Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard undergoes offseason transformation: "It doesn't even look like him"

It's going to be a critical year for the Chicago Blackhawks and young forward Connor Bedard, who was taken with the 1st overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, as he comes into his 3rd year in the league.

He's been open about his disdain for losing but has also said he wants to remain in Chicago for his entire career while embracing the city and fans.

So far this summer, it looks like Bedard has bulked up and put on a few pounds of healthy muscle mass; it doesn't even look like the young Bedard we saw at the draft!

The Blackhawks have also hired a new head coach, Jeff Blashill, who has been known for his ability to help develop young players throughout his career, which includes stops with the former divisional foe Detroit Red Wings, along with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Blackhawks may be considered a longshot to make the playoffs this year, but Bedard looks ready to go in helping them inch closer to the day when they can be realistic contenders again.

Bedard will have a chip on his shoulder, as he wasn't included in the Canadian roster for the 4 Nations Faceoff in February but did earn an invite to the Canada Orientation Camp in Calgary late last month for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Both he and 2024 1st overall pick Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks have the chance to make the final roster that will be going overseas next February to try and compete for gold medal glory again.