win over the Ducks was a showcase of everything that makes Bedard special. He racked up four points-two goals and two assists-and did it in style, including a goal that left Ville Husso grasping at air. It was the kind of play that turns heads and fills highlight reels, but more importantly, it was another example of Bedard imposing his will on a game.
Through 25 games this season, Bedard has 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists), tying him for second in league scoring alongside fellow phenom Macklin Celebrini, and trailing only Nathan MacKinnon. That’s not just a hot start-it’s elite production from a 20-year-old still adapting to the grind of an 82-game NHL season.
But this isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about how Bedard is getting them.
His vision is sharper. His release is quicker.
His confidence is unmistakable. He’s no longer just reacting to the pace of the NHL-he’s dictating it.
Plays are running through him now. Defenders are adjusting to him.
Goalies are bracing for him. That’s the evolution we’ve been waiting to see, and it’s happening in real time.
More Than Just Points-Bedard’s Fire Is Fueling the Blackhawks
What’s stood out just as much as the production is the edge Bedard is playing with. He’s not just showing up on the scoresheet-he’s showing up in the scrums.
A few weeks back, he got into it with Josh Anderson. On Sunday, he was right in the thick of things again at the final whistle.
It’s not about fighting or physicality-it’s about presence. Bedard isn’t backing down from anyone, and that’s the kind of spark that can ignite a locker room.
That edge matters, especially on a team like Chicago that’s still piecing together its identity. The Blackhawks weren’t expected to sniff the playoff picture this season, but Bedard’s play is starting to shift that narrative. He’s not just keeping them competitive-he’s dragging them into the conversation.
Is the Hart Trophy in Play?
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves-but let’s not ignore the possibility, either.
If Bedard keeps this pace up, we’re not just talking about a breakout season. We’re talking about MVP-level impact. He’s carrying a young, thin roster into games they have no business winning, and he’s doing it with the kind of flair and fearlessness that makes you believe in the rebuild.
He’s still only 20. He’s still learning. But right now, Connor Bedard looks every bit like the player he was hyped to be-and maybe even more.
The kid is cooking. And the rest of the league better take note.