Connor Bedard, the No. 1 pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft, has taken the NHL by storm just two weeks into his professional career. Each Monday, NHL.com will take a look at what Bedard has done and what's ahead for him with the Connor Bedard Watch.
WHAT HE'S DONE
Bedard has four points (two goals, two assists) in his first six NHL games. He scored his home goal on the power play in a 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights at United Center on Saturday. Bedard is averaging 20:19 of ice time per game, second on the Blackhawks behind defenseman Seth Jones (25:27).
WHAT'S AHEAD THIS WEEK
It's repeat week for the Blackhawks and their young star. Bedard will face the Boston Bruins for the second time in less than two weeks, this time at United Center on Tuesday (8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, TVAS) as part of "Frozen Frenzy," when all 32 NHL teams will be in action. They'll also play the Golden Knights for the second time in six days when they visit T-Mobile Arena on Friday (6 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, NHLN, NBCSCH, TVAS2).
MOST INTRIGUING MATCHUP
Bedard vs. Jack Eichel
The two were against each other a few times Saturday, when the Blackhawks had the last change and could get Bedard away from Vegas' top center. It will be different on the road and the Golden Knights having the last change. Eichel is off to a good start with six points (three goals, three assists) in six games, second on the Golden Knights behind Chandler Stephenson's seven (two goals, five assists).
MOST ANTICIPATED GAME
Tuesday vs. Boston Bruins
Bedard's second home game. He scored the first goal of his NHL career against the Bruins in a 3-1 loss in Boston on Oct. 11. The Bruins (4-0-0), Golden Knights (6-0-0) and Colorado Avalanche (5-0-0) are the three undefeated teams in the NHL.
EDGE STATS OF THE WEEK
In his first six games, Bedard has skated 20.59 miles, which is sixth most in the league, and third most among all forwards He has hit at least 20 miles per hour 18 times this season, which is in the 96th percentile. For all Bedard NHL Edge stats, click here.
THEY SAID IT
"He's a guy that's dangerous. He reminds me of (Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston) Matthews when he came into the League. Once he gets inside the dots, he's a threat to shoot. He changes his angle very well. He's still trying to figure out how to shoot around people and find that space with better defensive players. But that's what all young players go through. He seems like he's a great kid and teammate and it's going to be good for the game and the Hawks." -- Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy on Bedard
