Connor Bedard’s arrival in the NHL was met with immense hype, and rightfully so. Touted as a generational talent, the expectations for the Chicago Blackhawks’ young center have been astronomical. Now, heading into his third season, the question isn’t just if he’s good, but if he’s still on that elusive superstar trajectory. From my vantage point as an NHL analyst, I’ve been closely observing his development, and I believe the answer is a nuanced yes, with some crucial caveats.
Understanding Connor Bedard’s NHL Development
In his rookie year, Bedard delivered 61 points in 68 games, an impressive start given the struggling Blackhawks roster. While his second year saw a slight increase to 67 points, this was over a full 82-game season, meaning his points-per-game dipped. This statistical flattening has sparked debate, but it’s essential to look beyond raw numbers alone.
What defines a “superstar”? For some, it’s 90+ points and 40+ goals. For others, it’s the elite tier of 50 goals and 100 points, a category I reserve for the truly transcendent. While Bedard might not hit that truly elite echelon just yet, his trajectory still points towards a player who will consistently reach 90+ points and 40+ goals in the coming years, firmly placing him in a superstar category, if not the absolute top five.
The Nathan MacKinnon Blueprint: A Path to Superstardom for Bedard
When evaluating young talent, it’s often helpful to look at comparable development curves. Nathan MacKinnon, now a perennial MVP candidate, took roughly four seasons to truly explode into the force we know today. His turning point coincided with the arrival of Mikko Rantanen, providing him with a dynamic linemate that elevated both their games and transformed the Colorado Avalanche into a playoff contender. This parallel is critical for Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Bedard possesses an undeniable, elite skill set. However, a player of his caliber needs complementary pieces around him to truly unlock his full potential. Ryan Donato, while a good player, isn’t on the same level as a Rantanen. The Blackhawks’ organizational development and shrewd drafting will be paramount. If Chicago has another tough season and secures a high pick, potentially someone like Gavin McKenna, that could be the catalyst Bedard needs.
Much like Jack Eichel, who saw his production soar in his fourth year, and then again after a change of scenery to a winning environment in Vegas, a winning culture and strong supporting cast are crucial. The Blackhawks have made strides, increasing from 52 to 61 points last season, but they need to continue improving as a team to fully support their franchise player. The comparison to other top picks, like Macklin Celebrini, will always exist, but Bedard’s innate talent suggests his superstardom is a matter of when, not if.
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