Connor Bedard: A Summer of Growth and Anticipation for the NHL Season
CHICAGO — As the NHL season approaches, all eyes are on Connor Bedard, the young phenom who has quickly become a household name in hockey. After a whirlwind rookie season, Bedard is back in the spotlight, but he relished the quiet moments of his offseason. “I think just way less stuff, like I didn’t do an interview for a couple of months, which was unbelievable,” Bedard shared, reflecting on his time away from the media.
Offseason Training: Speed and Skill Development
With the summer stretching before him, Bedard dedicated his time to enhancing his game. His primary focus? Speed. Returning to his hometown of Vancouver, he sought to replicate the pace and intensity of NHL play during his training sessions. “I feel good,” he said, noting the positive impact of his offseason work. “The pace of the skates has been good. I’m feeling pretty good.”
Bedard’s commitment to improvement is evident. He recognizes that there’s always room for growth, and he’s eager to apply what he learned from his rookie season. “Going into the summer, it was fun to kind of have a feeling of what I needed to do to be a better player in the league,” he explained. While he’s not ready to share specific goals for the upcoming season, he hinted at having a plan in mind, saying, “I’d never tell you, but I have stuff in my head, for sure.”
Insights from the Blackhawks Management
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson is equally optimistic about Bedard’s potential. He emphasized the importance of developing a well-rounded game, particularly in enhancing Bedard’s 200-foot play. “I’m sure from his standpoint he probably wants to up his offensive output, as well,” Davidson noted. The excitement surrounding Bedard’s growth is palpable, especially with the prospect of new linemates and a deeper understanding of the league.
Injury Updates and Team Dynamics
As the team gears up for the season, Davidson also provided updates on injuries affecting players like Artyom Levshunov and Laurent Brossoit. Levshunov is expected to return in about four weeks after sustaining a foot injury during training, while Brossoit’s recovery timeline is similar. These updates are crucial as the Blackhawks look to solidify their roster ahead of the season.
Number Changes and Team Culture
In a lighter moment, the topic of jersey numbers came up, particularly regarding Lukas Reichel’s decision to change from No. 27 to No. 73 in honor of Jeremy Roenick’s Hall of Fame induction. Reichel explained, “I didn’t really know him, but I knew he was a great player. That’s why he’s in the Hall of Fame now. You got to respect that.” The number change also had implications for teammate Jalen Luypen, who had to adjust his own number as a result.
Competitive Roster and Player Dynamics
The Blackhawks’ roster is shaping up to be highly competitive this season, with several new additions, including Ilya Mikheyev, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Teuvo Teräväinen. Davidson made it clear that there are no guarantees for playing time, stating, “It’s open competition.” This approach fosters a culture of accountability and performance, ensuring that players must earn their spots on the ice.
Returning Familiar Faces
Teuvo Teräväinen’s return to Chicago has brought a sense of nostalgia, as he resides in the same River North condo he occupied during his previous stint with the team. “It makes everything a little bit easier to know,” he remarked, reminiscing about the good memories associated with the place. However, he’s not looking forward to the harsh Chicago winters, having enjoyed the milder climate in Carolina.
Focus on Development: Kevin Korchinski
Young defenseman Kevin Korchinski is also a player to watch this season. After facing challenges during his rookie year, Korchinski focused on strength training over the summer, adding “6 or 7 pounds” to his frame. He understands the importance of being physically prepared for the rigors of the NHL. “Getting stronger, getting bigger helps you in the D-zone battles,” he noted.
Head coach Luke Richardson is keen on Korchinski’s development, encouraging him to be more assertive at the blue line. The coaching staff has emphasized the need for Korchinski to trust his speed and skill, drawing comparisons to the legendary Duncan Keith. “He’s got a lot of skill, and when he decides to get that puck and go offensively, he’s dangerous,” Richardson said.
Anticipation for the Upcoming Season
As the Blackhawks prepare for the upcoming season, the excitement surrounding Connor Bedard and his teammates is palpable. With a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans, the team is poised for a season filled with potential and promise. The combination of Bedard’s growth, the competitive roster, and the return of familiar faces sets the stage for an engaging and dynamic NHL season ahead.