By NHL Trade Talk,Tommy Allen Mikhelzon

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Being the new face of the franchise isn’t always easy for Connor Bedard, especially since the Chicago Blackhawks have spent his first two seasons at the bottom of the standings. The NHL phenom is heading into his third year in the league with a lot of expectations and weight on his shoulders. All the while, other young stars are overtaking him in the race to be the league’s next big marketable megastar.

In a recent Athletic player poll on the NHL’s next “face of the league,” Macklin Celebrini actually edged out Bedard, raising eyebrows. One player described Celebrini as “a cross between Sidney Crosby and Patrice Bergeron,” while adding that Bedard “needs help to be good,” contrasting it with Celebrini, who “feels like he’s carrying his line, his team.” The comparison underscores the immense expectations on Bedard as he enters his third NHL season and contract year. He’s got incredible potential, but he’s been slow to take the mantle.

Bedard’s Body of Work So Far

Bedard entered this season after a strong rookie campaign, where he played 68 games and recorded 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points. In his sophomore season, he built on that by playing a full 82 games, finishing with 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points.

While adjusting to the NHL hasn’t always been seamless, Bedard has still found ways to thrive. He helped linemate Ryan Donato achieve a career-high 31-goal season, proving he can elevate those around him even in a struggling system.