Connor Bedard arrived in Chicago carrying the immense weight of expectation, hailed as a generational talent capable of single-handedly steering the Blackhawks back to prominence. His rookie season offered flashes of brilliance, demonstrating the elite skill that made him the undisputed first overall pick. However, as he transitions into his third NHL season, a clear and pressing issue remains: the young star is largely on his own.
Two Seasons In: A Glimpse, But Challenges Remain
Bedard`s sophomore campaign saw his point production rate slightly decrease compared to his rookie year pace. While still impressive given the circumstances, his underlying statistics, such as a deeply negative plus/minus rating and struggles in the faceoff circle, paint a picture of a player forced to do too much on a team lacking depth. This isn`t a criticism of Bedard himself – he is still incredibly young and possesses all the tools for future success. Rather, it`s an observation of the challenging environment he finds himself in.
The Solitary Island of Talent
Hockey history is replete with examples of generational talents who began their careers alongside other significant players. Wayne Gretzky had Mark Messier, Sidney Crosby had Evgeni Malkin, and Connor McDavid has Leon Draisaitl. These duos, or trios, allowed young stars to develop without bearing the entire load from day one. Bedard, by contrast, doesn`t currently have a teammate who operates anywhere near that stratosphere. He is, for all intents and purposes, on an island.
Consider the experience of another recent high draft pick, Macklin Celebrini in San Jose. While also joining a rebuilding team, Celebrini benefited from having a veteran center like Alex Wennberg absorbing difficult matchups and taking crucial faceoffs, effectively cushioning his transition. The Blackhawks` attempts last offseason to bring in veteran help, such as Teuvo Teravainen, Tyler Bertuzzi, Alec Martinez, and T.J. Brodie, yielded only moderate results and haven`t created a stable support structure. Martinez has retired, and Brodie has been bought out, leaving the team searching for answers.
Cap Space Abundance, Immediate Options Scarcity
The Blackhawks currently possess significant salary cap space, a valuable asset in theory. However, the market in the immediate future, particularly the 2025 free agency class, is not flush with high-end talent capable of stepping in and immediately elevating Bedard`s linemates or the team`s overall center depth. This leaves Chicago in a peculiar position: wealth without readily available goods to purchase.
The 2026 free agency class is projected to be far stronger. The Blackhawks could position themselves to be major players, using the allure of playing with Bedard in his prime as a key selling point. Yet, waiting another full season to surround Bedard with meaningful help feels like a gamble. Can they afford to let another year pass with their franchise cornerstone shouldering virtually all the offensive and defensive burden?
The Trade Market Imperative?
Given the current free agency landscape, the most viable path for the Blackhawks to acquire the necessary talent to support Bedard appears to be through trades. This route requires leveraging assets, potentially including future draft picks or prospects, to bring in established players or those on the cusp of making a significant impact. It`s a more complex and often more expensive method than free agency, but it might be the only way to avoid another season of Bedard bravely battling largely unsupported.
Conclusion: The Time for Action is Now
Connor Bedard is a generational talent deserving of a team structure that allows him to flourish. While the Blackhawks` rebuild is underway, the pace at which they are assembling a competitive roster around their most valuable asset is questionable, especially when compared to peers like San Jose. Possessing cap space is only useful if it translates into tangible roster improvements. Waiting until 2026 risks squandering valuable early years of Bedard`s career and potentially hindering his development in crucial areas like faceoffs and defensive responsibility, simply because he lacks a proper support system.
The Blackhawks face a critical juncture. Providing Bedard with skilled, complementary linemates and experienced centers who can take defensive zone draws and tough minutes is not a luxury; it`s a necessity. Whether through astute trades or finding undervalued assets, the front office must prioritize surrounding their young superstar with the help he needs, and they likely need to do it sooner rather than later.
