Chris Johnston Makes Bold Prediction for Blackhawks' Connor Bedard

Connor Bedard is only entering his third season with the Chicago Blackhawks, but the expectations surrounding him continue to rise following his arrival in the NHL with a “generational talent” label.

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston held a Q&A with his answers published on Saturday, and one of the questions from a fan he addressed asked him to project Bedard’s third season in the NHL.

Johnston made it clear he believes this is the year the 20-year-old center breaks through with his biggest campaign to date.

“Doubt him at your own peril,” Johnston wrote. “The sky remains the limit for Bedard, who is coming off an important summer of training and only just beginning to scratch the surface of what he’s going to be.

“Mark me down for a prediction of 35 goals and 90 points.”

In projecting Bedard to reach 35 goals, 55 assists and 90 points in 2025–26, Johnston came up with numbers that would top the forward’s career-best marks in both goals (23) and assists (44), both reached last season.

“Bedard was the youngest NHL player during his rookie season and still the second-youngest full-time NHLer last year behind the San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini,” Johnston said. “He already has 150 games of experience under his belt, producing 0.85 points per game for a severely overmatched team.”

Bedard scored 23 goals and 44 assists across a full 82-game season last year, after a 61-point (22 goals, 39 assists), 68-game rookie campaign that earned him the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) looks on during a stoppage of play.Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Despite Chicago finishing well outside the playoff picture in the two seasons the Blackhawks have had Bedard, the phenom has already elevated the play of veteran and young teammates alike, such as Ryan Donato (62 points last year) and Frank Nazar (26 as a rookie).

Off the ice, however, questions about Bedard’s future in Chicago are very much alive. Bedard is entering the final year of his three-year, entry-level deal and has yet to sign an extension with the Blackhawks.

General manager Kyle Davidson said in July that both sides are comfortable with the pace of negotiations.

“I probably don’t want to get too far into it, but we are talking,” Davidson said. “So, I think that’s an indicator of an openness to discuss. There’s mutual agreement there.”

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the Other Sports section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Chris Johnston Makes Bold Prediction for Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard

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