Connor Bedard’s Hart Trophy hopes face two big obstacles

Nov 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates his gaol against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn ImagesRegardless of the outlet, Connor Bedard has been mentioned in the same sentence as the Hart Trophy on several occasions. Only in his age-20 season, Bedard is already drawing consideration in the Hart Trophy Watch from notable insiders like ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. And it indicates it's just a matter of time before he becomes the front-runner for the award.

But that's not likely to happen this year under any circumstance. For one, a division rival has the…