After a rough sophomore season in the NHL, Chicago Blackhawks cornerstone Connor Bedard is learning to ride the waves of emotions that come with the 82-game campaign.
Bedard has been through the wringer in the NHL, though he has played just 150 games in the league. Called to be the next best thing in hockey, Bedard has had big shoes to fill since putting on the Blackhawks jersey on Draft Night in 2023.
As expected, he was named the Calder Trophy winner in his rookie season. However, in sports, the tide can turn in the blink of an eye. His sophomore campaign was nowhere near as spectacular, and those who once bowed to him, now pointed their fingers in accusation of Bedard’s slump.
Many things were said about the teenager, with rumors suggesting he was tired of being on a losing team as the Blackhawks struggled at the bottom of the standings. However, once the season came to an end, Bedard took a moment to set the record straight.
Connor Bedard speaks to the media after being selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the first overall pick during round one of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 28, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.
“If I looked a little sad on the bench, maybe people can take it out of context,” Blackhawks star Connor Bedard said, via Chicago Sun-Times. “I’ve said it so many times: I love being here [around] the city, the people.
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“Even before I got drafted, I was embraced as one of their own. So it’s a special sports town, and we have a lot of great players coming up. People who know me know I love to be here and really trust the direction we’re going.”
Extension upcoming?
After June, on July 1st to be precise, the clock will start ticking on an extension for Connor Bedard, as he would be entering his final season under his rookie contract. It’s in Chicago’s best interests to keep Bedard in town, preferably throughout the entire North Vancouver native’s career.
However, the main question mark centers around Bedard’s intentions—whether he wants to stay with the franchise or seek a new home where he believes the road to the Stanley Cup is a little shorter and smoother.
“I love it here,” Bedard said, nevertheless. “I have a great relationship with [general manager] Kyle [Davidson] and everyone. I know I want to be here for a long time.”
General manager Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on during practice prior to the 2024 NHL Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field on December 30, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Donato hopes to stay as well
Coming off a breakout season, forward Ryan Donato has made it clear throughout the year he wishes to extend his contract with Bedard’s Blackhawks. His desire was made clear when he stayed with the team through the trade deadline. However, while he would happily put pen to paper in Chi-town, he made something clear.
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“It’s definitely nice, the idea of being in a place for more than two years,” Donato admitted about his desired contract length, via Ben Pope on X.
