Connor Bedard: A Rising Star in the NHL

• NHL
• Connor Bedard
• Kirill Kaprizov

Connor Bedard, the No. 1 pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft, has become a sensation just seven weeks into his professional career. Bedard leads all NHL rookies with 17 points, including ten goals and seven assists in 19 games. His closest contender is Logan Cooley, forward for the Arizona Coyotes, with 13 points in 20 games. Bedard's 10th goal came during Chicago's 7-3 defeat at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He also assisted in the Blackhawks' 4-3 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. His four-game point streak ended in a 4-2 loss against the St. Louis Blues.

"Oh, fantastic. I check in with him occasionally, but it's not something that crosses my mind anymore. Coming into the League, you never know, but he's just taken it in stride. I don't think he's phased it at all by it. Yeah, no worries." - Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson on Bedard's performance.

What's Next for Bedard and the Blackhawks?

It's a busy week ahead for Bedard and the Blackhawks. They start with a game against the Seattle Kraken at United Center, followed by a three-game road trip against the Detroit Red Wings, Winnipeg Jets, and Minnesota Wild. Bedard has been particularly productive on the road, amassing 13 points in 11 games.

Anticipated Face-Off: Bedard vs. Kaprizov

One of the most anticipated matchups in the coming week is between Bedard and Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov. The latter, winner of the Calder Trophy in 2020-21, is one of the Wild's top players this season with 18 points. He trails Mats Zuccarello, who holds the team's top spot with 21 points.

The Original Six Tussle

The game against the Detroit Red Wings is expected to be particularly exciting. It's not just an Original Six tussle between two old Central Division foes but also an opportunity to see Bedard play against the Red Wings' full roster following their preseason face-offs. The Red Wings have been on a winning streak, with former Blackhawks forward Alex DeBrincat contributing significantly to their success.

The Edge Stat of the Week

Another interesting fact about Bedard is that out of his team-leading 57 shots, 29 have come from mid-range, tying him for eighth among all NHL forwards.