NHL analyst Mike Johnson critiques Connor Bedard's No.13 ranking in Top 20 NHL centers list

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 25, 2024 11:30 GMT

Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks' 2023 first overall pick, impressed everyone in his rookie season. Recently, NHL analyst Mike Johnson discussed Bedard's No. 13 ranking on the Top 20 NHL Centers list during a talk with Tony Luftman on NHL Network.

Johnson praised Bedard's ability to produce offense, even with the Blackhawks struggling as a team. He pointed out that Bedard managed to nearly average a point per game despite facing challenges, including injuries and a lack of high-end teammates.

Johnson noted that Bedard’s No. 13 ranking is a sign of high expectations for his future.

“The fact that he's 13 on this list is really forecasting a lot of growth,” Johnson said.

He pointed to Bedard’s offensive creativity and his ability to evade defenders as being "shifty and quick", even though he isn’t the fastest skater. However, Johnson stressed that while these skills are impressive, they alone don’t justify such a high ranking. He shared the need for Bedard to improve his defensive play:

"All that being said is great, and that will get you 20th, but doesn't get you 13th NHL. You got to be able to play defensively. You got to play protecting a lead. You got to play against other teams, best players, and Connor Bedard wasn't able to do that with great success."

Johnson believes Bedard will grow in these areas as he continues to develop in Chicago.

Connor Bedard won the Calder Memorial Trophy and Mike Johnson has faith he will improve

Despite a jaw fracture sidelining him for weeks, Connor Bedard met expectations and won the Calder Memorial Trophy.

He led all rookies in goals and points, finishing with 61 points—14 more than the next best rookie. His average of 0.90 points per game was also higher than any other rookie who played at least a quarter of the season. Bedard also led all rookie forwards in ice time, averaging 19:47 per game.

Here is what analyst Mike Johnson had to say while discussing Connor Bedard's potential:

"Last year, he was not a top 20 center in the league last year. Even though we can all acknowledge his potential, his talent and his excellence... But I think people will recognize that he's special, and that he will grow, that he will improve, that he will learn, and he has to -- not how to shoot, not how to create, but how to play without the puck."

Connor Bedard is expected to perform better in the upcoming season. The Blackhawks intend to be contenders once again after the Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews era ended.