Connor Bedard's Rookie Season

Connor Bedard’s rookie season was quite interesting. After being drafted first overall in the 2023 NHL draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, on his 18th birthday, he signed a three-year entry-level contract (ELC).

October 2023

On October 10th, 2023, Bedard played his first professional NHL game and became the fifth youngest active player to debut. The Blackhawks face the Penguins that night. Bedard took the first face-off against Crosby and was greeted by referee Kelly Sutherland as he told him, “Connor. Welcome to the NHL, man”. In his debut, Bedard got his first point off a secondary assist on a goal from Ryan Donato. Bedard was 2 for 13 on face-offs and led the Blackhawks in shots that night with five. Bedard scored his first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins in his second game. Even though the Blackhawks lost 3-1 that night, Bedard said he felt “very fortunate” about the position he was put in and the chance he got. Bedard played nine games in October, scored four goals, two assists for six points and was a -5. These are not the greatest numbers to look at.

November 2023

Bedard had one of his best months as he scored six goals and had six assists for 12 points in the 12 games he played that month. His first two-goal game happened on November 9th against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He also had two assists on the same night. This also happened to be Bedard’s first multi-point night as he finished the game with four points. Unfortunately, by the end of the month, he was a -9, which makes him a -14 in total. However, he was named Rookie of the Month. 

December 2023

Bedard had another great month. He scored five goals and had ten assists for 15 points in the 15 games he played that month. He was doing very well for a rookie on a heavily struggling Chicago Blackhawks team. Many people thought that Bedard would be consistent and keep the pace he was at or even exceed it. There are a few flaws to his game such as his face-offs and defence. Bedard was a -5 in December which makes him a -19 in total at the moment. It is something he can work on for the next year and more importantly, next season. Bedard was also named Rookie of the Month in December making him a x2 and back-to-back Rookie of the Month.

January 2024

Unfortunately for Bedard, his Calder Trophy campaign was halted. He only played three games due to getting injured in the third game on January 5th against the New Jersey Devils. Bedard suffered a fractured jaw. Three days after the injury he went for surgery and would miss four to eight weeks of playing. Out of those three games he played, he recorded no goals, assists or points and was a -3 bringing his total to a -22. Bedard was also selected for the NHL All-Star Game to represent the Blackhawks but did not play due to injury. However, he still attended the event.

February 2024

On February 15th, 2024 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bedard made his on-ice return since January 5th, 2024. But instead of wearing a visor, he wore a bubble to protect his still-healing jaw. Bedard had an assist that night but the Blackhawks lost 4-1. Bedard played seven games in February. He had two goals and five assists for seven points which is pretty impressive since coming back from injury. Unfortunately for Bedard, he was a -7 in February, bringing his total to -29.

March 2024

Bedard would go on to have the best month of his career. Out of the 14 games he played, he scored four goals and had 13 assists for 17 points which currently is a career high. However, Bedard would finish March as a -10 making his total to -39. March proved that Bedard is amazing offensively as he would win Rookie of the Month for a third time becoming the third rookie to do so after Connor McDavid (3) in 2015 and Teemu Selanne (4) in 1998. However, lacked defensively. A lot of criticism of his forecheck involvement, turnovers, and defensive awareness in general. It is something he should work on for the next season. 

April 2024

In his final rookie month, Bedard played eight games, scored one goal, had three assists for four points and was a -5. Bedard finished his rookie year with 22 goals, and 39 assists for 61 points and was a -44 in 68 games played. He secured himself as a Calder trophy finalist. He became the fastest rookie in Blackhawks franchise history to reach 50 points in just 52 games, the youngest player in franchise history to post a multi-goal game, youngest player in the NHL to be selected as an NHL All-Star, he joins Eddie Olczyk as the only two 18-year olds in franchise history to record at least 20 goals, and a few other accomplishments.

June 2024

In June, Bedard would win the Calder Trophy, as he would have the most goals, assists and points by a rookie.

Bedard is a fantastic offensive NHL player and proved that in his rookie season especially in the months he was named Rookie of the Month. However, it also showed a flaw in his game which is his defence. His defensive game is something he should work on to become a better player which means fewer turnovers, better forecheck, etc. Overall, Bedard rookie year and there is more to come and to improve on.