Connor Bedard Poised For Breakout 2024-2025 Season

A Generational Talent

To be quite honest, I am not sure why Bedard's point total for next season is projected as low as it is. I am assuming that the sportsbooks are already baking in a possible injury that would cause him to sit out for a period of time, but even so, this seems like a low total at just 82.5 points.

Bedard is the most elite rookie we have seen come out of the draft since Connor McDavid, and truly is a once-in-a-generation type of talent. We saw that on full display last year in his rookie season, where he averaged 0.897 points per game and took home the Calder Trophy, awarded to the Rookie of the Year. If he had managed to play all 82 games last season, he would have finished with roughly 74 points if he performed at that rate. He missed significant time with an injury as well, which held his stats back.

We are basically betting that Bedard can improve by nine points in the 2024-2025 season from his pace in 2023-24. To me, there is no question he can do that if he remains healthy. He was just 18 years old last year and in his first professional season. Now that he has a year of experience under his belt at this level, I expect him to make a jump in year two in terms of his maturity, and he will continue to grow in the gym as well.

Blackhawks Additions

While I expect Bedard to improve himself, it is impossible to ignore the significant additions that the Blackhawks made this offseason that will only help him grow and become a better player. He played with a bunch of minor-league players last year, a roster that really wasn't fit to be in the NHL.

They hugely improved on that, signing guys like Tuevo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi, which will make their forward group much more respectable. Opposing teams won't be able to say "Well, he is the only real offensive threat, so let's key in on him" and actually have to account for more than just Bedard. That takes the pressure off of him a bit, and he should be able to thrive with his new and more talented teammates.

Best Bet

Connor Bedard Over 82.5 Points (-110)

With the improvements on the roster and the personal development of Bedard with a year of experience in the pros, I find it difficult to believe he will go under this unless he once again misses significant time due to injury.