Connor Bedard, the winner of the 2024 Calder Trophy, is poised to enhance his stellar rookie season as he enters his second year with the Chicago Blackhawks. Drafted first overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Bedard came into the league with towering expectations. Despite playing on a struggling Blackhawks team, Bedard, at 18, showcased his immense potential, leaving fans and analysts eager to see him progress into a bona fide superstar as he turns 19.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Connor Bedard’s rookie season was nothing short of remarkable. He emerged as the undeniable Calder Trophy winner after scoring 61 points in 68 games. Bedard tied the record for the most points by an 18-year-old in a single game, scoring five, and earned a spot in the NHL All-Star game before an injury sidelined him. Despite being surrounded by a less-than-stellar supporting cast, Bedard’s talent and skill were evident.
As the 2024-2025 season approaches, the expectations for Bedard and the Blackhawks have shifted. The team, emerging from a lengthy rebuilding phase, is looking to Bedard to lead the charge. Comparisons to players like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews come with an expectation for Bedard to score in the 80-90 point range this season. While his talent is unquestionable, the success of this ambition will partly depend on the support he receives from his teammates.
The Blackhawks’ New Lineup
To bolster their lineup and aid Bedard’s development, the Blackhawks have made significant additions. Key among these are forwards Teuvo Teräväinen and Tyler Bertuzzi, signed to multi-year deals. Alongside returning players like Philipp Kurashev and Jason Dickinson, these new faces should help alleviate the pressure Bedard faced during his rookie year, when a weak lineup often left him isolated.
Last season, the Blackhawks attempted to support Bedard by acquiring Taylor Hall and Ryan Donato, but these moves didn’t yield the desired results. Bedard often found himself carrying the team on his own. However, with this season’s improved lineup, there is optimism that Bedard will receive the necessary support to elevate his performance further.
The Captaincy Question
Since his draft, there has been speculation about when Connor Bedard would be named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks. Many fans expected the team to make this move immediately after drafting him, but the organization decided to wait. Now, with a year of NHL experience, the argument for Bedard to don the captain’s “C” has gained strength. His exceptional talent and on-ice composure make him a fitting candidate to fill the leadership void.
General Manager Kyle Davidson has indicated that the decision will be made thoughtfully, allowing time for the season to “decompress” before discussing the captaincy over the summer. Bedard would be stepping into a role previously held by Jonathan Toews for 15 seasons, and doing so would make him the youngest captain in Blackhawks history at 19, surpassing Toews, who became captain at 20. Despite the presence of veteran leaders like Nick Foligno, who has effectively served as a de facto captain, many believe that Bedard’s appointment as captain is a matter of when, not if.
High Expectations for Year Two
With his rookie season behind him and a bolstered roster around him, Connor Bedard faces high expectations as he embarks on his second NHL season with the Blackhawks. Touted as a generational talent, Bedard has already demonstrated his ability to compete at the NHL level. The upcoming season will test how well he can integrate with his new teammates and further develop his game.
There is also the possibility that Bedard could be named captain, a role that would not only acknowledge his leadership qualities but also set a new benchmark in Blackhawks history. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on Bedard to see if he can meet the lofty expectations set for him and help the Blackhawks transition from rebuilders to contenders.
In summary, Connor Bedard’s journey into his second NHL season carries the weight of high expectations from both fans and the organization. With significant roster improvements and the potential honor of the captaincy, Bedard is positioned to take the next step in his career and solidify his status as a cornerstone of the Chicago Blackhawks’ future.
