Connor Bedard Is In Pursuit Of Blackhawks History
The Chicago Blackhawks expected big things when they selected Connor Bedard with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. It was clear from his junior days that he'd make a major impact once he got to the NHL.
To say he's done that would be an understatement. There are some doubters of his but he is going to lead a lousy NHL team in scoring for the second year in a row.
He is also in pursuit of some special history for a franchise that's been around for about a century. With his assist on Tyler Bertuzzi's goal on Friday night against the Montreal Canadiens, Bedard collected his 95th career point.
That passed Patrick Kane for sole possession of the second most points by a teenager in Blackhawks history. Bedard now needs 34 more points this season to tie Ed Olczyk (129 points) for first place and 35 to surpass him.
Can Connor Bedard pick up 35 more points this season and pass Eddie Olczyk?@NHLBlackhawks | #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/W9IPRYTnjW
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 4, 2025
Bedard doesn't turn 20 until July 17th so he has every game for the rest of this season to try and get it done. He'd be much closer to the record right now if he didn't miss 14 games during his rookie year due to the jaw injury.
So far this season, Bedard has 34 points in 39 games played. That is a 71-point pace which would be just enough to take sole possession of this Blackhawks' "points by a teen" record.
Does Connor Bedard have the best situation right now in Chicago regarding teammates? No. However, despite what's around him, he is already showing signs of being an elite player at such a young age.
Breaking this longstanding Chicago Blackhawks record would be a monumental thing for him to have on his resume heading into the summer and year three of his NHL career. It starts with the New York Rangers on Sunday.
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