The Chicago Blackhawks expected big things when they selected Connor Bedard with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. It was clear from his junior days that he'd make a major impact once he got to the NHL.

Let's pull the lens out from the current state of the Blackhawks and focus on what the calendar year could bring for the team.

The urgency to surround Bedard with a higher-caliber supporting cast stems from his importance to Chicago’s rebuild. The Blackhawks are last in the Central Division with a 12-24-2 record. For now, the spotlight remains on Chicago’s young phenom while the franchise looks destined to be making another top selection in the upcoming NHL draft.

The Chicago Blackhawks had Connor Bedard extend his point streak to seven games but they couldn't beat the New York Rangers.

There are detractors out there because he isn’t at the level of Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews despite being called a “generational talent” while playing major junior. Those are unrealistic expectations right away in the NHL for various reasons.