Connor Bedard

Connor Bedard is a Canadian professional hockey player best known as the star center for the Chicago Blackhawks and one of the most highly regarded young talents in modern hockey. Born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Bedard became known at an early age for his elite shot, quick release, puckhandling, vision, and ability to create offense against older competition. His rise through Canadian youth hockey made him one of the most closely followed prospects of his generation.

Bedard’s amateur career took off when he became the first player in Western Hockey League history to be granted exceptional player status. That designation allowed him to enter the WHL early, placing him in a rare group of Canadian hockey prospects who were considered ready for major junior competition ahead of schedule. The Regina Pats selected him first overall in the 2020 WHL Draft, and he quickly became the face of the franchise.

With Regina, Bedard developed into one of the most dominant junior hockey players in recent history. He won WHL rookie honors, became one of the youngest high-scoring players in league history, and eventually served as a leader for the Pats. During the 2022–23 season, he produced one of the greatest draft-year campaigns in Canadian junior hockey, recording 71 goals and 72 assists for 143 points in 57 regular-season games. He also added 20 points in seven playoff games, further strengthening his status as the top prospect for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Bedard also built a major international reputation with Team Canada. He helped Canada win gold at the 2021 IIHF World U18 Championship and later starred at the World Junior Championship. At the 2023 World Juniors, he delivered one of the most memorable performances in tournament history, leading Canada to gold while setting Canadian scoring records. His nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points in seven games earned him tournament MVP, Best Forward honors, and worldwide attention as hockey’s next major star.

The Chicago Blackhawks selected Bedard with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. His arrival gave the franchise a new centerpiece during a major rebuilding period and immediately made him one of the most marketable young players in the NHL. Bedard made his NHL debut during the 2023–24 season and quickly showed the skill, confidence, and offensive creativity that had made him such a celebrated prospect.

Despite missing time during his rookie season because of a broken jaw, Bedard led NHL rookies in goals and points and became the central offensive player for Chicago. He finished the 2023–24 season with 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points in 68 games. His performance earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie, making him one of the youngest and most important award winners in Blackhawks history.

Bedard’s game is built around an elite wrist shot, deceptive release, quick hands, and the ability to attack defenders from difficult angles. He is especially known for changing the angle of his shot before release, using drag moves, toe drags, and quick weight shifts to create space. His offensive style has drawn comparisons to other elite NHL scorers, while his competitiveness and confidence have made him a natural leader for the next era of Blackhawks hockey.

As his NHL career has progressed, Bedard has become an increasingly important figure both on and off the ice. During the 2025–26 season, he was named an alternate captain for the Chicago Blackhawks, reflecting his growing leadership role within the organization. His trading cards, rookie cards, signed jerseys, autographed pucks, photographs, game-used memorabilia, and Blackhawks collectibles remain highly desirable among modern hockey collectors. With a Calder Trophy, international gold medals, junior hockey records, and many prime seasons ahead, Connor Bedard remains one of the most valuable and collectible names in today’s hockey memorabilia market.