Connor Bedard Reveals His True Feelings About The Difficulty of Dealing With The Chicago Sports Market
At 19 years old, Connor Bedard became the face of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise. Bedard is only a little over a year removed from being drafted 1st overall in 2023 by Kyle Davidson, from the WHL's Regina St. Pats.
He has handled the pressure well, accumulating 70 points in 80 games during his short career with the Blackhawks.
Bedard had gained exceptional status at the age of 14 to play in the CJHL and was the seventh player to attain that. Since then he's called Chicago home during the season and has had to adjust.
Bedard would sit down with the DailyFaceOff's Frank Seravalli to discuss the issues:
Bedard: «No, it's kind of a slow progression. But I think I'm not a guy that loves being in front of the camera or anything. I think there's guys that, you know, really thrive with being off the ice, showing their personality or whatever. But I'm pretty boring in front of a camera. So that's a different thing for me. You know, not something that I love. But it's part of it, and you got to learn to just deal with it, and it's all fine."
Connor Bedard has found a way to deal with the pressure, as the spotlight isn't exactly the friendliest. He has a modest nature and it's worked in his favor.
Bedard: «It feels good. We want to win. I think last year was really disappointing for us. We all went into the summer with a lot of motivation. We brought in a lot of guys that have done really well individually, but have also won. I think we brought in three or four guys that have won a (Stanley) Cup, or multiple cups. That's hard to find. And just with them coming in, they don't want to be on a losing team. And we're really driven every day. Our practices have been really high-paced. And in the games, I feel like we've played really well so far. Obviously, we've got to get more wins, but it definitely feels like we're going in the right direction."
The Chicago Blackhawks aren't ready yet for playoff contention. Eventual cup? Maybe if they can gel like they're supposed to, with Connor Bedard the team should reach heights they've only seen with Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane before.
Until the rebuild is complete and that time arrives, Bedard shares the burden with players like Nick Foligno in ushering in a new-era of Blackhawks hockey.
