Blackhawks vs. Sharks: Bedard and Celebrini Draw the Headlines, But It’s the Teams Telling the Real Story
CHICAGO - When you’ve got two No. 1 overall picks from the same hometown, both tagged with the “generational talent” label, comparisons are inevitable. Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini are already linked in the minds of fans and analysts alike - Bedard went first overall to the Blackhawks in 2023, Celebrini followed suit with the Sharks in 2024, and now they’re both centerpieces of rebuilding Western Conference franchises.
But while the spotlight shines brightly on the two young stars, the bigger story might be the teams they’re leading.
“I think it’s good for the game to have that,” Bedard said of the constant comparisons. “Stuff like that’s fun for fans and obviously brings interest into the game.”
It’s fun, sure. But if you ask Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill, the more meaningful comparison isn’t between Bedard and Celebrini - it’s between Chicago and San Jose.
“I’m sure the fans like it. They want to see those types of stories,” Blashill said. “The reality is, though, the comparison over the years should be about the Chicago Blackhawks and the San Jose Sharks.”
And right now, that comparison favors San Jose.
The two franchises have been scraping the bottom of the NHL standings over the last couple of seasons - 31st and 32nd, respectively - but the Sharks are beginning to climb. While Chicago continues to struggle through a rough stretch, San Jose is trending up, with Celebrini leading the charge and the team eyeing its first postseason appearance since 2019.
Heading into Monday’s matchup at the United Center, the Sharks (27-22-4) have already surpassed last season’s win total and are showing signs of real growth. Their offense is clicking - they’re averaging half a goal more per game than last year - and the goaltending has tightened up. San Jose’s 11-4 record in overtime games speaks to a team learning how to win the close ones.
General manager Mike Grier has had his hits and misses in the trade and free agent markets, but there’s no question he’s added valuable veteran experience to support a young, talented core. One of his boldest moves came on January 19, when he sent two second-round picks to Vancouver for forward Kiefer Sherwood, a pending UFA. Grier is reportedly still looking to make a splash, with interest in acquiring skilled Rangers winger Artemi Panarin and potentially locking him up long-term.
Of course, none of this happens without Celebrini. The rookie has been electric, sitting fourth in the league in scoring with 79 points in 53 games - numbers that have him squarely in the Hart Trophy conversation.
“He’s having such a good career and he’s such a great player, but it doesn’t happen by accident,” Bedard said of Celebrini. The two trained together this past offseason and have a healthy respect for each other’s work ethic.
“He puts in a ton of time and effort. For both of us, getting to compete against each other every day, having that competition - we’ve got a great group of guys that skate in the summer - it’s always fun.”
Asked if Celebrini’s success pushes him to raise his game, Bedard kept the focus internal: “I’m rooting for him to do well. We’re both our own people, our own players.
I work on my game. I’m not kind of comparing myself too much to other guys.
I’m rooting for him to be great, and I’m trying to be the best version of myself.”
And despite the Blackhawks’ struggles, Bedard has taken a step forward in his own right. He’s put up 52 points in 42 games, and those numbers would likely be even higher if not for a shoulder injury that sidelined him for 12 games in December. Since his return, though, the team has stumbled.
On January 11, the day after Bedard came back, the Blackhawks were 19-19-7 and just three points out of a playoff spot. But a 2-6-2 skid since then has them falling fast. With 27 games left, they’re now nine points back of the Kings for the final Western Conference wild card.
General manager Kyle Davidson has pivoted fully into a youth movement. After bringing in a handful of veterans over the past two seasons - most of whom didn’t pan out - Davidson is now leaning heavily on a new generation, with Bedard, winger Frank Nazar, and defenseman Alex Vlasic leading the charge.
There’s optimism around the future. In recent months, both ESPN and The Athletic ranked the Blackhawks’ prospect pool as the fourth-best in the NHL.
The Sharks? They topped the list.
“I don’t think there’s anything really that we’re missing or disappointed with,” Davidson told the Chicago Tribune. “It’s all part of the process. We have taken a nice step this year, all in service to the long-term plan.”
Bedard echoed that sentiment, though from a player’s perspective: “As players, I don’t think we really look at it as rebuilding. We try to go win every game.
We’ve got a lot of great players, a lot of young players coming up, a lot of guys that aren’t here yet. But that’s more for management to look at.”
The foundation is there for both teams. The Sharks and Blackhawks are building around elite young talent, stockpiling prospects, and trying to find the right veterans to help guide the way. If things break right, this could be a rivalry that defines the Western Conference for years to come.
But for now, San Jose is ahead in the race.
When asked whether he was looking forward to facing Celebrini on Monday, Bedard kept it simple: “It’s Blackhawks versus Sharks. I don’t think (Celebrini or I) really look at that if you ask him the same thing. Obviously, I’m looking forward to seeing him just off the ice and saying hi, but it’s just another game.”
Maybe for them. But for the rest of us, it’s a glimpse into the future - and a reminder that the real story isn’t just the stars. It’s the teams they’re trying to lift.