UPDATE: The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for their highly anticipated preseason opener against the Detroit Red Wings on September 26, 2023, and franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard is eager to hit the ice. After a quieter offseason, Bedard expressed his readiness to embrace the upcoming season, stating, “When you haven’t played a game for a while, you’re excited to get back to it.”
This season marks a critical juncture for the Blackhawks as they celebrate their centennial year while simultaneously focusing on rebuilding. With new coach Jeff Blashill at the helm, the team is implementing a fresh system aimed at revitalizing their performance. Bedard, now entering his third year in the NHL with impressive stats of 128 points (45 goals, 83 assists) and the 2023-24 Calder Trophy under his belt, is poised to take his game to the next level.
As the Blackhawks kick off their training camp, Bedard emphasized the importance of the rigorous practices, saying, “There’s spots to be had, so everyone’s going to be working. (Blashill) sets that bar for us. It’s hard, but it needs to be.” The intensity of the training camp is expected to pay off, with players vying for critical roster spots as they face the Red Wings.
The offseason offered Bedard a much-needed break from the chaos of being a No. 1 draft pick. Reflecting on this time, he stated, “The last three, four years have been a little chaotic… but to have some time without anything — I was at home with my buddies training — it makes you really miss the game.” This renewed focus has him feeling “good where I’m at physically and mentally,” as he prepares for the games ahead.
Blashill has already made an impact within the team, instilling a culture of toughness and resilience. He noted, “When you’re really young and you come to the league, you’re probably not as comfortable as when you’ve been in the league a few years.” This shift in mindset is crucial as the younger players grow into their roles.
The upcoming preseason game is not merely a formality; it’s an essential step for the Blackhawks to test Blashill’s strategies and assess the readiness of their roster. Bedard’s anticipation builds as he looks forward to the season. “I felt that come the middle of summer, I was sick of working out and just wanted to play. I’m really excited to get going,” he remarked.
With overarching expectations and pressure, Bedard maintains a grounded perspective. He views the media attention and discussions surrounding him as part of the game, stating, “I just play hockey and do what I love with some great people and great friends.” His focus remains on performance rather than external noise, and he is ready to lead the Blackhawks into a new era of competition.
As the Blackhawks prepare for their opener, all eyes will be on Bedard and the promising roster that includes key players like Frank Nazar, Spencer Knight, and prospects such as Sam Rinzel and Anton Frondell. The game against the Red Wings is set to offer the first glimpse of how these elements come together in Blashill’s system.
Stay tuned for live updates and insights as the Blackhawks embark on this exciting chapter in their storied franchise.
