Opinion: What’s Wrong With Connor Bedard Right Now? It’s the Blackhawks Around Him?.
Chicago, IL – The whispers have started. Not about Connor Bedard’s undeniable talent, but about his output. After a Calder Trophy-winning rookie season where he defied expectations, a slight dip in per-game production in his second NHL campaign has some wondering: What’s wrong with Connor Bedard right now? The answer, for anyone truly watching the Chicago Blackhawks, is clear: very little. The problem isn’t Bedard; it’s the chaotic environment around him.
Bedard, just 19 years old, finished his second season with 67 points in 82 games, a slight improvement on his 61 points in 68 games as a rookie, but with a marginally lower points-per-game pace. While impressive for a player of his age, the individual numbers are often overshadowed by the Blackhawks’ continued struggles. Chicago once again finished last in the Central Division, endured a coaching change mid-season, and remains firmly entrenched in a deep, often painful, rebuild.
The most glaring issue impacting Bedard’s development and production has been the constant rotation of linemates. Reports indicated Bedard played with over 40 different line combinations throughout the season. Chemistry is a cornerstone of offensive success in hockey, and Bedard has been denied any semblance of it. How can a young superstar find rhythm and anticipate plays when the players beside him are a revolving door? It’s like asking a chef to create a gourmet meal with a new set of ingredients appearing on their counter every five minutes.
Furthermore, the overall talent level on the Blackhawks roster is simply not at an NHL competitive standard. While young prospects are emerging, they are still developing. Bedard is often tasked with being the primary, and at times, only offensive threat on the ice. This forces him to hold onto the puck longer, attempt more high-risk plays, and essentially try to do too much, leading to turnovers or missed opportunities that would be cleaned up by more experienced or skilled linemates.
Interim head coach Anders Sorensen, who took over after Luke Richardson’s firing, acknowledged Bedard’s frustration, stating, “He’s frustrated a little bit, pressing, especially when a player of his caliber expects to score and is under the spotlight constantly.”1 This frustration is a natural byproduct of playing on a team that consistently loses and lacks the supporting cast to truly elevate a generational talent. Defensive breakdowns and a general lack of team speed also place an undue burden on Bedard, who, despite his offensive prowess, is still refining his two-way game.
Bedard himself has expressed his commitment to the Blackhawks, reiterating his “love” for playing in Chicago and acknowledging the rebuilding process. He plans to focus on improving his speed and explosiveness this offseason, areas where analytics suggest he can make significant gains. This self-awareness and dedication are exactly what the Blackhawks need.
Ultimately, Connor Bedard is proving he is a generational talent, capable of producing even in the most challenging circumstances. His frustration is not a sign of a flaw in his game, but rather a reflection of the environment he’s in. For the Blackhawks to truly unlock Bedard’s full potential and accelerate their rebuild, they must prioritize surrounding him with consistent, capable linemates and continue to build a more competitive and cohesive roster. Only then will we truly see what Connor Bedard is capable of.
