Connor Bedard, the 18-year-old rookie sensation of the Chicago Blackhawks, has already achieved a level of fame and success that few hockey players can match. He is widely regarded as a generational talent, a once-in-a-lifetime player who can dominate the game with his skill, speed and vision. He has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest names in hockey history, such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby.
A Record-Breaking Debut Season
Bedard’s debut season in the NHL has been nothing short of spectacular. He has scored 25 goals and 32 assists in his first 26 games, leading the league in points and setting a new record for the most points by a rookie in NHL history. He has also recorded four hat tricks, two five-point games and a six-point game, becoming the youngest player to achieve each of those feats.
Bedard’s performance has earned him praise from his teammates, coaches and opponents alike. He has also won several awards, including the Rookie of the Month for October and November, and the First Star of the Week for three consecutive weeks. He is the frontrunner for the Calder Trophy as the best rookie in the league, and a strong candidate for the Hart Trophy as the most valuable player.
A Sensational Journey to the NHL
Bedard’s journey to the NHL has been sensational from the start. He was born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, on July 17, 2005, to Tom and Melanie Bedard. His great-great uncle, James Bedard, played 22 games for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1949 to 1951.
Bedard began playing hockey at age four or five, and soon showed signs of his extraordinary talent. He played for West Van Academy of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League from 2018 to 2020, where he scored 176 points and 107 goals in 66 games for the program’s U15 and U18 teams. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player both seasons.
In March 2020, Bedard became the first player in Western Hockey League history — and seventh in Canadian Hockey League history — to be granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada, which allowed him to play in the major junior ranks before the required age of 16. He was selected by the Regina Pats with the first overall pick of the WHL Bantam Draft in June 2020.
Bedard played three seasons with the Pats, where he shattered records and dazzled fans with his skills. He scored 28 points in his first season, which was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic. He then exploded for 100 points in his second season, and 143 points in his third season, leading the league in goals (71), points and points per game (2.51). He also went on a 35-game point streak (44-46—90), which was the longest in WHL history. He became the first player in CHL history to sweep Player of the Year, Top Prospect and Top Scorer awards.
Bedard also impressed on the international stage, representing Canada at various tournaments. He cemented himself as a top prospect at the 2023 World Junior Championship, where he led all players in goals (9), assists (14) and points (23) in only seven games. He helped Canada win the gold medal, and was named the Most Valuable Player, Best Forward and a Tournament All-Star.
A Bright Future Ahead
Bedard’s dream came true when he was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks with the first overall pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team on July 1, 2023.
Bedard made his NHL debut on October 10, 2023, against the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he faced one of his idols, Sidney Crosby. He recorded his first NHL point with an assist on a goal by Patrick Kane. He scored his first NHL goal two days later against the Washington Capitals.
Since then, Bedard has been a force to be reckoned with on the ice. He plays on a line with Taylor Hall and Kane, forming one of the most potent offensive trios in the league. He also plays on the power play and penalty kill units, showcasing his versatility and reliability.
Bedard has quickly become a fan favorite in Chicago and across the hockey world. He has attracted media attention and social media followers with his dazzling plays and humble personality. He has also been featured on several platforms, such as Sports Illustrated, ESPN and TNT.
Bedard has already reached a status reserved for hockey’s biggest stars. But he is not satisfied with his achievements so far. He wants to keep improving his game and help his team win more games. He has his sights set on bigger goals, such as winning the Stanley Cup and becoming one of the best players of all time.
