Connor Bedard’s Breakout Season Is Quieting Trade Talk - For Now
For all the noise that’s followed Connor Bedard since his rookie year - whispers about his future in Chicago, dreams of a homecoming to Vancouver - the 20-year-old phenom is letting his play do the talking this season. And right now, that conversation is sounding a lot like: “I’m just getting started.”
Through the ups and downs of his first two NHL campaigns, Bedard showed flashes of the elite talent that made him the No. 1 overall pick. But this season? He’s putting it all together - and the Chicago Blackhawks are feeling the effects.
Bedard’s Early Struggles Were Real - But Context Matters
Let’s rewind for a second. Bedard’s rookie year in 2023-24 saw him post 61 points in 68 games - solid numbers for a teenager adjusting to the NHL grind.
He followed that up with a full 82-game slate and 67 points in year two. But if you just looked at the goal totals - 22 and 23, respectively - or the combined minus-80 rating, you might’ve missed the bigger picture.
Same goes for the possession numbers. His career even-strength Corsi sits at 44%, and last season’s takeaway/giveaway ratio dipped to 26 takeaways against 90 giveaways. That tied him for 20th among forwards in giveaways - not ideal, but also not uncommon for a young player tasked with carrying a rebuilding team’s offense on his shoulders.
And that’s the key context here: Bedard hasn’t had much help. Chicago has been in the thick of a rebuild, and Bedard has often been the focal point of opposing defenses. Without elite linemates to share the load, he’s had to force plays, take risks, and learn on the fly.
Chicago’s Patience Is Paying Off
To their credit, the Blackhawks didn’t flinch. Despite the swirling rumors and outside noise, the front office stayed the course, building patiently around their franchise centerpiece. And now, it’s starting to show.
They’ve added promising young talent like Artyom Levshunov - the second overall pick in 2024 - and Frank Nazar, the 13th pick from 2022. Levshunov, in particular, has made a strong impression early this season with 13 points in 24 games and is earning more minutes as his confidence grows.
Sure, it would’ve been a storybook twist to see Chicago land Macklin Celebrini - another North Vancouver native - in the 2024 draft to pair with Bedard. But Levshunov is proving to be a foundational piece in his own right, and the Hawks are finally starting to look like a team with a direction.
Bedard’s Game Is Evolving - Fast
Now in his third season, Bedard is turning heads for all the right reasons. His offensive instincts have always been elite, but this year he’s added new layers to his game.
He’s improved his faceoff percentage by over 10%, now sitting just shy of 50% at the dot - a major step forward for a young center. He’s averaging a career-high 21:15 of ice time per game, taking on tougher matchups and more responsibility. And on November 21st, he was named an alternate captain for the first time in a regular season game - a clear sign of his growing leadership role in the room.
This isn’t just a hot streak. It’s a leap.
Trade Talk? Not So Fast
With Bedard unsigned beyond this season, the speculation machine is running - especially with the salary cap expected to rise and offer sheet possibilities looming. But the idea of him being moved, either via trade or offer sheet, still feels like a long shot.
For one, the cost would be massive. Any team looking to pry Bedard away via offer sheet would likely need to shell out four first-round picks - a steep price, even for a generational talent. And let’s be real: the Blackhawks aren’t in the business of letting cornerstone players walk away.
That hasn’t stopped the Vancouver chatter, of course. The Canucks would love to bring the North Shore native home - and pairing him with Elias Pettersson down the middle would be a dream scenario. It would also go a long way toward convincing Quinn Hughes to stick around long-term, giving the Canucks two elite talents to build around.
But for now, that’s just fantasy.
What Comes Next?
It is a bit unusual to see a player of Bedard’s caliber reach the final year of his entry-level deal without a contract extension - or even public signs of negotiations. That silence only adds fuel to the rumor mill.
Still, it’s hard to imagine Chicago letting things get away from them. Bedard is delivering the kind of season that puts all doubts to rest, and if the Blackhawks were waiting to see him take that next step before locking him up, well - he’s taking it.
Until pen meets paper, the speculation will continue. But right now, the Blackhawks are in control. They’ve got a rising star, a growing young core, and a front-row seat to one of the league’s most exciting breakout campaigns.
Connor Bedard in a Canucks jersey? It’s a fun thought. But as of today, he’s the centerpiece of a Blackhawks team that’s finally starting to turn the corner - and he’s playing like he knows it.