Bedard vs. Gretzky comparison proves that the Great One's status will never be touched

A recent social media post by NHL stats noting that Gretzky had 187 points in games with four or more points before his 21st birthday is jaw-dropping.

Number ninety-nine may have the upper hand on the first overall pick by the Blackhawks in the stats department, but Connor Bedard's recent physical showings shows number ninety-eight's much more fierce.

That's a wild total, showing he wasn't just good-he was historically dominant. Meanwhile, Bedard has dazzled. He is just 20 and has already racked up multiple four-point games playing for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Bedard arrived in the league with hype and lived up to it. He scored 22 goals and 61 points in his 68-game rookie season, then followed with 23 goals and 67 points in his second campaign.

His flashiest nights show he's got elite skill, speed, and creativity. But those nights also highlight the gargantuan gap between him and Gretzky at the same age.

Even in Bedard's breakout seasons fans sometimes whisper «next Gretzky.» That's natural for a generational talent, but the reality is stark.

Bedard has had glimpses of brilliance, but he isn't tracking anywhere near the same pace.

Bedard brings flash and hope, but Gretzky had both-insane talent plus relentless reliability. Even if Bedard becomes a perennial superstar, those early-career numbers keep Gretzky's reign in a different universe.

Those shining moments in Chicago are fun to watch and remind us why Bedard is a must-see player. But until someone matches Gretzky's volume and consistency at age 20-21, his status remains safely vaulted. That's not a knock on Bedard-it's just history.