The NHL Network recently ranked the top 25 players born during the 2000s. Without any surprise, Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard made the cut.
Bedard landed the No. 8 spot on the NHL Network's list, where he ranked ahead of other notable young stars like Adam Fantilli, Matt Boldy, Lucas Raymond, and Cole Caufield. A few players who were ranked higher than Bedard on the NHL Network's list were Wyatt Johnston, Thomas Harley, Macklin Celebrini, and Jake Sanderson.
With Bedard being one of the NHL's most exciting young stars, it is certainly understandable that he has made the NHL Network's list. The 20-year-old center has played very well early on in his career, recording 45 goals, 83 assists, and 128 points in 150 games over his first two seasons. This includes setting new career highs with 23 goals, 44 assists, and 67 points in 82 games this past season.
Overall, Bedard has shown plenty of promise early on his career, and there is no question that he should only continue to get better as he gains more experience. It is going to be very fascinating to see what kind of season he can put together in 2025-26, but it would not be surprising in the slightest if he puts together a big breakout year for Chicago.
Blackhawks Keep or Trade: Dickinson, Mikheyev, Murphy, Foligno, MoreThe Chicago Blackhawks should still be considered rebuilders as they haven't proven otherwise yet. They are going to come out of the rebuild, but just not yet. Their core is either very young and inexperienced or pieces haven't even arrived in the NHL.
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