Patrick Kane may no longer be on the Chicago Blackhawks, but not a day goes by where fans in Illinois don’t dream with a reunion. It’s looking even more utopic, though, as Kane recently signed a one-year extension in Detroit. Regardless, the two sides will be linked forever. On that note, Kane issued a sincere statement on Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks current state, and how Jeff Blashill could unlock the young star’s next level in the 2025-26 NHL season.
Just like Bedard, Kane was selected with a first overall pick by the Blackhawks. While dubbed an elite prospect, Kane may not have been at Bedard’s level coming into the league. However, everybody knows how that pick turned out and the legacy the winger has left in Chicago.
Kane knows firsthand what Bedard has faced since his NHL debut. While social media adds a layer of pressure for Bedard, that Kane never had to deal with early on, the intensity on the ice remains almost identical. Both players stand 5’10”, and although Bedard currently plays center and Kane is a winger, that positional difference might not last much longer.
While enjoying his offseason back in the city where he cemented his NHL legacy, Kane discussed a variety of themes. From his present in Detroit, the Blackhawks under Blashill, and Bedard’s future, to many more topics surrounding the organization in the Windy City. Almost inadvertently, ‘Showtime’ might have tossed a million-dollar suggestion to Blashill about Bedard.
Kane’s statement
“I wouldn’t have any worry or concern about [Bedard]. Yeah, maybe [a move to the wing would help him]. For me, I was a smaller player. The demand is a little bit easier compared to a center,” Kane said in dialogue with ESPN Chicago. “I think it’s beneficial to play different positions and kind of learn everything.
“So, yeah, maybe. I don’t know what the Blackhawks had planned for him for his career. I don’t want to say you want to play him with defensive guys, but with some responsible players who can play both ways. All of a sudden, that helps him out.”
Adversity
Much talk has grown around Bedard, mostly after a rough sophomore campaign in which he couldn’t build on his Calder Trophy-winning rookie season in the NHL.
As deflating as it might be, it’s all part of adjusting to the big leagues, something a 19-year-old like Bedard had no time to do. Since being drafted in 2023, he was almost on autopilot, and he can now truly begin to learn what it takes to be successful.
“It’s a tough league to get adjusted to. I went through my growing pains, a lot of these guys that play right away don’t have those extra years to develop. Don’t think there’s any concern about him,” Kane added. “He’s got a great career ahead of him.“
A new icon in the Windy City
The Blackhawks want nothing more than to leave behind the past few years, which have been marked by disheartening defeats and constant bumps and bruises. To do so, Chicago must establish its core — and keeping Bedard for the long haul is the first, and most important, brick to lay. In that regard, Kane has no reason to believe Bedard wants to be anywhere other than the United Center.
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“He sounds like he wants to be a Blackhawk for a long time,” Kane commented on Bedard, who is now eligible to sign an extension. “I think they got a bright future ahead and he’s going to lead it. He’s going to get better and better with time, he looks like a kid that really wants to get better.”