Chris Johnston Makes Bold Prediction for Blackhawks' Connor Bedard

In projecting Bedard to reach 35 goals, 55 assists, and 90 points in 2025–26, Johnston came up with numbers that would top the forward's career-best marks in both goals (23) and assists (44), both reached last season.

“Bedard was the youngest NHL player during his rookie season and still the second-youngest full-time NHLer last year behind the San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini,” Johnston said. “He already has 150 games of experience under his belt, producing 0.85 points per game for a severely overmatched team.”

Bedard scored 23 goals and 44 assists across a full 82-game season last year, after a 61-point (22 goals, 39 assists) rookie campaign that earned him the Calder Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year.

Despite Chicago finishing well outside the playoff picture in the two seasons the Blackhawks have had Bedard, the phenom has already elevated the play of veteran and young teammates alike, such as Ryan Donato (62 points last year) and Frank Nazar (26 as a rookie).

Off the ice, however, questions about Bedard's future in Chicago are very much alive. Bedard is entering the final year of his three-year, entry-level deal, and has yet to sign an extension with the Blackhawks.

General manager Kyle Davidson said in July that both sides are comfortable with the pace of negotiations.

“I probably don’t want to get too far into it, but we are talking,” Davidson said. “So, I think that’s an indicator of an openness to discuss. There’s mutual agreement there.”