Connor Bedard

Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 Entry Draft and a player many consider to be a generational talent, was fantastic as an 18-year-old rookie in 2023-24, racking up 22 goals, 61 points, 21 power-play points and 206 shots on goal while averaging 19:47 of ice time in a top-line role in 68 regular-season appearances. A fractured jaw kept Bedard sidelined for 14 games from early January through mid-February, but he picked up right where he left off upon his return from injury, racking up seven goals and 28 points through the final 29 games of the campaign. With Chicago reportedly making a concerted effort to surround Bedard with better talent up front heading into 2024-25, the 18-year-old pivot could easily threaten the 30-goal and 80-point marks if he's able to play a full 82-game season in 2024-25. Just keep in mind that his plus-minus rating - Bedard finished last season with an ugly minus-44 rating - will likely remain a sore spot for at least one more year as the Blackhawks continue their rebuild.

Players like Bedard don't come around all that often. He was unreal in the WHL, scoring 71 goals and 143 points in 57 contests with Regina last season and was similarly dominant in the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship, leading Canada with nine goals and 23 points in seven games. Bedard's offensive skills already appear to be on par with the NHL elite, and the comparisons to the likes of Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby are understandable. However, Bedard hasn't proven anything yet. His resume and skill set made it easy for Chicago to pick him with the first overall pick, but top selections don't always work out and even those that do sometimes have some growing pains. Those that take Bedard in single-season fantasy drafts will be assuming some risk, but there's also real potential for him to hit the ground running and make Blackhawks fans think back on Patrick Kane, who won the Calder Trophy in 2008 after scoring 21 goals and 72 points in 82 outings.