“We know [Frondell is] a special talent. From everything you hear, super hard worker, super great guy, so I’m just excited to have him over. He’s going to be a good player for us,” Connor Bedard commented on his newest teammate Anton Frondell, via The Athletic’s Scott Powers.

Frondell joined the Blackhawks after his team (Djurgardens IF) back in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) was eliminated from the playoffs. With his season in Europe over, the Hawks decided it was time to fly the 18-year-old across the Atlantic and have him join the squad. Frondell is coming off a 28-point season in the SHL, in which he scored 20 goals and assisted 8 others.

Who will Frondell play with in debut?

Although Jeff Blashill initially dodged a question about Bedard and Frondell potentially playing together, the decision has now been confirmed. The Blackhawks are investing in their young duo right from the get-go.

Frondell will make his NHL debut alongside Bedard and Ryan Greene on the first line. With an average age of 20, the Hawks are now tied with the Sharks for the youngest top forward unit in the league.

What this means for the Blackhawks

This shows just how highly the organization thinks of the Swedish rookie. However, a more pessimistic perspective could see this lineup move as an indicator of how shallow Chicago’s talent depth is. Frondell has yet to take his rookie lap in the league, and he’s already considered a top-liner. Either way, Bedard will welcome him with open arms.

Since he arrived in Chicago, ‘Bedsy’ has yet to be surrounded by top talent, and Frondell has all the tools and potential to become an elite NHLer. The game against the Islanders could be historic. Perhaps it’s the first outing of an alliance that will make much noise in the Windy City.

If the sun ever comes up again at the United Center, it’ll likely be with Bedard and Frondell leading the way. Now, Blackhawks fans finally get to see them together on the ice.

“[Frondell] will be with a good player,” Blashill limited himself to answer, as reported by Kalen Lumpkins of Chicago Tribune.

Blashill may as well have said nothing. As much as the Blackhawks have struggled, calling his players bad would be like shooting himself in the foot multiple times for the head coach. Thus, his answer leaves every possibility on the table.

Where will Frondell play on Blackhawks?

Frondell could join Bedard on the top unit right away, or he might be placed on the fourth line, having to earn his top-six opportunities by spending time on the bottom unit. Either way, Hawks fans are excited to watch Frondell, and they’ll be very disappointed if he isn’t given good opportunities right out of the gate.

For Bedard, the former first overall pick in 2023 has been dreading for a linemate he can build chemistry with. For as long as he’s been with the Blackhawks, Bedard’s line has constantly shifted. He’s seen linemates come and go, and has yet to center a line with true first-line talents around him.

Frondell—the third overall pick in the 2025 NHL entry Draft—could be just that. Still, Blashill is playing his cards close to the chest. Whether the Swedish rookie will join Bedard or another line, it all remains up in the air.

Frondell’s numbers

Only an 18-year-old, Frondell has put up very exciting numbers in the SHL. The teenager tallies 28 points (20 goals and 8 assists) in 43 games this season. Despite playing in a physical league, the 6’1” center has held his ground, and has given Chicago reason to believe he can make the leap to the NHL.

“I don’t think you’re ever ready to be a captain,” Foligno admitted in dialogue with The Athletic. “Honestly, I was never, I’m still not. There’s just so much you learn. But I think [Bedard] would welcome the challenge. He’s a guy that can handle the load, if that’s what you’re asking. He can handle the stress and the responsibility. It’s a learning curve no matter what.”

Needless to say, becoming the Blackhawks captain ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season would mean a lot for Bedard. However, it would also require him to be up for a whole new challenge. Bedard is still young, but has proven time and again to be ahead of his age.

Bedard could be named captain at 21

Bedard will turn 21 years old before the 2026-27 NHL season. While being an alternate captain is a big honor for him, it sometimes feels like too little for the former first overall pick who has the entire future of the Blackhawks organization riding on his shoulders.

Bedard has yet to sign a contract extension in Blackhawks, but all signs indicate that will get done without trouble this summer. And it will likely come with a captaincy, too. It’s the next step, and it’s seemingly on the near horizon.

Some may stand against Bedard being named captain at such a young age, but it might be fitting. The Pittsburgh Penguins named Sidney Crosby captain at 19, and so did the Edmonton Oilers with Connor McDavid. Needless to say, both decisions worked out just fine.

Bedard must be named captain

It may be scary, but perhaps that’s exactly what the Blackhawks need to do: jump into the abyss once and for all. If Chicago stays in its comfort zone, it may never leave the rebuilding phase. If the Hawks are serious about building a championship contender, that wagon has to leave the garage at some point.

When Foligno was named captain—replacing Jonathan Toews—he knew his role was to help Chicago develop the next great leader. Most likely, he wouldn’t be around to see the seed he planted bear fruit. As he watches from Minneapolis–Saint Paul, he can pat himself on the back, for he has done a good job helping Bedard, and it’s now up to the Hawks to hand the kid from North Vancouver the “C”.

Mangiapane had a no-trade clause in his contract, giving him control over his next destination. Rather than wait for another opportunity, he chose to move midseason to Chicago, signaling a willingness to start fresh.

“It was a little tough sledding there in Edmonton. I’m happy to get out and have a nice restart and be with a good organization here,” Mangiapane said, via Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Mangiapane’s performance with Edmonton

Through 52 games with Edmonton this season, Mangiapane has totaled seven goals and 14 points. Those numbers are below his usual production, as he has historically been capable of 15-20 goals per season and even recorded a 35-goal campaign in the past.

Opportunity for a fresh start in Chicago

The Blackhawks hope Mangiapane can regain his scoring touch. A strong performance could help Chicago contend next season or position Mangiapane for a move to a contender at next year’s NHL trade deadline.

While Bedard and the Blackhawks have nothing but respect and gratitude for Foligno, the young team in Windy City is ready to turn the page. That sentiment was made visible after Bedard broke his silence on recent Blackhawks trades with a clear message for the front office.

Now, Bedard—who recently secured a key promotion—becoming an alternate captain for the remainder of the campaign, dropped yet another powerful statement. This time, clearly reflecting the unapologetic mindset that a roster as filled with youth as Chicago’s would take.

“He better keep his head up out there for the boys,” Bedard jokingly said about Foligno, via Ben Pope of Chicago Sun-Times. “I think he’s going to look a little ugly in those jerseys.” Bedard’s Blackhawks and Foligno’s Wild will meet in a home-and-home series on March 17-19. On a more serious note, Bedard posted a message for Foligno on social media. “Gonna miss you, brother. Go win one,” he posted on Instagram stories.

New leader in Chicago

While Bedard’s message for Foligno was meant as banter, it could also reflect the new direction the Blackhawks are headed in—at the very least, the direction Bedard hopes his team takes. Foligno’s trade didn’t catch anybody by surprise. It was a very real possibility, especially after reports hinted Bedard could lose his captain following Foligno’s cryptic comment on his NHL future.

Still, just because the team was ready for it and expecting such a trade doesn’t mean they walk away from it unscathed. However, the Hawks have seen so many faces head out the door that they might be immune to the pain by now. Bedard made it clear that’s not the case—it stings.

Fortunately for Chicago, Bedard has made it his goal to guarantee the 2025–26 campaign was the last time the Blackhawks were sellers before the trade deadline, at least for as long as he is in town. With him trending to re-sign and be named captain ahead of next season, it looks like Bedard will be around for a long while.

It has reached a point where the generational talent is beginning to lose his patience with the rebuild process the Blackhawks are in. Bedard made that clear recently with a straightforward message aimed at the organization.

“It’s motivating that this is the last year that we’re in a spot where we’re moving guys that help us win,” Bedard dropped a fiery statement for the Blackhawks to hear, via Ben Pope of Chicago Sun-Times. “That’s a shi— feeling. [We’ll] just try to not let that happen [again].”

Bedard has had enough

While his commitment to the Blackhawks and the city of Chicago isn’t wavering, Bedard is sick and tired of being held back by his organization. Frustration only grows for him as reports indicate Bedard could lose another veteran teammate after Nick Foligno dropped a cryptic comment.

Moreover, watching fellow first-overall picks like Macklin Celebrini and Matthew Schaefer enjoy significant team success right from the get-go must not be a pleasant sight for Bedard. Since he entered the NHL in 2023, his Blackhawks haven’t been close to sniffing the playoffs.

The Blackhawks must not panic just yet, but they should be careful not to frustrate Bedard too much. After all, the franchise savior has yet to sign a contract extension and is trending to become a restricted free agent on July 1st.

Same old (young) Blackhawks

This season, it felt different for Bedard. A hot start to the year had Chicago hoping of a playoff appearance. Naive, perhaps, but Bedard and his teammates had sky-high expectations.

“Two weeks ago, me, [Colton Dach] and [Ryan] Greene were on vacation, talking about, ‘After we win the Cup, we’re going to go back.’ It’s hard,” Bedard confessed. Now, Dach isn’t even in Chicago. He was traded to Edmonton in the same package that sent Jason Dickinson to The Gateway to the North. In return, the Hawks received a conditional 1st round pick in 2027 and Andrew Mangiapane.

In the blink of an eye, all progress has been wiped away for the Blackhawks. They find themselves back in the same position they have occupied ahead of every trade deadline since Bedard arrived in town.

Needless to say, Bedard has proven he can rise to the occasion and lead the Blackhawks. Chicago showed its confidence and trust in Bedard, who secured a key promotion after the Winter Olympics snub.

However, Bedard and company may now be in for a rude awakening, as reports hint that captain Nick Foligno could be on his way out. Far from putting the matter to rest, Foligno’s cryptic response only raised suspicion that an offer may already be on the table.

“It’s been an absolute honor to be the captain here, so I’m still fully committed to that until told otherwise,” Foligno stated, via Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. “But there’s a competitor inside you, too, that wants to be playing meaningful games.”

Bedard and Blackhawks could become captain-less

Based on Foligno’s confession, it’s clear the thought of moving out of Chicago has crossed his mind. Moreover, his words indicate he is aware of the noise around his name and it raises alarms for a potential trade that would leave the Blackhawks without their captain and most experienced player.

Chicago has already traded alternate captain Jason Dickinson to the Oilers, meaning if Foligno is out, as well, then Bedard will be the only player wearing a letter on his jersey’s front. Last-minute announcements could be made to hand other players an “A” but none will have as loud a voice as the 20-year-old generational talent has.

A Foligno trade would only state the obvious: GM Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks are looking ahead. Chicago is bracing the future and its youth-studded lineup only proves that. If Foligno packs his bags, Matt Grzelcyk (born on Jan. 5, 1994) will become the oldest player on the team.

The fact that Bedard missed the 2026 Winter Olympics remains an open wound for both the player and the country. Fans back in the Great White North are still wondering what could have been had he played in Milano-Cortina. Rather than dwelling on the snub, however, Bedard is using it as fuel; so far, it has been a second-to-none motivator.

Bedard and the Blackhawks are 1-2-1 since the NHL season resumed. While watching the team lose close games night in and night out stings, Bedard’s continued rise to the league’s elite is a sight to behold in the Windy City.

Fans would love to see more from the supporting cast, but as far as Bedard’s play goes, there are no complaints to be made. Chicago agrees; head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed Bedard has been promoted to alternate captain for the remainder of the campaign.

Bedard earns promotion to alternate

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Bedard had occasionally worn the “A” on his Blackhawks jersey. However, he is now getting the first letter in the alphabet stitched permanently on his sweater.

“He’s earned it with his commitment to winning hockey. That’s the biggest thing I talked to him about today. He’s very competitive; he works hard every day,” Blashill said about Bedard being named an alternate captain, via Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Bedard could be on track to become captain

Many fans in Chicago—and across the NHL—believe it is only a matter of time before Bedard is named team captain. Current captain Nick Foligno and alternate Jason Dickinson are both on expiring contracts, and the Blackhawks have yet to indicate whether they will re-sign them for the 2026-27 campaign or if the veterans even desire a return. Should both depart, the “C” would be left vacant, and there is no player with a stronger resume than Bedard to inherit it.

Veteran blueliner Connor Murphy might be on the move. According to a report from an NHL insider, the 32-year-old is in the crosshairs of Connor McDavid’s Oilers, who are doing everything in their power to redeem themselves after back-to-back heartbreaks in the Stanley Cup Final.

Although the Blackhawks remain a work in progress—with Connor Bedard essentially running a one-man show—the Oilers believe the experienced Chicago defenseman can be the perfect addition to their championship equation.

“Hearing talks are intensifying for Edmonton to acquire Connor Murphy from Chicago,” Elliotte Friedman reported on his X account. If the report turns out to be true, the trade between McDavid’s Oilers and Bedard’s Blackhawks involving Murphy may very well be dubbed the “Tre Connor” move.

Trade details

According to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, Murphy is headed to Edmonton for a second-round pick. Moreover, the Blackhawks will reportedly retain half of his $4.4 million cap hit ($2.2 million).

Murphy’s contract comes to an end after this season, so Chicago would only carry that burden for a couple of months before it’s wiped clean ahead of the offseason.

Murphy’s numbers

So far in the 2025-26 NHL season, Murphy has recorded perfect attendance, playing in all 60 games for the Blackhawks. Recording an average ice time of 16:34 minutes per game, Murphy has put up 13 points (4 goals and 9 assists), as well as a -3 plus/minus and 46 penalty minutes (PIM). Murphy’s numbers indicate he is not a menace in the offensive zone, but he can be very effective in his own zone. For the Oilers, that may be all they’ve been looking for.

Murphy usually plays on Chicago’s second defensive pairing alongside 21-year-old Kevin Korchinski. If he were to land in Edmonton, he could keep a similar role in the top four or fill in on the third pairing. Daily Faceoff lists 26-year-old Spencer Stastney and 25-year-old Ty Emberson in those roles at the moment.

Murphy’s veteran presence could provide a much-needed spark for McDavid and company. Edmonton has allowed way too many goals as of late, engaging in more high-scoring games than the team would like. In the playoffs, that may well be a recipe for disaster—even for a team with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the attack.

Why move makes sense for Bedard and Blackhawks

For Chicago, the writing has been on the wall for a while now. Though a hot start to the season gave fans hope of a miraculous ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs—similar to what the San Jose Sharks are on track to accomplish—the Blackhawks have run out of gas. Now, it’s time to go back to the drawing board. Murphy, on an expiring contract, has long been linked to a move before the trade deadline. Now, the time may have finally come.

Bedard has recorded a goal in five of the Blackhawks’ last six outings. Moreover, since the NHL resumed play, he has scored twice for Chicago. However, the Hawks lost both games by multi-goal margins. Bedard has been a victim of the team’s overall struggles, and although fans expect him to be the franchise savior, there is only so much he can do to turn the tide.

As it stands, Bedard is carrying a one-man show in the Windy City. Aside from the occasional highlight-reel play, it has not been a pleasant sight. As a result, captain Nick Foligno issued a five-word directive to the rest of the team. With the NHL trade deadline (March 6) around the corner, many of the intended recipients may not be around to follow orders.

“We’ve got to help him,” Nick Foligno said about Connor Bedard, as reported by Chicago Tribune’s Kalen Lumpkins. “Can’t just be on Connor, he’s doing his job. He’s getting scoring chances (and) making plays. So it’s on the rest of us to pick it up and find a way to help him out.”

Leading by example

Only in his third NHL season, Bedard has already been through a lot with the Blackhawks—mostly difficult and testing times for the former first overall pick in 2023. Still, he clings to the hope that Chicago can finally turn things around. Bedard has never been one to turn on his teammates or the organization.

Rather than magnify an already dramatic situation, he lets his game do the talking. So far, Bedard has recorded 55 points (25 goals, 30 assists) in 46 games. Despite missing time with a shoulder injury, he remains the team’s points leader.

Can the Blackhawks lose Bedard to free agency?

It may eventually reach a point where Bedard grows tired of losing, but it does not appear that he is there yet. Through it all, the 20-year-old has remained committed. However, Bedard has yet to sign a contract extension. He will become a restricted free agent (RFA) after the 2025–26 NHL season, when his entry-level contract expires.

Both sides have made their willingness to work out an extension clear, but rather than focus on paperwork during the season, Bedard is content to kick the can down the road. Once the offseason begins, he will have plenty of time for that.

Moreover, his RFA status provides Chicago with security and eliminates any fear of losing him in a bidding war. Finally, while speculation about Bedard being traded ahead of the deadline may generate clicks and social media buzz, such a scenario is, in reality, downright illogical. If there is a beacon of hope for the Blackhawks, it is Bedard, and there is no chance they would move on from him. He belongs to a select group of NHL players who simply do not have a price tag.

Nazar’s statement is no surprise. Like Bedard was for Team Canada, Nazar was left out of Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics, though the latter’s absence made no noise at all. Still, Nazar—like every other American—tuned in to watch his countrymen compete on the biggest stage. As he addressed the historic triumph over Canada in Milano Cortina, Nazar dropped a message that should serve as a warning for Team Canada.

“It’s pretty awesome. Such an unbelievable group of guys. Everybody in that locker room is so selfless. They’re playing for each other there,” Nazar stated, per CHSN Blackhawks. “Everything they did that whole tournament, with the Gaudreau family and everything, it was just so awesome. They’re playing for something more than just themselves. For the country. Jack [Hughes] said it best after the game: everyone is proud to be an American and play that game for the United States.”

Although Nazar didn’t take direct shots at Canada, his message about what Team USA is could hint at what he believes Team Canada wasn’t. As there were no Blackhawks teammates of his or Bedard’s on Canada’s squad, he could speak freely about them, burning no bridges in the process.

Team USA is new ‘Ice King’

After being overlooked for a very long time, Team USA is now back at the top of international hockey. Meanwhile, the crisis has only deepened for the Maple Leaf. In addition to its Stanley Cup drought, Canada can no longer boast about its players being the best in the world. In Milan, the USA proved it has the best team across the globe.

There are excuses to be found for those who look for them. Connor Hellebuyck played the best game a goaltender ever has in a long time, Canada squandered grade-A chances like Nathan MacKinnon’s crucial miss against Team USA, and the Americans could’ve been called for too many men on the ice late in the third period.

Team USA wins gold in Milan

Still, history books will read that Team USA returned home with gold and an entire nation behind it. On the other hand, Canada docked with a not-so-shiny silver medal and internal debates about whether leaving Bedard out of the team came back to bite the Maple Leaf.

In Dallas, no one has any regret about leaving Jason Robertson at home, while in Manhattan the decision to send J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck is looking great for the Americans, after Mike Sullivan took a firm stand for his New York Rangers players on Team USA.

That’s the difference between winning and losing: it’s everything. Washington, D.C., and Ottawa share time zones, but reality is looking like a night-and-day contrast for Team USA and Team Canada.