Tensions arise in Chicago as Connor Bedard's Blackhawks teammate sends direct callout message to him
Photo credit: CHGO Sports
The Chicago Blackhawks locker room tensions are rising in the off-season, as a comment Frank Nazar made about the IIHF was pointed at Connor Bedard.
Frank Nazar isn't shy about sharing how he feels about the Blackhawks, or any subject in particular. The IIHF was apparently a touchy topic, as Nazar's comments seemed to be pointed at Bedard, and not in a positive manner.
While both Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard were a part of another disappointing Blackhawks season in 2024-25, their two schedules diverged once the IIHF World Championship rolled around.
Bedard would opt to train for next season, instead of lacing up against his competitors in the IIHF.
Nazar would win a Gold Medal with Team USA, while Bedard has dedicated the postseason to getting faster and adding mass. Nazar is one of many Blackhawks prospects who would bloom into something special as he took advantage of his call-up in the NHL, scoring 26 points (12-14) in 53 games.
He'd continue his tear in the IIHF, leading Team USA with 12 points during his World Championship outing. Nazar's performance put a spotlight on Bedard's lack of tenacity to play for Team Canada this season.
While this comment itself seems innocent, there's a bit of a backhand towards Bedard there.
«Before the tournament I was kind of deciding whether or not I would want to go or enjoy the extra-long summer to just train and get better,» Nazar admitted during an interview with Chicago Sports Network. «And I was like 'How can you pass-out on playing for your country? To play for the USA. I went, enjoyed my time and played my heart out. I had the most fun I've had in a while playing hockey.»
However, it did pay off for Nazar, who put the spotlight on his name this postseason, as an up-and-coming forward in the NHL.
While Bedard wouldn't lend his hand to Canada, his homeland as their effort to vanquish the USA failed.
This wasn't the 4NF.
However, Bedard played a full 82-game season, and after securing the Calder Trophy last year, it's more than justified that he spent the offseason training individually.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 12 | 497 ANSWERS Tensions arise in Chicago as Connor Bedard's Blackhawks teammate sends direct callout message to him Should center Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks have competed in the IIHF World Championships against center Frank Nazar and Team USA? | ||
| Yes | 326 | 65.6 % |
| No | 171 | 34.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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