Connor Bedard

Connor Bedard, born July 17, 2005, is widely regarded as one of hockey's most promising and high-profile talents. Drafted first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Bedard won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year for the 2023-24 season.

Connor Bedard Early Life

Connor Bedard grew up in North Vancouver, British Columbia, with his father, Tom Bedard; mother, Melanie Bedard; and sister, Madisen Bedard (born in 2003). When Connor moved to Sweden to play hockey, his sister joined him to offer support and company.

He started playing hockey at age four, and during his time with the West Vancouver Academy Prep in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. He led the U15 and U18 teams in both goals and points.

In March 2020, Bedard received an exemption to join major junior-level Canadian Hockey League leagues a year earlier than the standard age requirement. The Regina Pats selected him first overall in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he was loaned to HV71 in Sweden. He played there from September until March, when the WHL resumed play.

Over the following two seasons, Bedard recorded 100 and then 143 points. After his final year with the Pats, he became the first player since Connor McDavid to win three CHL Awards: CHL Top Prospect, Top Scorer, and David Branch Player of the Year. Additionally, he was the first WHL player since 1995-96 to score 140 points in a single season.

Connor Bedard in the NHL

The Chicago Blackhawks selected Bedard first overall on June 28, 2023, in the NHL Entry Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team on July 17, his 18th birthday.

On October 10, he made his NHL debut, recording an assist against the Pittsburgh Penguins, where his idol, Sidney Crosby, plays.

In early January 2024, Bedard suffered a broken jaw in a game against the New Jersey Devils. He was selected to represent the Blackhawks at the NHL All-Star Game. But his injury prevented him from participating, thus missing the chance to become the youngest All-Star in NHL history.

Bedard finished his rookie year with 22 goals and 61 points over 68 games, leading or co-leading all rookies in goals, assists, and points. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year at the season’s end, finishing with an average of 3.03 shots on goal per game.

Connor Bedard Earnings

Connor Bedard is currently in the second year of his three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. It includes a $950,000 annual cap hit (comprised of an $855,000 base salary and a $95,000 signing bonus).

Connor Bedard’s Girlfriend

While Bedard has not publicly confirmed a relationship, speculation among fans links him to Emma Loken. Several TikTok videos discuss their rumored relationship.