Through the first month of the season, Connor Bedard has been the star the Chicago Blackhawks expected him to be. In 17 games, he has recorded a team-high 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points. His point total not only leads the Blackhawks, but is tied with Leo Carlsson and Macklin Celebrini for the second most in the NHL. It seems that Bedard has put away all the concerns fans and analysts had about him coming into the season.
Despite Bedard’s stellar play, his most impressive accomplishments came off the ice. During the first period of the Blackhawks-Devils game, Bedard blasted a one-timer into the back of the net to give the Hawks the early 1-0 advantage. During the intermission, Wayne Gretzky sang the praises of Bedard. He was very impressed with his ability to make a no-look pass and get reset to score the goal.
Connor Bedard is the ULTIMATE threat on the ice, the boys break down his first period goal ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/qHWDISRK9Y
Receiving praise from the best player to ever take the ice has to do wonders for a player’s self-confidence. It should confirm that they’re doing something right and belong in the league. It should also put to rest any concerns fans had about his previous struggles.
As mentioned before, there were some worries surrounding Bedard coming into the season. Sure, everyone thought he could still be a top-six player and be a key piece for the team. However, the concern was that he’d be unable to level up to the franchise cornerstone everyone expected him to be. This was due to his less-than-stellar sophomore season. In 82 games, he registered 23 goals and 44 points for 67 points.
While 67 points is nothing to scoff at, it was only a six-point increase from his rookie season. Many were expecting a much higher increase in his point total, especially considering that he played in 14 more games compared to his rookie season. With him falling short of expectations, there was the idea that the skills that made Bedard elite at the junior level would not translate to the NHL game.
However, Gretzky’s breakdown ends those concerns. Not only was the play impressive and displayed a strong skill set, but the reason he was able to make that play was Jacob Markstrom’s respect for Bedard’s play. He knew that he is a very talented player and had to put himself in a position to make a play and not let him get the best of him.
This means there is respect among the league for Bedard’s skills. They feel he’s better than what he put on the stat sheet last season, and what he’s done so far this season backs that up. This should calm the concerns Hawks fans are feeling and make them still believe he can be the franchise player they thought they got when they picked him first overall in 2023.
It may take longer than fans expect, but Bedard is still on track to live up to his draft hype. With his performance this season, plus the praise of Gretzky, it seems like he’s on the right track. We could be looking back one day, laughing that anyone ever doubted him.
The Denver Broncos received tough news Friday afternoon.
As NBC Sports noted, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that running back J.K. Dobbins will amiss Sunday’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a significant foot injury.
Rapoport added that Dobbins is “believed to be out for the foreseeable future.”
His placement on injured reserve remains a real possibility as the team evaluates its options.
“Dobbins is still working through options, and while there is no final determination, IR remains a possibility,” Rapoport said.
The report came from himself and Tom Pelissero.
The development marks a quick escalation from earlier in the week, when Dobbins missed Wednesday and Thursday’s practices.
At that point, the team had not revealed the full severity of the injury.
Dobbins’ injury stems from a hip-drop tackle last Thursday against the Raiders, a play that left him frustrated enough to take to X and call for the move to be banned.
Dobbins ranks fifth in the NFL with 772 rushing yards and has been a huge part of Denver’s offense so far this season.
While Dobbins has officially been ruled out for Week 11, the next major decision comes quickly.
The Broncos must determine by Saturday afternoon whether to place him on injured reserve.
If he is moved to IR before Sunday, the Chiefs game will count toward a required four-game absence.
Placing Dobbins on IR would sideline him for matchups against the Chiefs, Commanders, Raiders, and Packers.
He would be eligible to return Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Head coach Sean Payton acknowledged that discussions are ongoing.
“Nothing has been decided yet, and at some point there will be more clarity with him and some of these other players,” Payton said earlier this week.
Denver’s Week 12 bye gives the team a small cushion, but if the injury is significant enough to keep him out multiple weeks, the IR designation becomes more likely.
“With JK Dobbins potentially headed to Injured Reserve, all eyes turn to RJ Harvey,” Rapoport said.
RJ Harvey has already flashed his dynamic potential in limited work.
Payton praised Harvey’s running style, durability, and readiness to step into a larger role:
“When we drafted him, it was his running skillset, and he had a lot of touches at Central Florida,” Payton said.
“You are starting to see him grow in front of our eyes, and he will have more opportunities in this game.”
Tyler Badie will likely mix in as a third down guy, while Jaleel McLaughlin could be active as well.
Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Chiefs carries major playoff implications for both teams and Harvey has a huge opportunity to step up and flourish in the RB1 role.