Chicago Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Connor Bedard – The Hockey Writers – Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks finished their 2025-26 campaign 31st in the league, with a record of 29-39-14 and 72 points. It was an improvement from last season’s totals of 25-46-11 (61 points), but the organization had more progress in mind when they embarked on this campaign. The good news is the Blackhawks finished with more wins and more points than the previous season. They also feel they’ve taken positive strides in the growth and development of a plethora of young players, who could be a big part of a more successful future.

In this summer series, we’ll hand out individual grades to every player on the team, starting with young superstar center Connor Bedard.

Bedard’s Season Stats

30 goals, 45 assists, 75 points, minus-18 in 69 games played. Average time on ice (ATOI) of 20:52 minutes

44.7 Corsi For Percentage (at Even Strength) (CF%), 27 blocked shots, 31 hits, 27 takeaways, 86 giveaways, 50 penalty minutes

47.1 Faceoff Percentage (FO%)

Contract Status: Restricted Free Agent; due for a contract extension

Season Overview

Bedard worked hard last offseason on improving his speed and explosiveness; and it paid off. In his third NHL campaign, he topped all his career numbers. The 20-year-old contributed 30 goals, 45 assists, 75 points, 226 shots on goal and averaged 20:52 minutes of ice time. His offensive stats led the team in pretty much every area (Tyler Bertuzzi beat him in goals, with 32). Bedard also made a drastic improvement in faceoff success this season, going from a 38.3% success rate to 47.1%.

This young superstar led the team with five game-winning goals. His 14 power play helpers also led the team, and his 21 PP points was tied with Bertuzzi. The young phenom put up these stats despite missing 13 games mid-season with a shoulder injury. He improved defensively, understanding the team’s need to commit to checking for offense. There was also a feisty, physical side of Bedard’s game that surfaced.

Bedard stepped up as a leader as well. He wore the “A” on his jersey earlier in the season when then-captain Nick Foligno was hurt, but was bestowed alternate captain honors on a permanent basis after the leadership group of Foligno, Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy were traded at the trade deadline.

“He’s earned it with his commitment to winning hockey”, said head coach Jeff Blashill on Mar. 3. “And that’s the biggest thing that I talked about today, is he has to continue; he’s very, very competitive. He works hard every day. He’s got to continue being committed to winning hockey. And those are the ways that you lead.”

It seems a foregone conclusion Bedard will be awarded the captaincy at some point before the 2026-27 season begins. He also needs to sign a contract extension with the Blackhawks. But that just seems like a formality. It will get done. And then this young man can truly take over as the leader he’s already become for this franchise.

Still Room for Growth

All this said, Bedard will be the first to tell you he thinks he should’ve produced more and played better this season. He went goalless in the last 10 games of the season (albeit while contributing eight assists). His minus-18 was much improved from last season (minus-36), but there’s still room for growth there. And if he wants to be an elite centerman he’ll need to get better at winning faceoffs.

His shoulder injury certainly didn’t help matters, and it was really bad timing in that it happened right in the heart of the campaign (Dec. 12 through Jan. 9). Bedard also still doesn’t have that elite sidekick many think can unlock a whole different level of talent and production in this up-and-coming superstar.

Quotable Quote

This quote from exit interviews on Apr. 16 embodies the passion, drive and leadership Bedard brings to the table.

It’s been a lot of fun. It was a blast. I’m devastated the season’s over. I wish we could start next year tomorrow. But I think we’re excited to keep getting better together.

Bedard’s Final Grade: A-

Bedard took yet another step this season, growing and contributing both on and off the ice. It wasn’t perfect, but he became more confident in his abilities and more comfortable as a leader. This is what contributed to THW dubbing him as the Blackhawks’ Offensive Player of the Year.

The expectations will be high next season, but Bedard appears primed to lead the way.