A new era in Chicago Blackhawks hockey began the moment they won the 2023 NHL draft lottery and, with it, the chance to draft Connor Bedard.
Draft him the club did, and his professional career has gotten off to a fast start, with his first goal in Game 2. He finished the season with 22 goals and 39 assists, missing time after sustaining a broken jaw on Jan. 5 against the Devils.
Here's a recap of every game in the phenom's rookie campaign, including highlights of every goal.
Bedard game-by-game
Note: Most recent games first.
April 18: Kings 5, Blackhawks 4 (OT)
The Blackhawks took a playoff-bound team to OT, but couldn't get the game-winner in the extra frame. No points for Bedard in this one, but he finished the season with team highs in goals (22, tied with Jason Dickinson) and assists (39).
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Los Angeles Kings: Game Highlights
April 16: Golden Knights 3, Blackhawks 1
The penultimate game of Bedard's rookie campaign was another loss to the playoff-bound team, but he did pick up assist No. 39 on Jason Dickinson's third-period tally.
Jason Dickinson scores goal vs. Golden Knights
April 14: Hurricanes 4, Blackhawks 2
Bedard's new teammate Frank Nazar scored a beaut of a goal on his first NHL shot, but the Canes were just too mighty on this night.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Highlights
April 12: Predators 5, Blackhawks 1
The Predators are headed to the playoffs; the Blackhawks are not. This is about the result one would expect, but Bedard did notch an assist on Philipp Kurashev's power-play goal.
Philipp Kurashev notches goal on the power play
April 10: Blues 5, Blackhawks 2
The stretch run continues for Connor & Co., and the Blues' four first-period goals pretty much sealed the result here.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues: Game Highlights
April 7: Wild 4, Blackhawks 0
One team entered the game fighting for its last shred of playoff hopes; the other has been eliminated for weeks. And, that's pretty much how it went.
Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Highlights
April 6: Blackhawks 3, Stars 2
That's why they play the games! The Blackhawks outlasted one of the league's top teams, and Bedard was responsible for one of the three goals, a second-period, power-play tally.
Connor Bedard scores power-play goal vs. Stars
April 2: Islanders 2, Blackhawks 1
A tough loss against a team fighting for a playoff spot, but Bedard did add another assist to his rookie-season total on Jason Dickinson's goal in the first period.
Jason Dickinson scores goal vs. Islanders
March 30: Blackhawks 5, Flyers 1
The Flyers were gracious hosts to their visitors, and the Blackhawks put up a 5-spot, including an assist for Bedard on Philipp Kurashev's first period goal.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Philadelphia Flyers: Game Highlights
March 28: Senators 2, Blackhawks 0
The Sens are a little farther along in their rebuild than the Blackhawks, and took the decision here thanks to two first-period goals.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Ottawa Senators: Game Highlights
March 26: Blackhawks 3, Flames 1
A solid win for Bedard and friends against the visiting Flames, including a power-play assist for Connor on Seth Jones' first period power-play goal.
Seth Jones tallies goal for Chicago Blackhawks on the power play
March 23: Blackhawks 5, Sharks 4 (OT)
This was one of the more riveting games that two lottery-bound teams have played this season; after the Sharks charged out to a 4-0 lead, the Blackhawks tied it up, with the equalizer coming 19:13 of the third period. Then, Seth Jones scored the game-winner just 18 seconds into overtime.
Seth Jones completes the Blackhawks' four-goal comeback with a winner 18 seconds into overtime.
March 21: Ducks 4, Blackhawks 0
Bedard and his teammates laid a collective egg against the Ducks.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Anaheim Ducks: Game Highlights
March 19: Kings 6, Blackhawks 2
The Kings again? This one was closer than the March 15 matchup, but ultimately two goals (including one from Kevin Korchinski with a Bedard assist) were not enough.
Kevin Korchinski tallies goal vs. Kings
March 17: Blackhawks 5, Sharks 2
In a matchup of two clubs destined for the draft lottery, Bedard's side won decisively, and he picked up an assist and an empty-net goal in the process.
Connor Bedard gets the puck and scores on the open net before the game ends for his 21st goal of the season.
March 15: Kings 5, Blackhawks 0
The Kings entered the game as one of the top contenders in the Pacific Division, the Blackhawks as one of the top contenders for the No. 1 pick. So, this result was not entirely shocking.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Highlights
March 12: Blackhawks 7, Ducks 2
Bedard has had some rough games in his rookie campaign, but there have been some bright spots too. This game was one of the brightest, as he scored goal No. 20 and had four assists as the Blackhawks grounded the Ducks.
Connor Bedard scores his 20th goal of the season to extend the Blackhawks' lead in the second period.
March 10: Blackhawks 7, Coyotes 4
Chicago ran roughshod over the Zona Yotes, led by the rookie phenom: Two goals and an assist for Bedard in this one.
Connor Bedard is up to 19 goals on the season after tallying two scores and an assist in the Blackhawks' win over the Coyotes.
March 9: Capitals 4, Blackhawks 1
The Blackhawks were officially eliminated from playoff contention with this loss, and no points in this one from Bedard either.
March 5: Blackhawks 5, Coyotes 2
It was a two-assist night for Bedard in the Blackhawks' dismantling of the Zona Yotes, with both apples coming on the power play:
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Arizona Coyotes: Game Highlights
March 4: Avalanche 5, Blackhawks 0
Another tough outing for Bedard & Co. as the Blackhawks were blanked by the Avs for the second time in five days.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Colorado Avalanche: Game Highlights
March 2: Blue Jackets 5, Blackhawks 2
Bedard and the Blackhawks fell to one of the other teams headed for the draft lottery, but he did pick up assist No. 24 of the season on Philipp Kurashev's goal in the first period.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Highlights
Feb. 29: Avalanche 5, Blackhawks 0
It was Bedard's first leap day game of his NHL career, but the phenom and his teammates were mostly spinning their wheels in getting blanked by the Avs.
The Avalanche have no issues with the Blackhawks as they go on the road for a 5-0 win.
Feb. 25: Red Wings 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT)
Bedard picked up an assist on Nick Foligno's go-ahead goal in the second period, but former Blackhawk Alex DeBrincat tied it in the third, and another former highly drafted Blackhawk, Patrick Kane, won it in OT.
Bedard's shot goes in off Foligno's elbow
Feb. 24: Jets 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT)
No points for Bedard in this one, as the Jets needed the extra session to earn two points against the Blackhawks.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Highlights
Feb. 21: Flyers 3, Blackhawks 1
Bedard went scoreless in a career-high 24:49 of ice time as Chicago fell short against Philly.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Highlights
Feb. 19: Hurricanes 6, Blackhawks 3
Bedard had a goal and two assists in this one, but the Hurricanes were too much for his Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Carolina Hurricanes: Game Highlights
Feb. 17: Blackhawks 3, Senators 2
Bedard notched goal No. 16 and assist No. 20 in leading the Blackhawks to win No. 15 of the season.
Connor Bedard scores goal vs. Senators
Feb. 15: Penguins 4, Blackhawks 1
Bedard made his return to the ice against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins, skating 21:17. While the phenom notched assist No. 19 on Philipp Kurashev's second period goal, that was not enough to upend Pittsburgh.
After missing 14 games with a fractured jaw, Connor Bedard returns to the Blackhawks and quickly tallies an assist.
Jan. 5: Devils 4, Blackhawks 2
Fans who gathered at the Prudential Center in Newark to check out the NHL's rookie phenom were left a bit underwhelmed as Bedard was knocked out of the game by a Brendan Smith hit in the first period.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. New Jersey Devils: Game Highlights
Jan. 4: Rangers 4, Blackhawks 1
Bedard did not figure into the scoring mix in this one, but did find out that he will be the player representing the Blackhawks at the All-Star Game this season.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. New York Rangers: Full Highlights
Jan. 2: Predators 3, Blackhawks 0
Neither Bedard nor any other Blackhawk had a point in this one, but the phenom did block a shot in 19:07 of ice time.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators: Full Highlights
Dec. 31: Stars 8, Blackhawks 1
After a close matchup with the Stars two days prior, Bedard and friends were on the wrong side of a TD plus two-point conversion on New Year's Eve. But, he did pick up assist No. 18 on the season via a Philipp Kurashev power-play goal in the third.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars: Full Highlights
Dec. 29: Stars 5, Blackhawks 4 (OT)
Bedard & Co. came up just short to one of the West's top teams, and the first-year phenom was kept off the score sheet.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars: Full Highlights
Dec. 27: Blackhawks 2, Jets 1
Bedard was responsible for both Chicago goals -- including the game-winner in overtime -- as the Blackhawks began their post-holiday schedule.
Connor Bedard skates across the goal line and quickly wrists in the winning goal for the Blackhawks in overtime.
Dec. 23: Blues 7, Blackhawks 5
This one was clearly not lacking for offense, the highlight of which was Bedard's lacrosse-style "Michigan" goal in the first period:
Connor Bedard whips the puck from behind the net past the goalie for an outstanding goal for the Blackhawks.
Dec. 22: Canadiens 5, Blackhawks 2
Another No. 1 overall pick -- 2022's Juraj Slafkovsky -- stole the show in this one, with a goal and an assist in the Habs' win. Bedard chipped in with an assist on Ryan Donato's first period goal.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Full Highlights
Dec. 19: Blackhawks 3, Avalanche 2
That's why they play the games! While the Avs are headed for another serious playoff run and the Blackhawks are destined for the draft lottery again, sometimes wild things happen. Bedard picked up assist Nos. 15 and 16 in this one.
Lukas Reichel scores goal for Chicago Blackhawks
Dec. 17: Canucks 4, Blackhawks 3
A game that was perhaps closer than many assumed it would be, but in the end the Blackhawks didn't have quite enough against the Canucks. Bedard added two power-play assists in this one, pushing his season total to 14 helpers.
Cole Guttman scores on the power play for Chicago Blackhawks
Dec. 14: Kraken 7, Blackhawks 1
Another rough outing for the Blackhawks, as the Kraken were not very kind hosts in this one.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Seattle Kraken: Full Highlights
Dec. 12: Oilers 4, Blackhawks 1
It had been a minute since Bedard had scored a goal, and on a massive stage -- a nationally televised game against Connor McDavid & Co. -- he scored the first goal of the contest. (The Oilers would score four straight to win the game.)
Blackhawks sensation Connor Bedard gets the first goal of the night vs. Connor McDavid and the Oilers.
Dec. 10: Capitals 4, Blackhawks 2
A pair of assists for a Bedard in a losing effort for Chicago.
Connor Murphy scores power-play goal vs. Capitals
Dec. 9: Blackhawks 3, Blues 1
No points for Bedard in this one, but a steady victory for his team against a division foe.
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Full Highlights
Dec. 7: Blackhawks 1, Ducks 0
Some may have tuned in to this game anticipating a high-scoring affair between two teams with exciting young players. Those folks would've been disappointed! But, Bedard fans have reason for joy, as he assisted on Philipp Kurashev's second-period, power-play goal which was the only one scored the entire game.
Connor Bedard sets up Philipp Kurashev for Blackhawks goal
Dec. 5: Predators 4, Blackhawks 3
No points for Bedard in this one, but a reasonably close game against a division rival portends good things for the future of the team!
Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Full Highlights
Dec. 3: Wild 4, Blackhawks 1
With the Wild up 4-0 in the third, Bedard earned a secondary assist on Taylor Raddysh's power-play goal.
Taylor Raddysh nets power-play goal
Dec. 2: Jets 3, Blackhawks 1
Bedard started the scoring in this tilt, notching his 11th of the season at 4:39 of the first period. The Jets, however, would come back to score three to take the W.
Connor Bedard scores goal vs. Jets
Nov. 30: Red Wings 5, Blackhawks 1
The recently signed Patrick Kane wasn't ready to skate against his former team, and this wasn't the greatest night for Bedard and the Blackhawks either. But, the rookie did pick up an assist on Lukas Reichel's power-play tally.
Lukas Reichel capitalizes on the power play
Nov. 28: Blackhawks 4, Kraken 3
No points for Bedard in 15:57 of ice time, but a solid team victory for Chicago over a 2023 playoff team.
Seattle Kraken vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Full Highlights
Nov. 26: Blues 4, Blackhawks 2
Bedard had trouble getting any pucks past Jordan Binnington in this one, though he landed three shots on goal in 16:52 of ice time.
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Full Highlights
Nov. 24: Blackhawks 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT)
Bedard didn't have any goals in this one -- his teammate Jason Dickinson had a hat trick -- but he did get the primary assist on fellow rookie Kevin Korchinski's OT game-winner.
Blackhawks win in OT on a Kevin Korchinski goal
Nov. 22: Blue Jackets 7, Blackhawks 3
The fans in Columbus were thankful for all of the offense in this one, and Bedard rang up his 10th goal of the season late in the first period.
Connor Bedard pulls a goal back for Chicago
Nov. 19: Sabres 3, Blackhawks 2
For the second time in two days, Bedard had an assist on a Philipp Kurashev goal, but the Blackhawks emerge from this one with another loss.
Philipp Kurashev scores goal for Chicago Blackhawks
Nov. 18: Predators 4, Blackhawks 2
Bedard earned a primary assist on Philipp Kurashev's second period goal, but ultimately the Blackhawks could not upend the Preds in this Central Division clash.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators: Full Highlights
Nov. 16: Lightning 4, Blackhawks 2
After a standout performance in Chicago's 5-3 win over the Lightning one week prior, Bedard was held scoreless in 19:17 of ice time in this one, as Tampa Bay got its revenge.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Full Highlights
Nov. 12: Panthers 4, Blackhawks 3
Bedard scored two more goals, but the Panthers proved a bit too much in the rematch from Nov. 4.
Connor Bedard steals the puck and scores a pretty goal for the Blackhawks.
Nov. 9: Blackhawks 5, Lightning 3
Although the Lightning scored first, Bedard led a furious scoring onslaught for the Blackhawks during the first period, with two goals and an assist, en route to a Chicago win.
Connor Bedard dazzles with a 3-point first period for the Blackhawks vs. the Lightning.
Nov. 5: Devils 4, Blackhawks 2
No points for Bedard in 19:54 of ice time in this one, as the Devils earn a win after learning Jack Hughes would be out "week to week" with an injury.
New Jersey Devils vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Full Highlights
Nov. 4: Blackhawks 5, Panthers 2
Bedard delighted the home crowd with a second period goal that put the Blackhawks up 4-0 en route to a commanding victory.
Connor Bedard's powerful finish makes it 4-0 Blackhawks
Oct. 30: Coyotes 8, Blackhawks 1
On a visit to Mullett Arena, it was Bedard striking first with a goal 28 seconds into the proceedings. But then the Yotes took over, scoring eight straight.
Connor Bedard wastes no time scoring as he finds the back of the net just 28 seconds into the game.
Oct. 27: Blackhawks 4, Golden Knights 3
Bedard & Co. handed the Golden Knights their first loss of the 2023-24 season, and he scored goal No. 3 during the proceedings:
Connor Bedard tallies goal vs. Golden Knights
Oct. 24: Bruins 3, Blackhawks 0
Bedard and the rest of the Blackhawks were held off the scoreboard in this one, but it wasn't for lack of trying, as an apparent goal was called off due to a coach's challenge:
John Buccigross isn't happy after Connor Bedard's opening goal for the Blackhawks is chalked off after a challenge by the Bruins.
Oct. 21: Golden Knights 5, Blackhawks 3
Ticket prices for Bedard's home debut were through the roof, and the rookie didn't wait long to give the fans what they wanted. He scored his first home goal on the power play 1:30 into the first period. But, Chicago didn't have nearly enough offense to match up with the defending Cup champs this night.
Connor Bedard slaps the puck past the goalie to notch his first home goal for the Blackhawks.
Oct. 19: Avalanche 4, Blackhawks 0
As we prognosticated upon Bedard's rookie season, we had a feeling that the Blackhawks would not be among the top Stanley Cup favorites. They faced one a team like that in this game, and the Avs showed Bedard & Co. a glimpse of what that looks like up close. No points (or highlight-reel clips), but a decent 7-for-15 from the faceoff dot for our guy Bedard.
Oct. 16: Blackhawks 4, Maple Leafs 1
In Bedard's final season of junior hockey, he had more games with five points than games with zero points. Chicago's win over Toronto in his fourth game was one of the second type, as he failed to register a point despite a lopsided win for his club:
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Full Highlights
Oct. 14: Canadiens 3, Blackhawks 2
The Canadiens edged the Blackhawks in a game of two teams we expect will be in the draft lottery again in 2024. Bedard picked up an assist on Tyler Johnson's second goal of the game:
Tyler Johnson scores goal for Blackhawks
Oct. 11: Bruins 3, Blackhawks 1
Bedard & Co. fell short in their second game of the season, but he did score the first regular-season goal of his career:
Connor Bedard is relentless in front of goal as he grabs his own rebounded shot and slots it in.
Oct. 10: Blackhawks 4, Penguins 2
The stories leading into Bedard's first game focused on the matchup with his childhood idol (and fellow No. 1 draft pick) Sidney Crosby. Bedard's night included taking the game's first faceoff against Crosby, and he also had an assist on Ryan Donato's goal:
Connor Bedard finds Ryan Donato, who smashes home the rebound to pull the Blackhawks within one goal of the Penguins.