With Connor Bedard's rookie season just around the corner, the buzz and anticipation surrounding his NHL debut is palpable, with many seeing him as the next big thing.
With an impressive record of 243 points in the last two WHL seasons, Bedard clinched the top spot in the NHL Draft. While immediate miracles, like leading the Blackhawks to playoffs in his first year, might not be expected of him, a lot of people think he could at least win the Calder Trophy.
Yet, in a surprising turn, NHL Insider Andy Strickland made an unexpected prediction for Bedard's rookie season.
Given the high expectations, many fans are predicting Bedard to post a 100-point rookie season. However, Strickland's projection is more conservative, estimating that the rookie sensation will score less than 30 goals.
Strickland's prediction is sure to turn heads, and even if Bedard doesn't match the likes of Connor McDavid in his debut season, it's almost certain that he'll leave a significant mark. As he evolves and integrates more into the Blackhawks lineup, Bedard is poised for greatness.