NHL insider Chris Johnston makes bold claim regarding Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard

It's going to be a critical year for Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard, who is coming into his 3rd NHL season after being taken with the 1st overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Bedard didn't get off to the best start last year, which he admitted he felt led to his being snubbed from Canada's roster at the 4 Nations Faceoff in February. But that doesn't mean his stats are going to be less than what they should be in 2025-26.

Per a prediction from analyst Chris Johnston of TSN, Bedard will reach 90 points scored this year.

Right now, the topic of Bedard's impending UFA status is on the minds of Chicago fans everywhere, but all indications point toward Bedard and Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson agreeing on a new contract before too long.

Bedard is no doubt the face of the franchise, and there remains the potential for him to develop into true superstardom.

But so far, he's yet to attain that level. Last year, he had 67 points (23G, 44A), which is by no means a poor stat line, but certainly not worthy of being called true star power.

Bedard is still only 20 years old, and there's plenty of time for him to reach that level at some point in the near future.