Blackhawks Connor Bedard Is Already Making History

Thursday night, Connor Bedard added another milestone to a career that feels like it’s only just begun. With a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins, he reached 50 points this season and became the third Blackhawks player in the past 30 years to hit 50 points in each of their first three NHL seasons, joining Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. That’s elite company, and Bedard’s not even 21 yet.

Bedard’s 21st goal of the season puts him two shy of his career-high 23 from last year, and his 66th career goal already surpasses Eddie Olczyk for the most goals by a Blackhawks player under 21. He’s showing consistency, too—14 of those goals at home, 15 shots on goal in his last three games, and at least three shots in nine of 10 games this month. The kid isn’t just finishing plays; he’s constantly putting pucks on net, challenging goalies, and keeping defences honest.

Why Does Bedard Stand Out for the Blackhawks?

It’s more than just the counting stats. Bedard’s NHL EDGE numbers tell a bigger story: average shot speed at 60.54 mph (92nd percentile), 120 bursts over 20 mph (92nd percentile), power-play skating distance in the 88th percentile, and a near-top 10 mark in midrange shots on goal at 65 (98th percentile). High-danger goals? Nine (85th percentile). Midrange goals? Eight (94th percentile). And that high-danger shooting percentage—29 percent—is a figure any team would kill to have.

He’s creating chances, hitting the net with pace, and using his speed to open space. Against Columbus, he’s got four points in four games, exploiting one of the NHL’s leakiest defences for shot volume. But what’s most impressive is how he’s building on his rookie reputation without the slump or adjustment curve most young stars face. Bedard is forcing teams to adapt to him, not the other way around.

The Takeaway for Bedard?

Connor Bedard’s start to this NHL season isn’t just impressive—it’s historic, but in the quietest kind of way. He’s already in conversations alongside Kane and Toews before he’s even reached the age where most forwards hit their prime. And while the Blackhawks are still shaping around him, he’s showing what elite talent looks like in real time: speed, skill, shot volume, and finishing ability. If he keeps this pace, he’s not just building a resume—he’s building a legacy.