Connor Bedard, a Vancouver native, has completed his rookie NHL season with the Blackhawks, despite missing 14 games due to injury. Despite this setback, he maintained his lead for the Calder Trophy and surpassed expectations.
Bedard amassed 61 points (22 goals, 39 assists) during the 2023-2024 regular season, establishing himself as a cornerstone player for the Blackhawks.
With guidance from veterans like Nick Foligno, Taylor Hall, and Andreas Athanasiou, Bedard received valuable mentorship despite the team's struggles, largely due to injuries affecting their lineup.
Looking ahead to the postseason, Bedard plans to return home to Vancouver to focus on training. He identifies speed as an area for improvement, acknowledging the need to match the pace of elite players like Connor McDavid.
While some NHL fans offered sympathetic views on Bedard's weaknesses, others provided unsolicited opinions, resulting in significant backlash.
Despite the criticism, Bedard recognizes that no rookie is perfect, and he remains committed to improving and returning stronger for the next season.
