Bedard tallied 61 and 67 points, respectively, the last two seasons. He has shown flashes of the elite talent that made him the first overall pick in 2023 but has been held back by the team around him and his defensive issues. Chicago has done a better job of surrounding Bedard with talent.
The result is increased production by Bedard, who has six goals and nine helpers in 12 contests. Bedard has eight points his last four games, looking dominant on the ice, as he has helped the Blackhawks get off to a solid start. His ice time is up a minute per game as well.
Bedard has a chance to notch a point-per-game with an improved plus-minus. The key will be those around him to provide secondary scoring to take pressure off him. If that happens, 80+ points is in reach.