The Chicago Blackhawks need to fix a problem. Connor Bedard is the face of the franchise because of his previous domination in the levels leading up to the NHL. He was the number one pick in the 2023 NHL Draft with the hype of being generational.
Following a rookie season that won him the Calder Trophy, there has been somewhat of a sophomore slump so far this year. His assist total (12) is fine but he only has three goals and has gone 11 straight without one.
Things have been bad in other areas of the game as well. While he was on the ice against the Florida Panthers on Thursday night, the Hawks were outshot 10-0. Luckily, he was able to be a passenger for a big win over the defending champions.
After practice on Thursday, Bedard spoke and had some things to start that you don’t want to hear from a young superstar.
Connor Bedard looked the most discouraged I’ve ever seen him after practice today.
“I could name 100 things [I could do better]. I don’t know, man. It’s been frustrating, for sure. I just don’t feel like I’m really doing anything. Keep chipping away at it, I guess, and hopefully…
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) November 22, 2024
Bedard is incredibly down on himself. Your confidence isn’t always going to be at the highest level but this is a new low. It isn’t good that he feels like he’s doing nothing at all.
Whether it’s GM Kyle Davidson, head coach Luke Richardson, captain Nick Foligno, or anyone in the organization, one of these elders must get in Bedard’s head and feed him positivity. If they don’t, it’s going to be a long season for the 19-year-old.
Bedard’s next chance to find the back of the net will come in a Saturday matinee. They are off to Philly to take on the Philadelphia Flyers. This is a one-game road trip before returning home ahead of Thanksgiving.
Earlier in the week, Teuvo Teravainen had similar comments about his lack of confidence. One day later, he came out and scored. Now, Bedard would like the same thing to happen to him. He has too much talent to feel like this.
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