Connor Bedard’s Journey to Meeting Sky High Expectations 

Ted Dowd

11/16

Jeanine Leech for Getty Images

Connor Bedard, the most hyped-up NHL prospect since Sidney Crosby, has recently taken the hockey world by storm. Connor Bedard has been the center of attention in the world of NHL prospects for years thanks to his incredible level of talent, which skyrocketed him into national popularity. 

Following a broken wrist at 14, Connor Bedard greatly improved his shot. He honed in his  shooting skills, by exclusively working with his top hand, which granted him the exceptional power and release. His shot became the strength of his game, and the answer to his exceptional goal scoring. His career in the WHL (Western Hockey League) was nothing short of remarkable. Joining the league as a 15 year old in 2020, He was the first WHL player to be granted exceptional status. In his final season of the WHL, 22-23, He posted a staggering 143 points in just 57 Games. 

Just this previous season, he led Canada to back to back gold medals in the 2023 World Juniors tournament. Tallying 23 points in just 7 games, he earned the award of #1 forward, and MVP for the tournament. Bedard’s fame and news publicity catapulted him into the limelight after the Stanley cup finals concluded, and he has been the face of the NHL ever since. Even before his NHL debut, he was signed to multiple brand deals, including Lululemon, Biosteel, Sherwood and Hyundai. 

Despite the anticipation, some fans had doubts about Bedard’s abilities and how he would fare in the NHL. Concerns about his size and physicality were raised, questioning his potential in the big league.

When the draft lottery rolled around, it had been one of the most anticipated NHL events in quite some time.This event decided which team would have the opportunity of picking up Connor Bedard. At the draft lottery, the Chicago Blackhawks would be awarded the #1 draft slot, which was severely disappointing for fans. The Blackhawks were coming off of a rebuild, and had recently gotten rid of 3 of their top stars, Patrick Kane, Alex Debrincat, and Artemi Panarin. The Blackhawks had been coming off of management and workplace issues, which put them in a very negative light with the media.  Critics saw Bedard as a star player who could produce in his first year, but nowhere close to the superstar talent of players like Mcdavid and Mackinnon in just his fist season.

The first time we saw Bedard in a Hawks jersey was at the prospects tournament in Traverse city, Michigan. In his first look at a competitive NHL environment, Bedard did not disappoint. He notched 3 goals in his first game, all fantastic shots. Kicking off the preseason, Bedard impressed the Blackhawks with 5 points in just 3 games. Tallying 2 assists, and empty net against the Red Wings, Bedard showed off his ability to perform at an NHL level. 

Over the summer, Connor Bedard topped the list of most sold NHL jerseys, which for a rookie who hadn’t played their first NHL game yet, was remarkable. Weeks later, Connor Bedard would start the season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and their Captain Sidney Crosby. 

Sidney Crosby was the player Bedard idolized all throughout his early ages, who he was about to line up against in his NHL debut. This game received an enormous amount of media attention, and on October 10th, the Blackhawks vs the Pittsburgh Penguins was the most viewed regular season game of all time. In his debut, Connor notched his first NHL point off of a secondary assist to Ryan Dontato. The Blackhawks came back from a 2 goal deficit to beat the Penguins 4-2. He would score his first NHL goal, on a sneaky wraparound, the following day, in a 1-3 loss to the Boston Bruins. 

While Connor Bedard looks fantastic now, only time will tell on whether he turns into the superstar everyone acclaims him to be. His potential is undeniable, and the world will watch as he launches into his NHL career, and for the legacy he leaves on the ice. Bedards talent may carry him far, but his commitment to improvement, and work ethic will ultimately determine his success in the National Hockey League.