The hockey card industry lost patience with Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard nearly one year ago. Bedard's card values were tanking due to the nineteen-year-old's slow start to the 2024-25 season. Apparently, nine points in the first eleven games of a nine-year-old's sophomore campaign means you are a bust.

Tough crowd.

Bedard finished his sophomore campaign with 67 points in 82 games. The 2024-25 Blackhawks finished with 61 points, the second fewest in the NHL. Bedard performed well on a bad team that gave him little support.

Hot Start

Things are looking up for Bedard. The No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NHL entry draft has 22 points through 15 games in the 2025-26 season. The Blackhawks are 7-5-3 and do not appear to be the bottom-dweller of the Central Division.

Bedard is not exactly playing on a line filled with NHL All-stars. NHL journeyman Andre Burakovsky (12 points) is on his right wing. Ryan Greene, a 22-year-old with three points in 17 career NHL games, is on his left wing.

Bedard is on pace for 120 points in his junior campaign. Nathan MacKinnon scored 52 points in 72 games during is junior campaign with the Colorado Avalanche. Connor McDavid scored 108 points in 82 games during his junior campaign with the Edmonton Oilers. 

Wayne Gretzky scored 212 points in 80 games during his third NHL season with the Oilers. I guess the naysayers are right, Bedard is a bust when comparing to Gretzky.

Has the Hockey card market responded to Bedard's improved play?

Bedard's card values are starting to see positive movement per Sports Card Investor. The recent floor was around Oct. 26 when his Young Guns PSA 10 was trading for around $430. As of Nov. 17, Bedard's Young Guns PSA 10 is trading closer to $490.

This is substantial movement based on the PSA population count. There are over 18,000 Bedard PSA graded Young Guns with over 7,500 of them grading as a PSA 10.

Bedard is Not a Bust; Now What?

If you believe the future is bright for the 20-year-old. Now is likely the best time to load up on Bedard's essential rookie cards. Bedard's card values may never be this low again.

We are seeing a glimpse of the generational talent that Bedard was once projected to have.  

Happy hunting and collecting!