Blackhawks Preparing to Bench Connor Bedard Following Comments From NHL Legend Mark Messier
Photo credit: NHL
In the middle of a deepened struggling season for the Chicago Blackhawks, sitting last place in the Central Division with a 16-31-5 record, tensions are heightened from those within the NHL organization, but it appears New York Rangers legend Mark Messier has had enough as well, following a strong message to Connor Bedard.
A 19-year old Connor Bedard, who is projected to be the franchises 'star center' as he takes his first steps into the NHL so young, has faced plenty of criticism amidst his rough start to the 2024-25 NHL season.
The noise was loud in criticism for Bedard at the start of the season, from fans and analysts, but now it comes from New York Rangers legend, Mark Messier.
After a painful 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers on Saturday, Messier sent a stern message to Blackhawks head coach Anders Sorensen as well as rookie Connor Bedard.
The strong message was as follows:
«There's no quicker way to destroy the morale of a team than to have players who don't earn their ice time,»
said Messier about Bedard.Sorensen noticed Bedard's struggles throughout the game, and moved him to a different position, a swift demotion to Chicago's second line. But that was not enough for Messier's liking.
Mark Messier makes additional call out to Connor Bedard
"This is a choice, and this is a consequence for a young player there," Messier stated. "He's right on Reinhart. This is a 50-50 battle. He's soft on his stick, and I'm sorry, the excuses for a young player are over now. He has to be better than that, and sure enough, they get a power play and who goes right onto the ice, Bedard."
With tons of pressure as the face of the franchise in Chicago, and 'the NHL's next superstar', it's not easy as a 19-year old to shine through it.
With Messier's call-out, he has certainly rasied expecations for head coach Anders Sorensen, who had no coaching at the NHL level until being brought in this season, after the Blackhawks fired Luke Richardson after his 3rd season with the team
It would be considered foolish for Anders Sorensen to not take Mark Messier, the six-time Stanley Cup Champions advice.
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