Connor Bedard

Connor Bedard is a Canadian centre who was selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft and won the Calder Trophy as top rookie in 2024.

Connor Bedard was born on 17 July 2005 in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to father Tom and mother Melanie, and was introduced to ice skating by his older sister, Madisen, a competitive gymnast, when he was just four or five years old, reportedly disliking it until given a puck and stick. Bedard became the seventh player in Canadian Hockey League history to receive exceptional player status, allowing him to join the Western Hockey League a year early, and delivered a historic 2022-23 season with the Regina Pats, recording 143 points in 57 games, the most in the league in nearly three decades. Bedard swept the CHL's Player of the Year, Top Prospect, and Top Scorer awards, becoming the first player in league history to win all three in a single season, before the Chicago Blackhawks selected him first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Bedard won the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2024, and has continued to be the centrepiece of Chicago's rebuilding effort, drawing early career comparisons to Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby as one of the most talented prospects the league has seen in years.

Bedard possesses exceptional vision and hockey IQ, with an elite ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. His shot is considered one of his greatest assets, featuring a quick release and pinpoint accuracy from various angles. He combines elite skill with high hockey intelligence, allowing him to excel in all offensive situations.

Generational talent who revitalized Chicago Blackhawks franchise and set new standards for young hockey players

• Calder Trophy (2024)

Team Career

Team	Period	GP	Goals	Jersey
Chicago Blackhawks	2023–2024	68	22	#98
Regina Pats	2020–2023	134	143	—
Canada	—	19	23	—