Where will Bedard fit among other 18-year-old superstars?

PUBLICATION

Ryan Hall
October 2, 2023 (2:17)

SHARE THIS STORY

Projecting where budding superstars will finish after their rookie season is tricky at times in the NHL. Numerous factors will weigh into how a rookie will handle the new season and the new role of becoming the face of a franchise.

It also depends on how the team is constructed, whether it's during an NHL rebuild or a team ready for a playoff push after being lousy for the past number of years.

The Chicago Blackhawks are currently in a rebuilding phase, and now they've selected Connor Bedard as their number one pick overall and have closed the chapter on former superstars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews's era. It's going to be fascinating to see how Bedard will perform in his rookie year.

This also begs the question of where he fits among other 18-year-old rookies who were deemed superstars-to-be.

There are many to choose from, but I will select four.

Firstly, Sidney Crosby, also known as "Sid the Kid," was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2005. He was widely touted as the future face of the NHL, with his fantastic performances with the Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL. The Penguins were in turmoil as ownership was in trouble, leading them to hand the team over to former superstar Mario Lemieux, who began the turnaround of the organization. The Cole Harbour native played 81 games in his rookie year and scored 102 points, which is still the gold standard.

Secondly, Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. Like Bedard and Crosby, McDavid was well-known before the Oilers selected him first overall in 2015. NHL pundits and scouts were telling everyone that he was going to be an amazing superstar. He certainly has not been disappointing since he arrived in the NHL, but during his first season, he was only able to score 48 points and play 45 games due to an injury. He now dominates the league in terms of points and personal accolades each season.

Another player would be Patrick Kane, who was with the Chicago Blackhawks. Kaner, as he's well known, arrived in the NHL in 2007. The Blackhawks were also struggling, much like the Penguins, and were in dire need of a shake-up. After the Blackhawks drafted Jonathan Toews one year prior, adding Kane changed the dynamic, and the Blackhawks went on to become a three-time Cup winner in less than 10 years. During his rookie season, Kane put up 72 points.

The last player in mind is Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs were going through one of the worst periods in their history in terms of missing the playoffs and fan anger toward the ownership and the team's direction. The decision was made to make a major change, and Auston Matthews was the goal for the 2016 draft.

Between then-newly minted president Brendan Shanahan and former general manager Lou Lamoriello, the Maple Leafs reshaped their entire lineup to make way for a new era with Matthews. During his first season, Matthews managed to record 69 points, which included a four-goal inaugural rookie game against the Ottawa Senators. He has now become the face of the team and will continue for at least another five seasons.

Ushering in this new era for Bedard is going to be a fantastic sight to watch as the Blackhawks transform into a new team, much like an expansion team. Bedard has a lot on his shoulders, but as interviews have shown his humbleness, he will rise to the occasion and lead this team forward. I anticipate a rookie season north of 30 goals and 65 points.