Connor Bedard is feeling even better now than he did going into his historic rookie campaign.

There’s no doubt that Connor Bedard is in store for a big season with the Chicago Blackhawks.

In his rookie campaign, Bedard was excellent as he recorded 22 goals, 39 assists and 61 points in 68 games, but believe it or not, there is still improvement that could be made.

On top of his continuous development, there is a lot less pressure on Bedard now that his rookie campaign is done with.

He feels somewhat of a weight has been lifted off of his shoulders and now he can just focus on playing his game.

“Last year I was flying every other week and doing a bunch of stuff for the Draft and the start of my career, which is great,” Bedard said. “But it was really nice this summer, just getting to fully focus on training and trying to get better and then just being at home, being with friends and family. I feel, mentally, I was a little more tired going into camp last year just with all the extra stuff. So I feel pretty good and I’m definitely excited for that.”

Bedard came into the NHL as this phenom type of prospect who was immediately expected to transform into a hockey prodigy and that’s a lot of pressure to put on an 18-year-old.

Through his first season in Chicago, Bedard proved that he is worth all of the hype and more importantly that he is a franchise player.

The Blackhawks are also only getting better as a team with the additions of Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, Pat Maroon, Craig Smith, Alec Martinez and T.J. Brodie, so there will be less pressure on Bedard to be Superman.

Bedard is already phenomenal, but this upcoming season will mark his true emergence as an NHL superstar.