HawkTalkChi

As the 2025-26 season approaches, new head coach Jeff Blashill isn’t easing into his role, he’s already putting pressure on Connor Bedard to elevate his game.

The Blackhawks are no strangers to rebuilds, but this one feels different.

With Jeff Blashill stepping behind the bench, the message coming out of Chicago is clear: it’s time to shift from potential to progress.

And right at the center of it all is Connor Bedard.

Blashill, who previously coached the Detroit Red Wings, spoke candidly in his first press conference.

While acknowledging Bedard’s undeniable skill, he made it clear the expectations are higher now, and Bedard has another level to reach.

[Bedard’s] going to get to another level. I don’t think there’s any question, Blashill said,

via Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Praise for Bedard’s elite tools, but focus turns to refining the small things

Bedard’s sophomore campaign saw him collect 67 points in 82 games, solid, but a slight dip in efficiency from his rookie season. Blashill didn’t harp on the stats, though.

His attention went to the subtleties that separate talent from impact.

There’s zero doubt of the ability that he has. When you watch him with the puck on his stick, both his ability to shoot pucks and his ability to create plays and make passes is really, really elite. There’s zero doubt about that.

Blashill told NHL.com.

Still, he emphasized the importance of sharpening habits. Things like puck pressure, shift timing, and spatial awareness, those are what Blashill believes will truly push Bedard toward stardom.

Working toward Connor’s strengths will be important. Making sure you’re stopping on pucks, making sure your changes are great, making sure you’re [taking] short shifts, all those things lead to the development side of a winner/

Then there’s also the development side of continuing to find ways to separate yourself.

How can he separate himself with the puck to create a little bit more space, because when he has space in the offensive zone, he’s excellent as we stand here today,

he explained.

Individual growth remains the foundation of Blashill’s plan

While Blashill brings years of NHL experience, he isn’t promising shortcuts.

His belief is that real team success is rooted in personal development, from top-line talent to role players.

They go hand-in-hand. The best way to increase the ceiling of your team is through individual growth,

Blashill said.

That’s for everyone from young players to veterans.

Chicago fans have endured their share of false dawns. But with Bedard entering year three and Blashill instilling structure and discipline from day one, there’s finally a sense that this rebuild could be headed in the right direction, not because of hype, but because of honest, grinding development.