Chicago Blackhawks 19-year-old phenom knows what he needs to work on this offseason

Connor Bedard’s second season in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks ended on an extremely strong note on Tuesday night against the Senators. The 2023 first overall pick scored two goals in the season finale for the first time all season, which was a great sight for Chicago fans everywhere.

Bedard played all 82 games this season, which is something he did not do as a rookie. He suffered a rough jaw injury against the New Jersey Devils just days into the 2024 calendar year that forced him out of the lineup for 14 games. Despite this, Bedard won the Calder Trophy by posting 22 goals and 39 assists for a total of 61 points in 67 games.

When talking to the media on Thursday and his end-of-the-season availability, Bedard made clear what he needs to work on this summer.

Connor Bedard knows what he needs to work on this offseason

Despite being a relatively quick skater and one of the fastest guys on the current Blackhawks roster, Bedard immediately mentioned his speed as an area he would like to improve this summer.

“I don’t think I’m slow but probably kind of average speed,” Bedard said. 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.”

When comparing Bedard to the game’s best players, their speed is a major aspect of their play, along with the size that they bring to the ice. Unfortunately for Bedard, he’s a bit undersized compared to the likes of McDavid and Matthews. Because of this, he’ll have to become that much quicker to make up for his size.

One thing that Bedard improved on big time over the course of the season was his efforts in the faceoff circle. That was one major concern for the young phenom entering the season, and he didn’t start the year strong in that department. If he can find a way to stay in the faceoff dot down the road, it will only benefit his game more. Sticking as a center allows Bedard to have more space to be creative and not only set himself up for success, but his teammates can benefit from this too.

The Chicago Blackhawks need Connor Bedard to take a leap next year

Bedard has eclipsed 20 goals and 60 points in each of his first two NHL seasons. He has joined a bunch of franchise greats in various scoring groups as a teenager, and the front office is hoping this is only the beginning for him.

Nick Foligno acknowledged in his chat with the media that this team needs to kick things up a notch next season, and one could argue that it all starts with Bedard. While other young pieces to the puzzle made their NHL debuts this season, he is the true franchise cornerstone that is being counted on to come through in big spots. If he can finish next season in the 35-40 goal range, things could get extremely exciting for this franchise sooner rather than later.