Connor Bedard tracker: Goals, upcoming schedule for the NHL's top rookie
A new era in Chicago Blackhawks hockey began the moment they won the 2023 NHL draft lottery and, with it, the chance to draft Connor Bedard.
Draft him the club did, and his professional career has gotten off to a fast start, with his first goal in Game 2, and assists in the other two contests.
Follow along here for the key moments in the phenom’s rookie campaign, along with upcoming games on the Blackhawks schedule, a vast majority of which are available to ESPN+ subscribers at no additional cost via NHL PowerPlay.
Bedard game-by-game
Note: Most recent games first.
Oct. 21: Golden Knights 5, Blackhawks 3
Ticket prices for Bedard’s home debut were through the roof, and the rookie didn’t wait long to give the fans what they wanted. He scored his first home goal on the power play 1:30 into the first period. But, Chicago didn’t have nearly enough offense to match up with the defending Cup champs this night.
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Connor Bedard scores his first home goal for the Blackhawks
Connor Bedard slaps the puck past the goalie to notch his first home goal for the Blackhawks.
Oct. 19: Avalanche 4, Blackhawks 0
As we prognosticated upon Bedard’s rookie season, we had a feeling that the Blackhawks would not be among the top Stanley Cup favorites. They faced one a team like that in this game, and the Avs showed Bedard & Co. a glimpse of what that looks like up close. No points (or highlight-reel clips), but a decent 7-for-15 from the faceoff dot for our guy Bedard.
Oct. 16: Blackhawks 4, Maple Leafs 1
In Bedard’s final season of junior hockey, he had more games with five points than games with zero points. Chicago’s win over Toronto in his fourth game was one of the second type, as he failed to register a point despite a lopsided win for his club:
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Chicago Blackhawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Full Highlights
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Full Highlights
Oct. 14: Canadiens 3, Blackhawks 2
The Canadiens edged the Blackhawks in a game of two teams we expect will be in the draft lottery again in 2024. Bedard picked up an assist on Tyler Johnson‘s second goal of the game:
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Tyler Johnson scores goal for Blackhawks
Tyler Johnson scores goal for Blackhawks
Oct. 11: Bruins 3, Blackhawks 1
Bedard & Co. fell short in their second game of the season, but he did score the first regular-season goal of his career:
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Connor Bedard scores his first NHL goal for the Blackhawks
Connor Bedard is relentless in front of goal as he grabs his own rebounded shot and slots it in.
Oct. 10: Blackhawks 4, Penguins 2
The stories leading into Bedard’s first game focused on the matchup with his childhood idol (and fellow No. 1 draft pick) Sidney Crosby. Bedard’s night included taking the game’s first faceoff against Crosby, and he also had an assist on Ryan Donato‘s goal:
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Connor Bedard records first NHL assist
Connor Bedard finds Ryan Donato, who smashes home the rebound to pull the Blackhawks within one goal of the Penguins.
Upcoming Blackhawks games
Note: All games not broadcast by NHL Network, TNT or TBS are available on ESPN+.
Oct. 24: vs. Boston Bruins, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN+)
Oct. 27: at Vegas Golden Knights, 6 p.m. (NHL Network)
Oct. 30: at Arizona Coyotes, 10 p.m.
Nov. 4: vs. Florida Panthers, 8 p.m.
Nov. 5: vs. New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. (NHL Network)
Nov. 9: at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7 p.m.
Nov. 12: at Florida Panthers, 1 p.m.
Nov. 16: at Tampa Bay Lightning, 8 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu)
Nov. 18: at Nashville Predators, 8 p.m.
Nov. 19: vs. Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m.
