Blackhawks Player Grades: Connor Bedard

Following the 2022-23 season, the Chicago Blackhawks were given the third-best odds to win the NHL Draft Lottery. With generational talent Connor Bedard available to the luckiest team, everyone was hoping their favorite team would score the top overall pick. For the Blackhawks, the ping pong balls answered their prayers, granting them the first overall selection and the right to draft Bedard.

Following the departures of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, the Blackhawks made Connor Bedard the first overall selection in the 2023 NHL Draft. After his record-setting season in the WHL, there was no doubt the 18-year-old phenom would electrify the city of Chicago. From the jump, he was as good as many hoped.

Story of the Season

Connor Bedard tallied his first point in his first NHL game and his first goal in his second game. From the jump, Bedard was ready for NHL action. He certainly had his struggles as an 18-year-old playing against grown men, but Bedard stood out as a first-year player.

Despite missing notable time with a broken jaw due to a fluky play in New Jersey, Bedard still paced the team in points ( 61 ) and assists (39) and was tied with Jason Dickinson for the lead in goals (22).

Bedard has a lot to learn and can certainly improve in several areas, but his first 68 games in the NHL were something special. Not only was he electric, but he also captured the Calder Trophy as the league's rookie of the year. If things continue to go right for Bedard, he'll surely add more trophies to his collection.

Player Grades

Jonnie Nonnie's Grade: A

Connor Bedard lived up to his high billing in his rookie season. The 18-year-old led the Blackhawks in points despite minimal talent around him and a five-week absence due to a fractured jaw. He's got plenty of work to do on his defensive game, but the offensive flare — his calling card — was as advertised. Naysayers (Minnesota Mild fans) will scoff at his -44 rating, which we continue to laugh at after Bedard won the Calder Trophy over Brock Faber.

Tony Marchese's Grade: A-

The Connor Bedard hype is real. Even given sky-high expectations in his rookie year, Bedard was able to live up to his billing. While it'd be extremely easy to say this was an A+ season, I'm going to grade it out at an A-. The two factors that reduced Bedard's overall grade here are his defensive play and his ability to stay healthy. While it was a clean play that resulted in Bedard suffering a broken jaw, it was painfully obvious how much the Blackhawks relied on the rookie's offensive abilities. Hopefully that isn't an issue in coming years as the Hawks continue to add to their core, but avoiding hard contact and getting hit at the NHL level are going to be key for Bedard to reach the level of superstardom that he has the potential to attain. Highlight-reel stuff should only continue to follow this kid's game as he grows. A- rookie season, with plenty of A+ years expected to follow.

Ron Luce's Grade: A+

Playing in the NHL is hard. Playing in the NHL as an 18-year-old is hard. Yes, Patrick Kane had a more successful rookie season than Connor Bedard based on points but had far more talent around him with the likes of Martin Havlat, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, and Jonathan Toews, among others, in the organization. Bedard had minimal help, led the team in all major offensive categories, and ran away with the Calder Trophy. No matter how you dice it, that's about as good as it gets. He gets a big gold sticky star and an A+ from me.

What's On Tap Next?

Connor Bedard will look to build on a largely successful rookie campaign with a better supporting cast in 2024-25. Between the additions and another season of growth, Bedard has the opportunity to do something incredible in his second season.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Connor Bedard? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram !

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