Rising star: Connor Bedard enters NHL top 20 centers at 13th despite team challenges
Photo credit: The Hockey News
Rookie sensation Connor Bedard claims the calder trophy and eyes future growth.
Emerging as a bright star in the NHL, Connor Bedard concluded his debut season by clinching the prestigious Calder Trophy, with an impressive tally of 61 points over 68 games.
Despite being on a team that struggled significantly, Bedard's performance did not go unnoticed, earning him the 13th spot on the NHL Network's Top 20 Centers list from the past season.
NHL analysts Mike Johnson and Tony Luftman delved into Bedard's rookie year, discussing his impact and future potential on the NHL Network.
Johnson praised Bedard's role as a playmaker, noting his near point-per-game production which he achieved under challenging conditions-facing injuries and a lack of strong support from team members.
His skills in maneuvering past defenders with creative and evasive tactics were highlighted, although his skating speed was not marked as a strong point.
«The fact that he's 13 on this list is really forecasting a lot of growth,» Johnson said.
The discussion then turned to the broader aspects of Bedard's game, emphasizing that his impressive offensive skills alone aren't sufficient for a higher ranking.
Johnson pointed out the necessity for Bedard to enhance his defensive game to truly excel in the NHL.
"All that being said is great, and that will get you 20th, but doesn't get you 13th in the NHL. You got to be able to play defensively. You got to play protecting a lead. You got to play against other teams' best players, and Connor Bedard wasn't able to do that with great success," Johnson explained.
Despite these challenges, Bedard's rookie season stats were noteworthy. Leading all NHL rookies in goals and points, he stood out with 14 more points than the next rookie, Brock Faber.
His average of .90 points-per-game and an impressive 19:47 average time on ice per game underscored his integral role on the Blackhawks' roster.
Johnson also touched upon Bedard's resilience and adaptability:
"Last year, he was not a top 20 center in the league last year. Even though we can all acknowledge his potential, his talent and his excellence... But I think people will recognize that he's special, and that he will grow, that he will improve, that he will learn, and he has to-not how to shoot, not how to create, but how to play without the puck."
As the Blackhawks aim to rebuild and contend once more, Bedard's growth and adaptability will be crucial.
With his rookie season setting a solid foundation, the expectations are set high for this young center to not only meet but exceed the potential seen in his first NHL outing.
For more insights, follow the discussion on NHL Network's tweet.
Bedard's journey in the NHL is just beginning, and the hockey world watches eagerly to see how this talented player will shape his career and influence his team in the coming seasons.
| POLL | ||
25 AOUT | 22 ANSWERS Rising star: Connor Bedard enters NHL top 20 centers at 13th despite team challenges will Connor Bedard be an 80-point player in 2024? | ||
| Yes | 18 | 81.8 % |
| No | 4 | 18.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
Latest 10 stories
