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.