The Chicago Blackhawks' newest addition unveils bold warning regarding young star Connor Bedard
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Chicago Blackhawks have just completed the acquisition of former Detroit Red Wings head coach, Jeff Blashill, and he has already begun unveiling bold warnings regarding the organization's key forward, Connor Bedard.
Jeff Blashill is not the only one new to Chicago, as Connor Bedard has only just come off his sophomore year this season, and although it was a rough one, the Blackhawks' brand-new leader has no doubts about the former first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
As the Chicago Blackhawks are entering their Jeff Blashill era on the eve of the 2025/26 NHL season, following years of enduring underwhelming campaigns, fans in Windy City are desperate for success.
And although it may seem those days are still far away, the organization has many things to be hopeful for during the upcoming season, including Connor Bedard's evolution, which Blashill has already made a powerful statement about.
Following Bedard's 61-point rookie season in the NHL, the young forward registered 67 points in 82 games during his sophomore year, decreasing his point-per-game average production from 0.90 to 0.82.
Re-gaining his confidence will undoubtedly be pivotal for Bedard, and Blashill seemingly has a lot of faith in the young star.
«[Bedard's] going to get to another level. I don't think there's any question,» Blashill stated during a press conference, as reported by Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope. «Because like other superstars in this league, he has the drive and want to be the very best he can be.»
Blashill also stated:
«There's zero doubt of the ability that he has,» Blashill said, per NHL.com. «When you watch him with the puck on his stick, both his ability to shoot pucks and his ability to create plays and make passes is really, really elite. There's zero doubt about that.
«Working toward Connor's strengths will be important. Making sure you're stopping on pucks, making sure your changes are great, making sure you're [taking] short shifts, all those things lead to the development side of a winner. Then there's also the development side of continuing to find ways to separate yourself. How can he separate himself with the puck to create a little bit more space, because when he has space in the offensive zone, he's excellent as we stand here today.»
«Working toward Connor's strengths will be important. Making sure you're stopping on pucks, making sure your changes are great, making sure you're [taking] short shifts, all those things lead to the development side of a winner. Then there's also the development side of continuing to find ways to separate yourself. How can he separate himself with the puck to create a little bit more space, because when he has space in the offensive zone, he's excellent as we stand here today.»
Jeff Blashill believes the best way for the Chicago Blackhawks to escape the NHL basement is to solidify the individual growth of every player.
«They go hand-in-hand. The best way to increase the ceiling of your team is through individual growth,» Blashill pointed out. «That's for everyone from young players to veterans.»
| POLL | ||
MAI 27 | 272 ANSWERS The Chicago Blackhawks' newest addition unveils bold warning regarding young star Connor Bedard Do you think Jeff Blashill will be beneficial for Connor Bedard's growth? | ||
| Yes | 115 | 42.3 % |
| I hope so | 112 | 41.2 % |
| No | 29 | 10.7 % |
| I doubt it | 16 | 5.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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