Connor Bedard: Chicago’s Young Hockey Star

Who Is Connor Bedard?

Imagine the NHL (that’s the big professional hockey league in North America) is like a giant school talent show. In 2023, the Chicago Blackhawks (a hockey team) got to pick first in the draft—kind of like getting the very first choice of who joins your team. They chose Connor Bedard.

• He was the No. 1 pick by Chicago in the 2023 NHL Draft.
• He has played three seasons so far, and each year he scored the most points on his team.
• In 219 regular games, he has earned 203 points total:
  • 75 goals (when you shoot the puck into the net)
  • 128 assists (when you help a teammate score)

Important Point: Bedard won the 2024 Calder Trophy, which is like a "Best New Kid" award for the NHL’s top rookie (first-year player). He got 61 points (22 goals, 39 assists) in 68 games that year.

What Does “Restricted Free Agent” Mean?

A restricted free agent is a player who can talk to other teams about joining, but their current team gets to match the offer and keep them.

• Bedard was a restricted free agent.
• He could sign a new contract with Chicago starting on July 1, 2025.

What Did the Team’s Boss Say?

Kyle Davidson is the general manager (the person in charge of building the team). He said:

“Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL. He utilizes all aspects of his game to not only be a constant threat, but to make the players around him better every time he steps on the ice. Connor’s strong work ethic and determination to always improve his game has set an extraordinary standard for our young core, and we’re excited for the incredible impact he’ll have in this next chapter of Blackhawks hockey.”

In simple words: Connor is even better than they hoped, helps his friends play better, works super hard, and they’re excited for what’s next.

Injury Update

The Blackhawks said on July 8 that Bedard will miss the start of the season because he had surgery on his left shoulder. Surgery is when doctors fix something inside your body.

Bedard’s Past Injuries

Hockey can be rough! Here are the times Connor got hurt:

• Last season: He missed 12 games after an upper-body injury.
  1. On Dec. 12, with 1 second left in a game they lost 3-2 to the St. Louis Blues, he took a face-off (a way to start play).
  2. Blues player Brayden Schenn tried to lift his stick and bumped into him.
  3. Bedard fell backward and held his right shoulder as he left the ice.
• 2024-25 season: He played all 82 games (no misses!).
• Rookie season (2023-24): He missed 14 games from Jan. 7 to Feb. 13, 2024.
  • He broke his jaw (the bone your teeth are in) in a game lost 4-2 to the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 5.

Summary

Connor Bedard was the first player chosen in the 2023 NHL Draft by Chicago. He leads his team in points, won the 2024 rookie award, and is a restricted free agent who could sign again from July 1, 2025. The team’s GM loves his skills and effort. Sadly, he had left shoulder surgery and will miss the season start. He’s had past injuries to his right shoulder and jaw but keeps playing great hockey.

FAQ

Q: What is the Calder Trophy?
A: It’s the award given to the best first-year player (rookie) in the NHL, and Bedard won it in 2024.

Q: Why will Bedard miss the start of the season?
A: He had surgery on his left shoulder, so the team announced on July 8 he’ll sit out at first.

Q: What is a restricted free agent?
A: A player who can negotiate with other teams, but their current team can keep them by matching the deal. Bedard became one eligible to re-sign with Chicago on July 1, 2025.

Q: How many points does Bedard have in his career so far?
A: He has 203 points (75 goals and 128 assists) in 219 games.