Connor Bedard, hailing from North Vancouver, British Columbia, was selected first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft amid great enthusiasm. Viewed as a future superstar comparable to Connor McDavid, Bedard’s NHL performance after just two seasons has not lived up to these lofty expectations, raising concerns about his development during his initial 150 games.
Defensive Shortcomings Spur Criticism
The strongest criticism of Bedard’s play focuses on his defensive weaknesses and one-dimensional style. His plus/minus rating, a key metric in evaluating on-ice effectiveness, stands at a troubling -80 over two seasons, including a -44 rating last season that ranked as the second worst in the NHL. By comparison, the only player to have a worse plus/minus during Bedard’s rookie season was William Eklund of the San Jose Sharks, who was at -45. While Eklund improved significantly to -7 in his second season, Bedard’s absorption of defensive responsibilities has only modestly improved to -36.
Placement Among the NHL’s Worst in Plus/Minus Last Season
In the 2024-25 season, Bedard’s minus rating was one of the worst in the league, surpassed by just four players: Mason Lohrei of the Boston Bruins (-43), Tyler Bertuzzi of the Detroit Red Wings (-39), Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames (-38), and Barclay Woodrow of the San Jose Sharks (-37). This cluster of negative defensive impact numbers underlines ongoing concerns about Bedard’s effectiveness away from the puck.
Declining Takeaway to Giveaway Ratio
Bedard’s puck possession metrics reveal further issues. During the 2023-24 season, he recorded 47 takeaways against 57 giveaways, yielding a takeaway/giveaway ratio of -10. This ratio worsened dramatically in the following season, with only 26 takeaways to 90 giveaways, equating to a -64 ratio. This regression indicates struggles maintaining control and making sound plays under pressure.
Concerns Raised by Hockey Psychology Experts
Beyond plus/minus and puck control, Bedard has faced scrutiny from experts like those at Hockey Psychology, who highlighted his poor faceoff performance. Bedard won just 38.3% of his faceoffs in the last season and has averaged 38.6% over his career, numbers well below the standard expected from top NHL forwards, further reducing his strategic value on the ice.
Rising Competitor Macklin Celebrini’s Impact
Bedard’s progress is also frequently compared to that of Macklin Celebrini, another young forward from Vancouver and the top pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. While Bedard slightly outpaced Celebrini in total points during 2024-25, Celebrini far outshot him on goal—236 shots to Bedard’s 195—suggesting stronger offensive activity and opportunity generation during game play.
Uncertain Future on the Olympic Team
Bedard was recently invited to the Canadian Olympic Orientation Camp in Calgary, but doubts remain about his inclusion in Canada’s Olympic team for the upcoming February games in Italy. Until he improves both offensively and defensively, it appears unlikely that Bedard will secure a roster spot, reflecting the wider concerns about his overall NHL readiness and contribution.