The Chicago Blackhawks are off to a 5-4-2 start this season, buoyed by standout performances from rookie sensation Connor Bedard. Bedard notched his first career hat trick in a 7-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators and added two assists in a recent game against the Winnipeg Jets. His 14 points in 11 games highlight his growing impact on the team.
The Chicago Blackhawks have endured a tough decade since their last Stanley Cup in 2015, missing the playoffs for five straight years. However, as October ends, the team sits at 5-4-2, with Connor Bedard emerging as the driving force behind their improved play.
Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, recorded his first NHL hat trick during Tuesday's 7-3 win against the Ottawa Senators. He followed with two assists in Thursday's game versus the Winnipeg Jets, bringing his season total to 14 points in 11 games. Coach Jeff Blashill praised Bedard's mindset, saying, “The biggest thing I would say where I’ve been super impressed with Connor is he wants to win more than anything else. I’ve said this already this year — he wants to win more than he wants to score, he wants to win more than he wants the points. He wants to win.”
Bedard's offensive flair has evolved, particularly after offseason work on his speed. His 28 end-to-end rushes rank sixth league-wide, averaging 2.6 per game compared to 1.6 last season. He demonstrated this on his second goal against Ottawa, cutting through the Senators' defense on a rush. Defensively, Bedard is winning 2.7 puck battles per game, up from 1.7, and averaging 1.4 stick checks per game, up from 0.7. A key stick check on Tim Stützle helped preserve a 4-3 lead in the second period against Ottawa.
Despite these gains, the Blackhawks' expected goals at 5-on-5 with Bedard on the ice stand at 40.3 percent, improving to 47.1 percent without him, indicating room for growth in team defense. Blashill emphasized balance: “What I don’t want is (for Bedard to) not get rewarded, then all of a sudden you start cheating for your offence. That’ll equal not winning. He’s done it the right way.”
Bedard isn't alone in contributing. Second-line center Frank Nazar has 11 points in 11 games, while goaltender Spencer Knight boasts five quality starts in eight appearances and ranks fifth in goals saved above expected at 8.3. Captain Nick Foligno lauded Bedard: “He is elite. He is understanding and becoming that player but all the while also doing things on the other side of the puck, too. … (If) we get that kind of Connor Bedard every night, it’s going to be fun.”
Bedard's form has him eyeing a potential spot on Team Canada for the 2026 Winter Olympics. He told reporters, “If that’s something that I get to do, that would be unbelievable. I would do anything to be on that team. But (I’m) just trying to take things day by day and have fun playing in the NHL and trying to grow as a team and win hockey games and do everything I can to play my best hockey. In the end, that'll be what puts me in a spot to make it.”