HawkTalkChi

Connor Bedard may already be the face of the Chicago Blackhawks, but even the franchise’s 19-year-old cornerstone knows there’s still plenty of work to be done if he’s going to live up to the “generational” tag.

Following a 67-point sophomore campaign capped by a dominant showing against the Ottawa Senators — two goals and an assist on the game-winner — Bedard didn’t celebrate. Instead, he went right into offseason mode with a clear priority: speed.

I don’t think I’m slow but probably kind of average speed

said Bedard.

I’m not ever going to be MacKinnon or McDavid or anyone like that, but if I can gain another step, it puts guys on their heels a little more and with the way I think the game, that could be a huge plus for me and help me create more.

Those comparisons to Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon — two of the NHL’s most dynamic skaters — aren’t accidental.

Bedard knows he’s already elite when it comes to hands, vision, and his wicked shot release.

But in his own words, an extra gear could unlock a whole new tier of production.

The first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft wrapped the year with 23 goals and 44 assists, quietly improving on his Calder Trophy-winning rookie season (61 points). But he’s not satisfied.

I love it here

Bedard said when asked about his long-term commitment to Chicago.

Despite the pressure of leading a rebuild and a contract extension looming, the Vancouver native has no interest in looking elsewhere.

He’s all-in on helping the Blackhawks climb out of the league’s basement — but he also knows he can’t do it alone.

The Blackhawks will need to give Bedard more support this offseason.

That includes surrounding him with NHL-ready talent and, critically, locking in a full-time head coach.

After Luke Richardson was fired midseason, Anders Sorensen stepped in on an interim basis, but the team has yet to name a permanent bench boss.

Still, Bedard isn’t using any of that as an excuse.

He’s focused on controlling what he can — and that means putting in a relentless summer of work.

Skating technique, explosive strides, strength training — it’s all part of the plan to round out his game and match his mental edge with physical dominance.

With the way I think the game, that could be a huge plus for me he said, pointing to how added speed would complement his high hockey IQ and make defenders even more uncomfortable.

It’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.

If Bedard gets even a half-step faster, he could be nearly uncontainable.

Chicago may not be a playoff team yet, but with Bedard pushing himself and setting a higher bar, fans might not have to wait much longer to see spring hockey return to the United Center — and their young superstar leading the charge.