The Chicago Blackhawks are having another year of struggles and disappointments. They are sitting in last place in the Central Division with a record of 16-31-6. On top of their struggles as a team, they have a 19-year-old centre going through a slump. Connor Bedard has been the talk lately of why the Blackhawks are struggling, however is it all him? The team will be missing the playoffs for the 5th year straight at this rate.
Connor Bedard had an outstanding rookie season, he led the scoring for rookies with 22 goals and 61 points. This is his second season and the centre has 45 points and 15 goals in 52 games. He is now sitting 44th overall in the league for scoring. It’s clear that he’s going through growing pains. As a 19-year-old in the league, it will take time for him to adjust.
The Bedard that the league saw last season is not the same player today. He has an average percentage of 34.7 of winning faceoffs, this is a crucial area that he needs to improve. It would also help if the centre had support and consistent linemates. Bedard has bounced around on various lines which has made it harder for him to find chemistry on the ice. With the team struggling offensively, it has caused the shooting chances to be slim.
It’s not entirely all on Bedard, early in the season he was asked to focus more on his defensive play. With his focus being more directed defensively, his offensive game started to lack. It is not only him, it has also been a struggle for the entire Blackhawks offense. Bedard is taking the heat because he is expected to play like the superstar they had envisioned.
The Blackhawks need to focus on growing their young talent during this rebuild to become successful. Bedard needs to grow his skills in faceoffs, which will be beneficial for the team. He needs to work with a coach that focuses specifically in that area.
Bedard focus on his defensive skills has grown ever so slightly. He will continue to become better with proper coaching and practice. Once he gets better defensively then his time on the ice will become more beneficial during plays. Bedard had three shots on goals in the recent loss against the Edmonton Oilers. This has been consistent for him recently to not shoot the puck and grow his opportunities to score.
Bedard is no stranger to being on the ice. Last season when he was injured, the coaching staff worked to keep him off the ice for him to heal. With proper coaching, supportive linemates, and opportunities to grow his skills, his slump should come to an end.
Bedard was the number one pick in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. He received the Calder Trophy in 2024 by the NHL. He is the second-youngest player in NHL history to finish as the rookie leader in goals, assists, and points. He sits behind Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche.
On January 13th, Bedard recorded his 100th point in his NHL career against the Calgary Flames. He achieved this milestone in 112 games, this was the fastest since Sidney Crosby in 2025-2006.
The Chicago Blackhawks face the Nashville Predators on Friday, February 7th. The Predators are one place above the Blackhawks in the Central Division with a record of 18-27-7.
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