Connor Bedard Ranked 13th of NHL Top 20 Centers List: A team reporter comes to defend him
Connor Bedard's first NHL season concluded with the rookie securing the Calder Trophy, and a 61-point total in 68 games.
He would make it onto the NHL Networks Top 20 Centers list from last season, ranked #13th. NHL Analyst Mike Johnson would discuss Bedard's season with Tony Luftman on the NHL Network.
Johnson felt Bedard did his best to be a play-maker on a struggling Blackhawks team. He produced at nearly a point-per-game pace, despite injuries, and a lack of help from his teammates.
It seems Luftman and Johnson think the 13th ranking means the expectations for Bedard are high for the future.
He pointed to Bedard's ability to subdue defenders with his play, through creativity and evasive techniques, despite his lack of skating speed.
But despite these skills, they alone aren't going to justify a high-ranking as he needs to improve his toolbox by adding solid defensive play on the other end of the ice.
Johson think's Bedard will continue to grow these skills in Chicago.
Even after his jaw fracture, Connor Bedard met and exceeded expectations by winning the Calder Trophy.
He led all NHL rookies in goals and points, 14 more than the next player on the list in Brock Faber.
He led rookies with .90 point-per-game and 19:47 TOI. Johnson would further expand upon Bedard's growth potential.
It's expected that the Blackhawks and Bedard will improve and look to secure a contending spot once again in the future.
Source: SportskeedaNHL analyst Mike Johnson critiques Connor Bedard's No.13 ranking in Top 20 NHL centers list
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25 AOUT | 73 ANSWERS Connor Bedard Ranked 13th of NHL Top 20 Centers List: A team reporter comes to defend him will Connor Bedard be an 80-point player in 2024? | ||
| Yes | 67 | 91.8 % |
| No | 6 | 8.2 % |
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