In hockey, sometimes the most difficult characteristic to practice is patience. It’s true for both players and fans. A skater who can hold on to the puck for that extra second to let a passing lane develop is praised for his patience and vision because the natural tendency is to rush. Fans who clamor for their team’s younger talent to develop more quickly often forget that some players take longer than others to unlock their potential. Just as a hockey player may be tempted to force a play that isn’t there, so too can fans want to pressure young guns into being something they aren’t—at least not yet.
Connor Bedard falls squarely into this category. No NHL player in recent memory has endured as much scrutiny despite his offensive production as him. Criticism abounds about Bedard’s two seasons thus far with the Chicago Blackhawks. Some of it is justified, and much of it is overblown. That’s because everyone wants him to be the next Connor McDavid right now. Everyone expected him to be the next Auston Matthews immediately.
Overlooked in these comparisons is the simple fact that Bedard is Bedard. While comparisons are helpful, tunnel vision prevents us from seeing that what this kid has accomplished so far—as a teenager—is incredibly impressive. As he nears his 20th birthday, a look at his stats as a teenager reminds us of two facts: Bedard has been a darn good hockey player so far, and there is much, much more to come.
Stats to Put Bedard’s Career Into Perspective
The numbers speak for themselves. In 146 games as a teenager in the NHL, Bedard has 42 goals and 79 assists for 121 points. His point total places him at 12th on the list for most points by a teenager, ahead of players like Steven Stamkos (107), Nathan MacKinnon (101), Mario Lemieux (100), and McDavid (98). Among active players, Bedard trails only Sidney Crosby (222) and Patrik Laine (134) for the most points as a teenager. His .83 points per game before the age of 20 are sixth in NHL history among centers.
He has consecutive 20-goal seasons at 18 and 19, and he’s only the 11th player with back-to-back 60-plus point seasons as a teenager. More precisely, he’s only the fourth player in the past 35 years to record 30-plus assists in two seasons as a teenager (Crosby, Rasmus Dahlin, and McDavid are the other three). Finally, he’s only the fifth teenager in the last 30 years who’s recorded 30 assists in fewer than 50 games.
I could keep going, but you understand the point. The kid’s doing pretty good for 19.
CONNOR BEDARD WITH HIS FIRST GOAL AT THE UNITED CENTER ???? pic.twitter.com/D5bW76aixQ
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 22, 2023
Now, here’s where practicing patience comes into play. The temptation is to say that Bedard’s point totals should be higher. After all, he earned the “generational” hype heading into the NHL. Understandably, as his statistics have not matched McDavid (who scored 100 points at 19) or Matthews (who scored 40 goals in his rookie season), doubts can arise.
Related: Blackhawks Prospect Report: Misiak, Lardis, Vanacker & More
What he’s accomplished so far proves that’s the incorrect perspective. Instead, Bedard’s achievements as a teenager indicate he’s nowhere near his ceiling. He’ll finish his teenage years with 149 games under his belt. Think about how much hockey that is for a kid in a league where the average age is 28. Of course, Bedard wants to score more. It will come as he matures, but let’s not overlook what he’s done already.
MacKinnon Sees the Potential
Even though MacKinnon dominates the NHL now, he struggled to find his footing early in his career. At one point, he “genuinely feared for his job” (from ‘Nathan MacKinnon on Connor Bedard’s stagnant production: ‘I’d have killed for that when I was 19,’ The Athletic, March 11, 2025). In his first four seasons, he posted 63, 38, 52, and 53 points respectively. (Does that remind you of anyone?) Certainly, those weren’t the numbers expected from the 2013 first overall pick.
Obviously, MacKinnon’s hard work paid off; something clicked, and he now terrorizes the league. So, if anyone understands patience concerning development at the highest level, it’s him. On Bedard’s first two seasons, MacKinnon said:
He’s a 19-year-old kid and he’s close to a point a game. I’d have killed for that when I was 19. I had like 30 points. He’s doing great. It definitely takes some time. I think Connor looks great, honestly. He creates so much. Sometimes the puck’s just not going in for him. It happens.
Translation: Be patient.
MacKinnon is known for his intensity and unmatched commitment to improvement. He doesn’t share that praise lightly or if he didn’t see more in Bedard’s future. He’s also reminding us that the kid is doing very well.
Bedard’s Time Is Coming
Despite the monumental pressure placed on Bedard’s shoulders, he’s performed exceptionally for a teenager with nearly 150 games under his belt. His stats place him in the company of some of the best players in NHL history. While we are tempted to compare him directly to players like McDavid, we overlook players like MacKinnon, who remind us that adjusting to the NHL looks different for every player. And if Bedard’s 121 points are during his “adjustment” period, I can’t wait to see what he’ll do when he’s fully developed.
Wait, yes I can. Patience. I’m trying to practice what I preach.
