The team lost Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and what seemed to be its identity.
Kyle Davidson accumulated draft capital to build for the future, but the current timeline seemed bleak.
With the acquisition of Connor Bedard in the 2023 NHL entry draft, the timeline seems more optimistic. Fans have a lot to look forward to with the Blackhawks prospect pipeline being improved with the 2023 draft.
Patrick Kane on Connor Bedard: "He's been amazing. He's been great. ... I'm sure you guys see it covering him every night. He's worth the price of admission. He does special things. He's going to be a great player for a long time." #Blackhawks� Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) February 25, 2024
Kane acknowledges in an interview what a phenomenon Connor Bedard is, as he was asked about the young #1 center. The game tonight will be a battle of old and new phenoms.
Kane believes Connor Bedard is worth the price of admission alone in Chicago, as the new face of the league. Bedard has proven he is what he says he is this season so far.
Kaner mentions how special of a player he is and how he will be for the Blackhawks in the future.
There is respect between the two, but it will be interesting to see who comes away with the victory after the game tonight.
Past or future-present.
In 44 games with the Blackhawks this season, Connor Bedard has 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists). He's in contention for the Calder Trophy.
POLL | ||
Do you think the Blackhawks will be better under Bedard next year? | ||
Yes | 324 | 80.8 % |
No | 77 | 19.2 % |
List of polls |