Looking back at Connor Bedard's nine-game point streak

Connor Bedard is having a great bounce-back performance in his third NHL season. The 20-year-old went on a nine-game point streak (Oct. 26 to Nov. 12) with a blistering 19 points during the span. Blackhawks fans are already comparing Bedard to former Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane.

So the question is: Can Connor Bedard become the next Patrick Kane?

Bedard's nine-game point streak came to an end Nov. 15 in the Blackhawks' 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Across those nine games, Bedard scored eight goals and recorded 11 assists, including a hat trick against the Ottawa Senators on Frozen Frenzy night and a four-point performance against Calgary. Both of these games from Bedard were star-studded performances from a player of his caliber.

In the Blackhawks' 4-0 shutout win over the Flames, Bedard became the youngest player in Blackhawks history to reach 150 career NHL points, achieving the milestone at 20 years, 113 days old.

"Sometimes the points come, sometimes they don't," Bedard said after the Calgary win. "For me, it's just about the process and getting chances, making plays, and that's when the points come."

A Streak Filled with Signature Moments

Bedard's nine-game point streak featured strong performances and improvements in his young career. Some of those best games included:

• A hat trick vs the Ottawa Senators during the NHL Frozen Frenzy (Oct. 28).

• A four-point night vs the Calgary Flames (Nov. 7), where he factored on every goal scored. He also had a highlight-reel goal in the game.

• A three-point outing in Detroit (Nov. 9).

Across his nine games, Bedard registered at least one point in those matchups, with five of them being multi-point efforts.

According to NHL EDGE Tracking, Bedard's 19 points during a nine-game point streak placed him among the top three 20-or-younger players in the last 30 years, joining other first-round draft picks Sidney Crosby (2005) and Connor McDavid (2015).

More Analytics

While his 19 points in a nine-game span are impressive, Bedard's numbers show a deeper meaning.

• His expected goals (xG) over the nine games ranked top-5 league wide, according to NHL EDGE.

• He led Chicago in shot quality, shot attempts, offensive-zone possession, and power play creation.

• He produced 11 even-strength points.

On a Blackhawks team that is still in rebuilding mode, Bedard was the engine and juice behind the wheel.

Comparisons to Patrick Kane

Both Bedard and Kane are similar in many ways. Besides being first-overall draft picks (Kane in 2007 and Bedard in 2023), they both put up 146 points in their first 164 games with the Blackhawks. Kane had 48 goals and 98 assists while Bedard had 52 goals and 94 assists.

Also, they are both great stickhandlers and have elite-level vision on the ice. However, there are some differences in this one:

• Kane played on a roster with Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, and Duncan Keith on a rising contender team that would go on to win three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, and 2015) and become a dynasty in the 2010s.

• Bedard is on a rebuilding Blackhawks team that is trying to find its way back into playoff contention. Also, Bedard doesn't have consistent linemates on the team.

So can he become the next Kane? That depends on the comparison:

• Pure Skill? Bedard already shows traits of that, such as elite puck control, a top-tier shot release, and ability to slow the game down.

• Offensive Production? His early numbers match Kane's almost exactly at the same career point.

• Franchise Icon? Absolutely. Bedard can and will be an icon with the Blackhawks. However, this will require longevity, playoff moments, and a supporting cast capable of being in the playoff or cup contender mix.

Chicago has a bright future and Bedard is the main piece of it.

So even though after the streak ended on Nov. 15, Bedard's nine-game run remains one of the clearest signs that Chicago has their next cornerstone and franchise player. His consistency and ability to elevate the team show that he is going to be in for the long haul and win hockey games with the Blackhawks.

While the comparisons to Kane are nice, Bedard is building a legacy of his own and doing things on his own terms.