Connor Bedard, the young star of the Chicago Blackhawks, has shown visible signs of frustration during a challenging NHL season for the team. However, interim coach Anders Sorensen sees these struggles as a natural part of Bedard’s development, even drawing parallels to the early career of Sidney Crosby.
Sorensen emphasized that elite players often face such challenges as they adjust to the professional game. “Overall, I think he’s very mature for being 19, especially with the amount of spotlight that’s on him constantly,” Sorensen told Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.
“I remember Sidney Crosby went through a lot of that. I remember Peter Forsberg came into the league mild-mannered off the ice, but on the ice, it happens, right?” Sorensen added.
The comparison to Crosby, one of the greatest players in NHL history, aims to reassure fans and highlight that Bedard’s frustrations are common among talented rookies.
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks reacts against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at the United Center on March 18, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Bedard’s frustrations on display
Bedard’s struggles were particularly evident during the Blackhawks’ recent four-game road trip, where he recorded just one assist and a minus-four rating. The young forward received 10-minute misconduct penalties in back-to-back games—first in San Jose for arguing with officials and then in Vancouver for engaging in a late-game brawl.
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While these incidents have raised concerns, Sorensen insists they are part of the learning process. “They want to win. They want to be successful,” he added.
Parallels with Sidney Crosby’s early career
Sidney Crosby also had his share of run-ins with officials early in his career, often expressing his displeasure during games. Over time, Crosby learned to manage his emotions and became one of the NHL’s most respected players. This comparison offers an optimistic outlook for Bedard’s development, suggesting that his current difficulties could be a stepping stone to future success.
The Blackhawks’ struggles
The Blackhawks are enduring a difficult season, currently on a five-game losing streak and sitting second-to-last in the NHL standings. Bedard’s production has also declined, with just four points in his last 13 games and a total of 53 points in 68 games this season.
What’s next for Bedard and the Blackhawks?
The situation underscores the challenges of transitioning to the professional game, even for highly touted prospects like Bedard. The comparison to Crosby highlights that struggles and frustrations are a natural part of the development process. As Bedard continues to adapt and learn, the hope is that he can follow in Crosby’s footsteps and become a dominant star in the NHL.
