Connor Bedard wasn't on Team Canada for the 4 Nations Faceoff, but he was also just 19 years old and in the second year of his career. While being very good, he wasn't quite at the level of the players on the team yet. Less than a year later, he has reached that level and is making an undeniable claim to be on the Olympic team.
Canada has always been a very tough team to make, but as a former number one overall pick, Bedard was going to reach that level with how he started his career. Now, one week into November, the 20-year-old is second in the NHL in points with 22 points in 15 games after another four-point performance.
Bedard has recorded a point in 11 of his 15 games this season and is on a seven-game point streak. He has recorded four points in a game twice this season, three or more points three times, and six multi-point games.
The only player in the NHL with more points is Macklin Celebrini. While some would like to pit these two against each other in terms of only one making Team Canada, the conversation has already begun as to who is going to be off the team in place of both of them.
Bedard and Celebrini are the future, but the future has arrived very early. But just because they lead the NHL in points 15 games into the season, it doesn't mean they are better overall than many of the players on the team. Bedard doesn't have the same defensive prowess as many top Canadian players, but his shot and skill are really shining through this season.
Bedard's career highs, set last season, were 23 goals and 67 points. He is on pace for 43 goals and 120 points right now. Whether that can hold remains to be seen. But his game has picked up over the course of this season and he has more help around him. Team Canada is calling for the 20-year-old Chicago Blackhawks franchise player.
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