Connor Bedard Named NHL’s Rookie of the Month

Is anyone really surprised? November’s Rookie of the Month honors goes to the Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard, who potted 12 points in 12 games (6-6) during the entire month.

None bigger than his four point performance against Tampa Bay in a 5-3 win back on November 9. In the following game against the Florida Panthers, Bedard was at it again with a two-goal performance, including an absolute dandy where he stripped the puck and then roofed it before Sergei Bobrovsky could even react.

Chicago goal!

Scored by Connor Bedard with 00:56 remaining in the 1st period.

Florida: 2
Chicago: 2#CHIvsFLA #TimeToHunt #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/ZtUH1u2fWQ

— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) November 12, 2023

Bedard Off to a Great Start

He’s not at a point-per-game as he was earlier in the season, but he’s already at double digits for goals and has. 18 points in 21 games. This is also notable since at 18, he’s drawing every team’s attention and best players on the other side of the ice.

As written earlier, Bedard’s efforts are right on pace with Auston Matthews’ rookie season and Sunday will look at how he keeps pace with Sidney Crosby’s rookie campaign.

The Blackhawks are 7-14 on the season, and much of that offense has been a result of Bedard. As of now, he accounts for 18.5% of their goals while his point total is 12.8% of the team’s complete output.

The Blackhawks have a more consistent schedule throughout December and into January where they will play either every other night or on consecutive nights for the next two weeks. Teams are taking notice and ensuring the space Bedard gets is not as available as it was when he put six points up in the state of Florida.

But it sure seems like it’s only a matter of time before that’s irrelevant, especially if the Blackhawks continue to see the gains with their prospects.

While the future is still some time away, the present with Connor Bedard is looking pretty promising.