NHL Analyst Expresses Concerns About the Chicago Blackhawks and Connor Bedard's Development
Photo credit: NBC Sports
The Athletic's James Mirtle doesn't share the optimism many Blackhawks fans do, as the damage has been done to Connor Bedard's development this season.
Connor Bedard looked lost at the beginning of the NHL season, as Luke Richardson failed to deliver a winning record.
While the Hawks weren't supposed to be a contender by any means, the 8-16-2 start and Bedard's lack of production were nails in the coffin for his term here.
But even with the ascension of Anders Sorensen into the Interim Head Coach position, with a cohesive vision on the ice, there are still people who doubt Bedard and the Hawks.
One of them is The Athletic's James Mirtle.
Mirtle noted that while it's common for top draft picks to endure tough seasons, Bedard's situation feels particularly difficult.
"The only good news is this will help Chicago get someone else in to play with Connor Bedard," Mirtle said. "Starting to feel sorry for him this season. Although it's long been a No. 1 pick rite of passage to Andy Dufresne through some ugly seasons before experiencing any success."
"The only good news is this will help Chicago get someone else in to play with Connor Bedard," Mirtle said. "Starting to feel sorry for him this season. Although it's long been a No. 1 pick rite of passage to Andy Dufresne through some ugly seasons before experiencing any success."
While Connor Bedard was the ultimate lotto win, his 2023 season saw him score 62 points in 68 games.
He'd win the Calder Trophy and take a huge leap forward, while October and November felt like a step back.
Mirtle himself believes that the Blackhawks will need to keep adding pieces to make the Hawks and Bedard better.
The Blackhawks are in a rebuilding phase and Bedard has been carrying much of the team's offensive load. Analysts believe that while this season is tough, the Blackhawks may eventually improve by adding stronger players through drafts or trades. For Bedard to reach his full potential, Chicago will need to build a better team around him.
His perspective isn't wrong, but keep in mind, Davidson spent a lot of capital to acquire better assets this season and Richardson couldn't deliver the results.
Sorensen's Vision
Sorensen's vision of the Blackhawks would see Connor Bedard moving the puck more during the game, and getting the defenseman in on the rush.
A move that would give Bedard, and his linemates more space on the ice, which means a more aggressive style of play on the ice.
Contrary to what we've seen under Luke Richardson since the beginning of the season.
Sorensen's vision has already given the Blackhawks a win against the Rangers and has seen Arvid Soderblom receive the best support on the ice for months.
It's easy to cop a negative attitude, and believe that the Blackhawks are down and out for the rest of the season.
But GM Kyle Davidson has shown confidence that the first Swedish Head Coach in the NHL can continue to develop Connor Bedard successfully.
The season isn't over, and while the record is 9-17-2 we're still in December with plenty of hockey to play.
We shouldn't feel sorry for Connor Bedard, but hopeful. This season he's scored 21 points(6 G, 15 A ) in 28 games with the Blackhawks. He's on pace for his 61-point total last season, and we could still see him do better under Sorensen's leadership.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 12 | 104 ANSWERS NHL Analyst Expresses Concerns About the Chicago Blackhawks and Connor Bedard's Development Is The Athletic's James Mirtle wrong about center Connor Bedard's development being damaged by the Chicago Blackhawks? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 49 % |
| No | 53 | 51 % |
| List of polls | ||
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