The Chicago Blackhawks have truly found their generational superstar in Connor Bedard as in Year 3, he has broken out to new heights, contending for the most points in the league with the other established elite of the elite.
Bedard had two goals and seven points in his first eight games, which is nothing to scoff at, but his last 14 games have been on a completely different level, including a career milestone.
While the Blackhawks are 10-8-4 on the season and have now lost three games in a row, the success can largely be placed on Bedard, who has 13 goals and 31 points in 22 games. The 20-year-old is tied for sixth in the league in goals, tied for eighth in the league in assists, and is fourth in the league in points.
Over Bedard's last 14 games, he has 11 goals and 24 points. Six points have come on the power play, which means 18 points have come at even strength. That is impressive all by itself. He is shooting more and, in turn, scoring more. He is also getting much better in the faceoff circle, silencing the narrative that he can't be a number one center in the NHL.
Head coach Jeff Blashill hasn't been afraid to play Bedard against the opponent's top centerman, and Bedard is handling it very well considering what he has been able to accomplish this season and at even strength with the toughest matchups.
In Bedard's recent stretch of games, he has also recorded his first two hat tricks of his career. He is carrying the offense and the team, even if other players are stepping up alongside him. I wouldn't be surprised if Bedard gets the captaincy as soon as Nick Foligno leaves or retires.
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