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Connor Bedard among group of NHLers under most pressure this Season, per analyst

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Julien Trekker
September 23, 2025 (9:00 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard is among the eight NHL players under most pressure to succeed this season, according to a new report from Sportsnet.

Connor Bedard had two great first seasons in his NHL career, but critics have been harsh on him. Although he may not have played his best hockey during the 2024-25 season, his sophomore year, he entered the offseason with a clear goal in mind: work hard to get better.

In a new report posted on Sportsnet, Bedard was listed among the players with the most pressure entering the next season.

Bedard Among NHLers With Most Pressure In The League, Per Sportsnet

Being drafted first overall comes with a lot of pressure, just like being labeled as the future face of an Original Six franchise like the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard has those two labels and still managed to perform well on a rebuilding team.

Sportsnet's Emily Sadler listed Bedard among the eight players who'll be under the most pressure next season, alongside Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, Elias Pettersson, Steven Stamkos, Trevor Zegras, Jeremy Swayman, and Stuart Skinner.

In her own words:

"Turning around the fate of a franchise is no easy feat, and let's be honest: The Chicago Blackhawks didn't exactly surround Connor Bedard, their prized first overall pick in 2023, with the kind of talent to help him thrive. But with an influx of young talent expected to make the roster out of camp, it appears help is on the way in Chicago. The pressure is now on for Bedard to lead the charge. At age 20, and entering the third year of his entry-level deal, his performance as the leader of these new-look Blackhawks will inform the contract negotiations to come, which could also set the tone for the rest of the squad.

Can Bedard take his game to the levels we all expect of a first overall pick? He hasn't been able to take the league by storm as expectations dictated. He wasn't named to Team Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off squad, but earned an Olympic Orientation Camp invite (along with 2024 No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini). How he responds this season should tell us a lot about what we can expect from the Blackhawks and whether they really are ready to emerge from this rebuild."

After a great summer, expectations will be high for Bedard, but he will surely be among the most interesting young players to follow in the NHL nonetheless.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

21-year-old Chicago Blackhawks defenseman already on the hot seat during his contract year

Chicago Blackhawks make a big decision in goal for preseason matchup against the Detroit Red Wings

Chicago Blackhawks officially announce captaincy decision on Connor Bedard

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SEPTEMBRE 23 \| 262 ANSWERS Connor Bedard among group of NHLers under most pressure this Season, per analyst Do you think Connor Bedard will score 70 points or more this season?
Yes	208	79.4 %
No	54	20.6 %
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Connor Bedard among group of NHLers under most pressure this Season, per analyst

The Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard is among the eight NHL players under most pressure to succeed this season, according to a new report from Sportsnet.

Bedard Among NHLers With Most Pressure In The League, Per Sportsnet

Do you think Connor Bedard will score 70 points or more this season?