Connor Bedard had all the hype and expectations in the world, and while he is still only 20 years old, there is a feeling that he can't do it himself and needs more talent around him rather than being able to carry a team and line.
Macklin Celebrini, who was a rookie last season, received more votes in The Athletic vote of who is most likely to be the future face of the NHL, and it wasn't particularly close. Bedard hardly got any, receiving three votes. He has an elite shot, but his size and lack of defensive ability weighs on him and other's opinions on him as well.
In just one season, Celebrini showed that he is more a Sidney Crosby/Patrice Bergeron type and can do it alone and at both ends of the ice. Bedard may have to move over to the wing, something that isn't going to happen with Celebrini.
On the Chicago Blackhawks, Bedard looks to have Ryan Donato and Andre Burakovsky as linemates at the start of training camp and that will probably be a look through a portion of the season at the very least. It isn't so different from Tyler Toffoli and William Eklund, but Bedard scored two fewer goals, had a worse points-per-game, was 10% worse on the draws, and was much worse defensively, looking to get more easily frustrated as well.
Both Bedard and Celebrini have a long way to go and lots to learn, but both should be superstars in the NHL for a long time. One should prove to be more elite than the other in due time.
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