Connor Bedard was the number 1 overall draft pick in the 2023 NHL draft and is considered a generational talent. Will he live up to the hype? Will he be the best rookie in the NHL?
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Bedard's out for 6-8 weeks: https://www.nhl.com/news/connor-bedard-injury-status-out-6-8-weeks-after-surgery-on-broken-jaw
With 12 games played, Bedard is leading the NHL rookies in both points (11) and goals (7). His +/- is trash, cuz, y'know, Blackhawks.
Since the first amateur NHL Draft started in 1963 there have been 54 drafts. In these drafts, the #1 overall pick has only won the Calder Trophy (best rookie) 9 times. Giving Bernard a 17% chance to win. While he has been a highly regarded talent compared to his competition thus far. The challenge is that Bedard has never been consistently exposed to the quality of play that is in the NHL.
I do think Bedard will be a great player in the NHL but currently lacks the size and experience to be the best of all of the rookies coming into the NHL this year.