Connor Bedard enters the 2025-26 NHL season as the undisputed centerpiece of the Chicago Blackhawks' ongoing rebuild. After two seasons in the league, the young forward's trajectory is being closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Expectations are high that he will take another leap forward and solidify his place among the league's elite.
In his sophomore season, Bedard showcased his offensive capabilities by setting career highs across the board. In 82 games, he scored 23 goals and provided 44 assists for a total of 67 points. He also made significant contributions on the power play, with 11 goals and 29 points. Despite missing 14 games in his rookie season, Bedard demonstrated his stamina and work ethic by ranking among the league leaders in total miles skated at even strength and on the power play. He led all forwards and was fifth in the NHL in total miles skated at even strength (249.47) last season.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, several projections offer a glimpse of what to expect from Bedard. NHL.com's fantasy hockey staff projects him to score 75 points. This projection would place him among the top 50 fantasy forwards and a top 10 player in keeper formats.
Beyond point projections, there are other aspects of Bedard's game to monitor. One area for improvement is faceoff percentage. Last season, he won only 38.3% of his faceoffs. However, it’s worth noting that he improved as the season progressed, suggesting a capacity for learning and adaptation.
The Blackhawks' success in the 2025-26 season will depend heavily on the supporting cast around Bedard. Potential linemates include Ryan Donato and Teuvo Teravainen. Donato is coming off a career year, while Teravainen has consistently produced assists and power-play points throughout his career.
While Bedard's individual performance is crucial, his role in driving the overall team performance is equally important. The Blackhawks have missed the playoffs for the past five seasons. With a promising core of young players, including Bedard, Anton Frondell, and Frank Nazar, there's hope that the team can make strides toward contention.
However, some analysts remain skeptical, questioning whether the Blackhawks are wasting Bedard's talent during this rebuilding phase. The team's ability to surround him with the right players and coaching will be critical in maximizing his potential and achieving team success. Head Coach Jeff Blashill and his staff will play a key role in developing Bedard and the other young players.
Overall, Connor Bedard's 2025-26 season is poised to be a significant one for both the player and the Chicago Blackhawks. As he continues to develop and the team around him improves, the potential for a breakout year is certainly there.
