Comparing Connor Bedard & Sidney Crosby After 21 Career Games

Comparing one generational player after another, how does Connor Bedard stack up with the generational tag on him? Bedard is actually ahead of where Matthews was after 20 games. Matthews went on to win the Calder Memorial Trophy that season as the league’s best rookie.

Bedard is the best bet for that honor this year.

So how does Crosby, who also won those honors back in 2006, serve as a measuring stick for Bedard?

Through 21 Games, Crosby Leads

Crosby had 24 points through 29 games, the phenom had ten goals and 15 assists. It’s a difference of six points, but Bedard has him by an additional goal with 10 with 18 points.

But at the 21st game, they’re dead even with ten goals. This comes with a 6-9-6 overall record for the 2005-06 Penguins, something CHN looked at closely when comparing the teams together. This comparison is likely the most apt because both organizations had similar approaches in the first year with a generational player: ice a team, make sure lottery opportunities still exist, and ensure the rookie is insulated by strong, veteran leaders.

While Matthews is still a good measuring stick, his totals came with a team that made the playoffs, something Connor Bedard won’t see in his rookie campaign.

Crosby then, is probably the best way to assess Bedard’s progress.

Connor Bedard Is Exactly Where He Should Be

So what does it tell us? While he may not be a point-per-game, he’s still leading the team and the primary driver of offense for the team. There will come a point where he’ll have more consistent help–but that’s for what they’re building in juniors, college, and around the world.

It also doesn’t account for the free agents or trade acquisitions that general manager Kyle Davidson will make to bolster the roster. For Crosby, his second season would see his career best in points.

So will Bedard follow that pace as well? We’ll see. But measuring it according to Sidney Crosby certainly measures out to a performance that promises great returns for years to come.