Connor Bedard Joins Hockey History by Achieving a Feat Only Sidney Crosby Has Reached
Photo credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Welcome to the club, Connor Bedard, as the young Blackhawks phenom has joined Sidney Crosby as the only two players with 40+ goals and 75+ assists before age 20.
Connor Bedard is still scoring for the Chicago Blackhawks in his second NHL season, despite the fact that several factors have tempered his breakout potential. He has recorded 20 goals and 36 assists (56 points) in 71 games.
The Blackhawks are set for a top-four draft selection, a spot the front office did not want to be in.
Offseason acquisitions by general manager Kyle Davidson have not lifted the team out of the league cellar, which is creating pressure on the team to make significant changes this summer.
Despite the team's struggles, Bedard has reached lofty territory. He and Sidney Crosby are the lone players in the past 35 years to have 40+ goals and 75+ assists before turning 20.
They both also reached over 100 total points before that birthday
Following a 14-game absence due to a jaw injury last season, Bedard will have more game-play experience under his belt this year.
Despite the downtime, he still won the Calder Trophy as the league's outstanding rookie with 22 goals and 39 assists (61 points) in 68 games.
The National media has been panning his two scoring slumps, but one has to keep in mind that he's a teenager on a mediocre team. While some will say he's experiencing a sophomore slump, there isn't the talent for him to surround himself with.
With a make-or-break offseason on the horizon, the Blackhawks must find a way to build around their budding phenom. Whether or not Bedard gets the support he needs remains to be seen.
| POLL | ||
MARS 26 | 389 ANSWERS Connor Bedard Joins Hockey History by Achieving a Feat Only Sidney Crosby Has Reached Will Connor Bedard be as good as Sidney Crosby one day? | ||
| Yes | 68 | 17.5 % |
| No | 321 | 82.5 % |
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