Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Connor Bedard

Connor Bedard started the season off hot, sitting in the league’s top five scoring spots for the early portion of the campaign. In that time, the Blackhawks were also humming, holding onto a playoff spot while playing exciting October and November hockey. Bedard posted 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 31 games before missing time withe a shoulder injury. Once he returned, it was clear he wasn’t quite the same.

Bedard finished the season with 75 points, posting just 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in the final 38 games of the season. The team was a shell of itself, especially after the trade deadline, and the sprint-like schedule with the Olympic break certainly did not do the Blackhawks any favors. Bedard finished 35th in league scoring despite missing 13 games, but it felt like he was on pace for something special before taking a crosscheck from Brayden Schenn.

Bedard hit the 30-goal plateau for the first time in his career, and registered more than a point-per-game for the first time as well. In his fourth season, a more consistent offensive onslaught is the expectation for the face of the franchise.

Player Grades

Blackhawks Cowboy’s Grade: A

When you watch a young player take that next step, it’s always special. Even more so when it’s your franchise cornerstone. Yes, the year was not perfect for Connor Bedard. The shoulder dislocation, the Olympics snub, and having to play with Andre Burakovsky were all adversities he faced. However, the talent that we’ve seen Bedard showcase over his first two years took over this season and entire games. Now it’s time to build on a very successful campaign next year.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: B+

I will continue to struggle grading Bedard any higher than a B+ until he reaches what I believe will be some absolutely ridiculous video game numbers in a season coming soon. Bedard should have his own grading curve, given his otherworldly talent. That said, he has been nothing short of incredible since joining the Chicago Blackhawks, and 2025-26 was no different.

Almost every aspect of Bedard’s game was improved as he posted career highs pretty much across the board, including 75 points (30 goals), a 47.1 face-off percentage, and an average time on ice of almost 21 minutes. Now, these numbers may already seem ridiculous and video game-like for a 20-year-old, and they are. I still can’t hand out the A. Why? Because there is still so much there to unlock, and that will be unlocked in the future. Another great season for the franchise cornerstone and a B+ from me.

Ron Luce’s Grade: A

What more can you say about a 30-goal, 70-plus point player in his third season? Connor Bedard was spectacular for the Blackhawks this season. If not for an injury back in mid-December, Bedard easily could’ve been a 100-point player. People forget he was hovering around the league’s top 5 before the injury. Nonetheless, Bedard’s season was a success.

He hit the 30-goal plateau, he surpassed 70 points, he improved in the face-off dot, and he grew as a leader on this team. Primed for a role as captain, as early as next season perhaps, Bedard should take another crazy step forward assuming the Blackhawks can get him a little more help for next season. That said, he did incredible with Andre Burakovsky as one of his most frequent linemates.

What’s On Tap Next?

Bedard’s season was great, but there is certainly more in the tank for the 20-year-old. Entering his age-21 season, Bedard should take another step forward, and a meaningful offseason from the Hawks’ front office could aid that step. The Blackhawks have real expectations to improve next season, and Bedard will be at the forefront of any success.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Connor Bedard? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!