The Connor Bedard Standard

As you can see from the article picture, it's going to take a lot to make Connor Bedard happy in terms of his / the team's play. This is a good thing. After scoring 143 points in 57 regular season games in the WHL and 23 points in just 7 World Juniors games.... the standard has been set.

Greatness is now the expectation, fair or not that is the narrative presently. It's been less than 3 months since Bedard turned 18, he is well below the normal size of an NHL center, and he is playing with linemates he has literally just met.... and yet the standard he has put on himself (as evidence by his post game comments and reaction to his EN goal) is one most players do not think about often.

Without guessing or theorizing how he thinks, all you have to do is look back at his past 4 years of play and see the accolades and stats he has accumulated. His standard is one that clearly states that he will dominate the competition. So, in order for that to continue at the highest level there is, he must keep that standard (physically and mentally) in order to continue the play that has gotten him to where he is today.

By all accounts he has done so with a humble and understated approach to his skill and play on the ice. Off the ice his mild mannered demeanor is endearing to media, fans, and teammates alike. This adds to the standard that we as Blackhawks fans are becoming accustomed to with Connor Bedard.

While not an indication of how the season will unfold, Bedard now has 5 points in just 3 preseason hockey games. Yet, by the measure in which he comments on his and the team's play, he hasn't yet put forth an effort in which he felt quite himself in terms of a full game.

To put that kind of play into context (albeit he wasn't against full NHL roster competition), Bedard would be on a ridiculous 137 point pace for a season at 1.67 ppg. Yes, I am aware it's out of touch to compare 3 preseason games to what the regular season (and grind of 82 games) will be.... however it is relevant to the article's main point:

That whatever the standard we all have for what Connor Bedard could or may become, I assure you that his standard for himself is quite a bit higher.