Connor Bedard Ranked 13th of NHL Top 20 Centers List: A team reporter comes to defend him

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Joshua Deeds
August 25, 2024 (9:10 PM)

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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.

«The fact that he's 13 on this list is really forecasting a lot of growth,» Johnson said.

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.

"All that being said is great, and that will get you 20th, but doesn't get you 13th NHL. You got to be able to play defensively. You got to play protecting a lead. You got to play against other teams, best players, and Connor Bedard wasn't able to do that with great success."

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.

"Last year, he was not a top 20 center in the league last year. Even though we can all acknowledge his potential, his talent and his excellence... But I think people will recognize that he's special, and that he will grow, that he will improve, that he will learn, and he has to -- not how to shoot, not how to create, but how to play without the puck."

It's expected that the Blackhawks and Bedard will improve and look to secure a contending spot once again in the future.

Source: Sportskeeda
NHL analyst Mike Johnson critiques Connor Bedard's No.13 ranking in Top 20 NHL centers list