<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard">Connor Bedard</a> grabbed all the spotlights in the NHL, but it wasn’t enough for the Chicago Blackhawks. Following the 4-3 shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, Frank Nazar offered a stern admission about his thoughts after yet another narrow-margin defeat.



Bedard and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks">Blackhawks</a> are holding their ground against some of the best teams in the NHL. After years of being a walk in the park for opponents, simply being competitive is a positive sign for fans in Chicago. However, the Hawks would still like to close out some of the tight games they’ve recently let slip away.



“[We] try to work for each other, and [when] it doesn’t end up working out, it sucks,” Nazar stated, via The Chicago Sun-Times. “There’s spurts in the game where we looked really good and we were outplaying them. [It’s about] just continuing to get rid of those small little mishaps.”



<h2>Bedard keeps his red-hot form</h2>



Following his four-point outing against the Anaheim Ducks, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/vegas-golden-knights">Golden Knights</a> knew they couldn’t let Bedard out of their sights. Still, there was nothing that could’ve been done to prevent him from scoring an absolute beauty on Carter Hart—who made his season debut and first start since January 2024.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CONNOR BEDARD, ARE YOU SERIOUS?? 😱 <a href="https://t.co/ZA39CCGscF">pic.twitter.com/ZA39CCGscF</a>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1996086174633316700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



With his goal against Vegas, Bedard found the back of the net for the 17th time in the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season. With over 50 games left in the campaign, the former first overall pick is now six goals away from matching his best goal mark in a season (23). So far in the campaign, Bedard registers 38 points (17G, 21A).


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To put the cherry on top on another sensational outing in the season, Bedard scored a nifty goal in the shootout round. However — as it’s been a common theme all year long — it wasn’t enough as Chicago fell once again.



<h2>Confident Bedard is putting league on notice</h2>



Needless to say, Bedard is playing the best hockey of his NHL career. After enduring a sophomore slump during the 2024–25 season, the North Vancouver native has now hit the ground running. It has become clear as day just how lethal Bedard can be when his confidence is high.



Credit should also go to Jeff Blashill, who has changed the tune in Chicago. Though the results aren’t fully there yet, the winds of change can be felt in the Windy City, and Blashill has helped Bedard unlock his potential — exactly what the Hawks hoped to see from their franchise wonderkid.


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NHL News: Connor Bedard teammate makes candid confession on Blackhawks after loss to Golden Knights

NHL News: Connor Bedard teammate makes candid confession on Blackhawks after loss to Golden Knights - Bolavip US

Bedard teammate makes candid confession on Blackhawks after loss to Golden Knights

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard">Connor Bedard</a> and the Chicago Blackhawks overcame a disastrous start to secure a key comeback win over the Anaheim Ducks. Several familiar faces reunited at the United Center when Ducks and Hawks went to battle, but there was no place for friendly chatter. Instead, the two sides treated fans to one heated showdown in the NHL season.



Two of the youngest rosters in the league provided one of the best games in the 2025-26 NHL season. During Joel Quenneville’s return to the Windy City, the Ducks came out of the tunnel looking shot out of a cannon. Anaheim scored twice in the opening minute, taking Bedard and company by surprise. The Ducks even took a 3-0 lead in the first period, but the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackhawks</a> never threw the towel, walking away with a 5-3 victory.



It wasn’t always pretty. More often than not, the game turned chippy, as stars on both sides of the ice went at it. Even Bedard got his hands dirty, as he starred a brief skirmish with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anaheim-ducks">Ducks</a> forward Mason McTavish. After the game, Bedard didn’t stutter to put the rest of the league on notice. As skilled as he is, he isn’t afraid to stand up for himself when tempers flare and push comes to shove.



“It’s fun when games get feisty like that,” Bedard confessed during his postgame interview with Chicago Sports Network’s Darren Pang. Bedard sure proved he is up for the task when the tide gets rough, finishing the game with 4 points (2G, 2A). His magical 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season continues, as the former first overall pick now registers 37 points (16G, 21A).



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Bedard and McTavish went at it after the buzzer leading to a big scrum 😳 <a href="https://t.co/aEdYb4LdPB">pic.twitter.com/aEdYb4LdPB</a>— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1995270954407297518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>Bedard and McTavish go at it</h2>



Former teammates for Team Canada in the 2022 IIHF World Juniors, Bedard and McTavish sure seemed to have forgotten about their shared history during Chicago’s 5-3 victory. What started off as an argument—with slashes involved—at the faceoff slot led to a spat after the final horn went off at the United Center. 


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In between those two sequences, Bedard put the game away with an empty-net goal, which he celebrated by staring down the Ducks’ bench. Still, after the game, Bedard expressed nothing but praise for McTavish.



“Yeah, we are pretty close, actually. He is someone that always wants to compete. I was roommates with him. Everything we do, he’s trying to make it a competition,” Bedard commented on McTavish after the game. “I’ll probably go say hello to him right now. Such a great player. He’s a fun guy to play against.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251201_BUS_537085_connor-bedard-1-1_9df7bd72.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Connor Bedard " class="wp-image-537190"></figure><figcaption>Connor Bedard at the United Center on November 30, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Blackhawks-Ducks could become a classic for years</h2>



Chicago and Anaheim boast the third- and seventh-youngest rosters in the NHL, respectively. With both sides taking massive strides this season, it’s easy to believe the Hawks and Ducks could spark a rivalry that lasts for years. Perhaps Sunday’s clash in the City of Big Shoulders will one day be remembered as the league’s first taste of an electric matchup between them. 



Those who missed the meeting in Chicago will have another chance soon, as the Blackhawks visit the Ducks on December 7th, hoping to sweep the season series for the first time since the 2021-22 campaign.


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Chicago Blackhawks’ bad-blood matchup with Anaheim Ducks leads to honest confession from Connor Bedard

Connor Bedard puts the NHL on notice with bold confession after Blackhawks’ heated win over Ducks - Bolavip US

Bedard puts NHL on notice after Blackhawks’ heated win over Ducks

Connor Bedard puts the NHL on notice with bold confession after Blackhawks’ heated win over Ducks

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> put up a two-point performance but it wasn’t enough. The Chicago Blackhawks fell in overtime to the Minnesota Wild by a final score of 4-3. After suffering their fourth straight loss in the 2025-26 NHL season, the young star on the team delivered a strong message to head coach Jeff Blashill and company.



Growing up is never easy. There are several pains that come with it. For Bedard and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackhawks</a>, the story isn’t any different. Chicago boasts the third-youngest roster in the NHL—per Elite Prospects—and the squad’s inexperience has shown time and again in the 2025-26 campaign. After yet another narrow-margin loss to a red-hot team like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/minnesota-wild" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minnesota</a>, Bedard made his frustration visible with a blunt comment.



“It [stinks],” Bedard admitted postgame per NHL.com. “I thought we played a pretty good game, but just little mistakes that we’ll clean up. Overall, I thought there were a lot of positives to take away. But in the end, obviously you’ve got to come out with the two [points].”



<h2>Bedard and Blackhawks are struggling to put games away</h2>



The Blackhawks are falling victim to a double-edged sword. In many ways, how they view their season comes down to whether they look at the glass half full or half empty. On the one hand, they have held their ground against some of the most intimidating contenders in the league. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251127_BUS_534812_jeff-blashill_c16eec1e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Jeff Blashill" class="wp-image-520252" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Jeff Blashill of the Chicago Blackhawks </figcaption></figure>



On the other hand, though, the Hawks have had no luck closing out games. Luck tends to favor the other side, as Chicago seems to lose almost exclusively in one-goal games. It’s all part of being a rebuilding team in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>. The Blackhawks are still wet behind the ears. Most seem to have made their peace with this fact, as it’s all part of the learning process. 


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However, with Bedard registering the best numbers of his career (33 points through 23 games) and looking for a seat at the grown man’s table, the constant heartbreaking losses are taking a toll on him. Far from giving up, the former first overall pick is determined to keep the Hawks afloat in the current best division in all of the NHL: the Central Division.



<h2>Blashill admits this game serves as a lesson</h2>



No player ever enters the NHL in hopes of learning. If they were after that, then most would opt to stay in college. However, whether they are enrolling in these classes willingly or not, the league is quick to teach youngsters what it takes to win. On that note, even <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jeff-blashill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blashill</a> admitted the loss to the Wild—who have now won six games in a row—serves that purpose. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251127_BUS_534812_connor-bedard-2_31f7e09e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Connor Bedard warming up" class="wp-image-514254" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Connor Bedard at the TD Garden on October 9, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.</figcaption></figure>



“Yeah, it’s tough. You’re going to win that game more than not but it’s part of the learning process for us,” Blashill commented after the overtime defeat at home, via NHL.com. “I thought there were times throughout the year we did a good job of either coming back or winning those close games. 



“Now, we’ve given up a couple of leads here in the last few games. I’m glad we’re in that spot, but part of the learning process is to find a way to make sure there’s no way to lose that game. We played too good to lose it. That’s what we’re trying to figure out here.”



Blashill made sure to remind Bedard and company that he is getting tired of being taught lessons. Now, the Hawks must find ways to be in charge of class from time to time. If there is something Blashill knows by heart, it’s that the student can always surpass the master.


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NHL News: Connor Bedard issues sincere statement to Jeff Blashill, Blackhawks after OT loss to Wild

NHL News: Connor Bedard issues sincere statement to Jeff Blashill, Blackhawks after OT loss to Wild - Bolavip US

Bedard issues sincere statement to Blashill, Blackhawks after OT loss to Wild

In a pivotal Central Division matchup in the 2025-26 NHL season, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> and the Chicago Blackhawks were shutout by the Colorado Avalanche. It was far from encouraging considering the Hawks have now lost three in a row, but head coach Jeff Blashill managed to see the silver lining after the game.



Taking down the best team in the NHL was never going to be an easy task for Bedard and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackhawks</a>. Colorado (16-1-5) has lost only once in regulation this season, and against Chicago (10-8-4), it showed exactly why. Scott Wedgewood slammed the door shut at the United Center, and Cale Makar’s strike proved to be the difference between the two divisional rivals.



Bedard and the Hawks fought until the final horn, but it was all in vain. Two streaks were kept alive after the Avs’ 1-0 win: Chicago has now lost three in a row — for the third time in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season — and Colorado extended its win streak to 9 games. Regardless, after the game, Blashill made sure to praise Bedard and company for their effort.



‘‘If we repeat that performance, we’re winning lots of games,’’ <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jeff-blashill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeff Blashill</a> admitted postgame per Chicago Sun-Times. ‘‘We did an excellent job in our structure, an excellent job of [fixing] some of the things we talked about this morning that we didn’t do in Buffalo.’’



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251124_BUS_532962_Jeff-Blashill-2_6e515782.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-406714" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Jeff Blashill during a game </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Blashill speaks honestly to Bedard, Blackhawks</h2>



Only 22 games into the NHL season, the Blackhawks have already learned how Blashill goes about his business. The 51-year-old head coach doesn’t sugarcoat his thoughts after any outing. When he likes his team’s performance, he shows it. But when he isn’t pleased, he lets the locker room know, too. 


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Blashill’s approach has certainly impacted the rest of the team. That was made clear when veteran forward Jason Dickinson addressed the media with a very sincere postgame admission.



‘‘We can be both happy with the process [and] not satisfied with the result,’’ Dickinson commented. ‘‘It sucks, but, for the most part, that’s a lot of good clips that we can go back and watch and be proud of.’’



<h2>Another tough test for Chicago</h2>



Though the Blackhawks showed signs of improvement against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/colorado-avalanche" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Avalanche</a>, they remain mired in a multi-game losing streak. The mission stays the same for Bedard and company. Up next, Chicago will host the Minnesota Wild (12-7-4), who enter the divisional matchup riding a five-game win streak. The Hawks will need to extinguish another team’s fire if they hope to put out the flames consuming the burning barn in the Windy City.



Winning is paramount for this young roster, because everyone knows what can happen when a fire breaks out in a town known for its gusting winds. Bedard and the Blackhawks must get back on track. They’ve been in similar positions before—right before their season spiraled out of control. Now, the Hawks must prove they’re a different team.


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Chicago Blackhawks, Connor Bedard learn bold lesson from Jeff Blashill after loss to Colorado Avalanche

Jeff Blashill’s net worth: How much money does the Chicago Blackhawks coach have?

NHL News: Jeff Blashill sends clear message to Connor Bedard, Blackhawks after Avalanche blank them - Bolavip US

Blashill sends clear message to Bedard, Blackhawks after Avalanche blank them

NHL News: Jeff Blashill sends clear message to Connor Bedard, Blackhawks after Avalanche blank them

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> continues his impressive run in the 2025-26 NHL season. Following a three-goal performance against the Calgary Flames, the former first overall selection delivered a powerful statement to the Chicago Blackhawks about the crucial ongoing campaign.



Bedard is finally taking over the league. Just as fans in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago</a> expected since he entered the NHL, Bedard is establishing himself among the elite. The Blackhawks always knew they had struck gold when landing the first overall pick in 2023, but they are now watching that diamond in the rough finally be polished into a gem every team in the league envies.



Following his second career hat trick, Bedard voiced a confident message. With the 5-2 win, the Hawks improved their record to 10-5-4 in the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season. Currently holding a wild card spot in the Western Conference, Bedard made sure to remind his teammates about the long road ahead.



“It’s been fun. It’s obviously early, 19 games in, but it’s just been a lot of fun. We’re so determined to go out there and win,” Bedard admitted, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “We have a lot fun together. We love each other and we want to play for each other. That shows a lot.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251119_BUS_530354_connor-bedard_3a444b33.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Connor Bedard arrives to red carpet" class="wp-image-508020" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Connor Bedard at the United Center on October 11, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Bedard is earning his rewards</h2>



Ever since Chicago selected him with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, some fans wanted Bedard to be named captain and handed big responsibilities. However, putting such pressure on an 18-year-old rookie was far from advisable.


 

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Instead, the Hawks took things slow. They let the chips fall where they may, and now Bedard is paying dividends. After Bedard recorded another multi-point game—his eighth of the campaign—head coach Jeff Blashill voiced a sincere statement on the youngster’s evolution.



“One of the things we talked about at the beginning of the year is making sure we earn things,” Blashill told Chicago Sun-Times. “We’re not entitled to success; we’re not entitled to wear a letter. In [Bedard’s] case, he’s absolutely earned it. And when I told different people around the team today, everybody said the same thing.”



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Connor Bedard’s release is pure art 🖼️ <a href="https://t.co/95Wjt4Crei">pic.twitter.com/95Wjt4Crei</a>— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1990990765640581508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>Bedard wears the A</h2>



As a result of his production and leadership throughout the season, Bedard served as an alternate captain during the 5-2 win against the Flames. It was the first time he had ever worn a letter in his NHL career. Needless to say, capping off the night with a hat trick to reach the 29-point mark on the campaign was not too shabby and a great sign for the Hawks going forward. 



Moreover, it was Bedard’s second career hat trick—the first came earlier this season on Oct. 28, when Chicago defeated Ottawa 7-3. It seems the North Vancouver native unleashes his scoring prowess against Canadian sides.


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NHL News: Connor Bedard drops bold statement about Blackhawks after second career hat trick

NHL News: Connor Bedard drops bold statement about Blackhawks after second career hat trick - Bolavip US

Bedard drops bold statement about Blackhawks after second career hat trick

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> and the Chicago Blackhawks have been in for a pleasant surprise in the 2025-26 NHL season. Jeff Blashill has been even better than advertised so far in his tenure in Chi-city, and the organization is finally turning the corner after years of languishing at the bottom of the standings.



There’s still a long road ahead for Bedard and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackhawks</a>. Their early fire could fade as the NHL season progresses, but the opening stretch has been a much-needed breath of fresh air in the Windy City. On that note, the 2023 first-overall pick delivered an honest message to his teammates.



“I think, overall as a group we’re playing really well. We’re playing a competitive brand of hockey,” Bedard admitted during an interview on TSN OverDrive. “I kind of found some chemistry with some guys. Sometimes the puck is going in, sometimes it’s not. Right now, it seems to be finding the net for us. Hopefully that continues, whole group is playing good, and we want to keep that rolling.“



<h2>Blashill’s message after 4-3 loss to Devils</h2>



Though Bedard kept his point-streak alive with yet another goal in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season, the Blackhawks couldn’t put the game away against the New Jersey Devils. Led by Simon Nemec—who scored a hat trick—the Devils walked away from the United Center with the overtime victory.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_526089_jeff-blashill-1-1024x576_6c12af37.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jeff Blashill behind the bench." class="wp-image-510322" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jeff Blashill at the United Center on October 11, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. </figcaption></figure>



“You look at it a few different ways,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jeff-blashill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blashill</a> admitted postgame, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “You could look at it (like) we had multiple leads and then end up giving up the tying (goal) and then they win in overtime. It was definitely a game we didn’t have our best, that’s for sure. Just looked like we had a number of guys without great legs.”


 

 

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<h2>Bedard is looking unstoppable</h2>



Although the Blackhawks are still stumbling their way through the league, such growing pains are expected for any rebuilding team. However, in exchange for watching Bedard blossom into an elite player, those losses are certainly a price worth paying for fans in the City of Big Shoulders.



Thanks to his tally against New Jersey, Bedard extended his point streak to nine consecutive outings. During this stretch of the season, Bedard has recorded 19 points (8 goals and 11 assists). Moreover, the North Vancouver-native registers 10 goals, 16 assists, and 26 points—tied for second in the NHL.

NHL News: Blackhawks star Connor Bedard voices sincere comment on hot start under Jeff Blashill

NHL News: Connor Bedard, Blackhawks learn troubling news as Jeff Blashill reveals latest injury update on star teammate

Team Canada GM Doug Armstrong discusses Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini’s chances to make the Olympic roster

NHL News: Blackhawks star Connor Bedard voices sincere comment on hot start under Jeff Blashill - Bolavip US

Blackhawks star Bedard voices sincere comment on hot start under Blashill

The New Jersey Devils may have gained the upper hand against Connor Bedard and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks">Chicago Blackhawks</a> on Wednesday, but their dangerous actions didn’t go unnoticed. Only a day after the game, the NHL announced a fine on Brenden Dillon for a dangerous hit on Tyler Bertuzzi.



“New Jersey’s Brenden Dillon has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for boarding Chicago’s Tyler Bertuzzi,” the NHL Department of Player Safety confirmed on its official X account.



Dillon was given a two-minute penalty for elbowing and boarding Bertuzzi from the back, a punishment that didn’t seem harsh enough for Blackhawks fans. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard">Bedard</a> capitalized on the situation to score the opener as Dillon’s penalty left Chicago with a 5-on-3 advantage late in the first period, but many believe it should’ve been a five-minute penalty.



<h2>Fans complain about Dillon’s punishment </h2>



“Launches himself off the ice while doing it. If this is not a 5 minute major then what is?,“ a user complained. “How is this not a 5 and a game?,” another fan wrote on X, as many agreed that Dillon’s hit on Bertuzzi deserved a suspension.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> defender Brenden Dillon fined $5,000 (max) for boarding Tyler Bertuzzi. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blackhawks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blackhawks</a> <a href="https://t.co/KLcmeU6w41">pic.twitter.com/KLcmeU6w41</a>— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PuckReportNHL/status/1988991746550780299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



“Absolutely suspendable. Jumped at him from behind and blatant elbow to the head. Dirty hit and no need for it,” a user claimed. “That’s a premeditated elbow to the head. Should be suspended,” another fan added.


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Another user, however, correctly predicted what the NHL’s decision with Dillon would ultimately be: “Oof. Bad. Don’t expect anything from player safety though. Maybe a 5K fine.”



Others called for consistency from the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> Department of Player Safety in these situations. “Jumps into check. Direct contact with head. Just a minor penalty. Referees should have called major and reviewed it. Inconsistency must be corrected,” one wrote. “Rempe got 7 games for that exact hit last year… @NHLPlayerSafety need to be consistent,” was another fan’s complaint.



<h2>Dillon’s physical game against Bedard, Bertuzzi’s Blackhawks</h2>



Dillon entered Wednesday’s game decided to make his presence felt at United Center, aiming to intimidate the Blackhawks in their own territory. Before the penalty for his hit on Bertuzzi, the seasoned defenseman got physical with Bedard.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Brenden Dillon has gotten physical on Bedard a few times already. He also laid a dangerous hit on Bertuzzi, which contributed to the Bedard power-play goal <a href="https://t.co/xd8kWRTlbF">pic.twitter.com/xd8kWRTlbF</a>— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlackhawksFocus/status/1988814594903798110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



Only in the first period, the 35-year-old laid three hits on the Blackhawks’ third-year sensation. It’s safe to say that the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-jersey-devils">Devils</a> veteran got away with it, as New Jersey ultimately left the Windy City with two points in overtime.



Bedard and Bertuzzi will have to wait to seek revenge against Dillon, with the Blackhawks not facing the Devils again until March 29, 2026. That game will be in New Jersey though, and only time will tell us if the Blackhawks can be as physical as the Devils were away from home.

NHL announces punishment for Devils after dangerous hit on Connor Bedard star Blackhawks teammate

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NHL punishes Devils' Brenden Dillon with maximum fine for dangerous hit on Connor Bedard's Blackhawks teammate Tyler Bertuzzi - Bolavip US

NHL punishes Devils' Dillon with maximum fine for dangerous hit on Blackhawks' Bertuzzi

NHL punishes Devils’ Brenden Dillon with maximum fine for dangerous hit on Connor Bedard’s Blackhawks teammate Tyler Bertuzzi

Team Canada’s Olympic roster discussions are beginning to take shape, and the spotlight is already fixed on two of the NHL’s brightest young stars — <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard">Connor Bedard</a> and Macklin Celebrini. Both forwards have shown elite form early in the season, sparking debate about whether their performance could earn them a ticket to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics.



The return of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> players to Olympic competition has reignited excitement among fans and executives alike. Canada’s lineup, historically one of the hardest to crack in all of sports, must now find a balance between its established veterans and the next wave of elite talent. 



With Bedard and Celebrini emerging as generational prospects, their inclusion would mark a bold shift in the team’s approach. Their current level of play has made it nearly impossible for Canada’s front office to overlook their candidacies.



<h2>Armstrong comments on Bedard and Celebrini</h2>



General manager Doug Armstrong recently spoke with insider Pierre LeBrun about the challenges of assembling Canada’s roster, acknowledging how young talents have forced themselves into consideration. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251112_BUS_524993_celebrini_25974c32.webp&amp;width=650&amp;height=365" alt="" class="wp-image-524994" width="650" height="365"></figure><figcaption>Macklin Celebrini #71 of the Sharks in action against the Panthers. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



“There’s no age limit, at the high end or the low end, but I’m going to say some of the guys at the low end have really … they’ve found us,” Armstrong said. “Connor Bedard has been playing some great hockey right now. He’s taken his game up to a level it wasn’t at last year. Celebrini has continued what he showed last year.”


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<h2>Could youth reshape Team Canada’s identity?</h2>



Traditionally, Team Canada has leaned on experience, often favoring battle-tested veterans when assembling its Olympic lineup. However, the rise of Bedard and Celebrini presents an opportunity to inject new energy and creativity into the roster. Their presence could redefine the team’s identity and reflect a generational shift in Canadian hockey.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="691490432d286e1484d5ea63" data-title="Do you think Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini should make Team Canada’s Olympic roster?" data-options="4"></div>

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Team Canada GM Doug Armstrong discusses Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini's chances to make the Olympic roster - Bolavip US

Team Canada GM Armstrong discusses Bedard, Celebrini's chances to make the Olympic roster

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> and the Chicago Blackhawks will continue to miss a key teammate in the 2025-26 NHL season. After Jeff Blashill provided the latest injury update in Chi-town, the team learned concerning news amid a red-hot form.



Coming into the NHL season, expectations were high for Frank Nazar to emerge as a star in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago</a>. Alongside Bedard, the former first-round pick was on track to become a household name, but setbacks are now threatening his production. As confirmed by Blashill, Nazar is expected to miss another game due to injury.



“Chicago head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jeff-blashill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeff Blashill</a> said Frank Nazar is not expected to play on Wednesday vs. New Jersey because of a “mid” body injury. His status for Saturday is unclear. He remains day to day,” reporter Charlie Roumeliotis stated on his X (formerly Twitter) account.



<h2>Bump in the road</h2>



Through 15 appearances in the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> campaign, Nazar registered 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points. However, as he missed the Blackhawks’ 5-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, Blashill revealed he isn’t returning to the lineup just yet.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251111_BUS_524695_frank-nazar-1-1024x576_63bfdc9a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Frank Nazar skating" class="wp-image-476915" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Frank Nazar #91 of the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.</figcaption></figure>



Nazar participated in warmups ahead of the game at Little Caesars Arena, indicating Bedard and company shouldn’t be concerned about the young star. However, the news of him missing yet another game raised several eyebrows in Chicago.


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<h2>Don’t worry, Be-dard</h2>



While Nazar’s absence in the lineup is impossible to miss, the Blackhawks have managed to stay afloat in the NHL. Bedard is playing the best hockey of his young career, making his presence felt night in and night out for Chicago.



Through 16 games in the 2025-26 season, Bedard leads the team in every category with 9 goals, 16 assists, and 25 points. At the time of writing, the former first overall pick is tied for second-most points across the NHL. Moreover, Bedard is riding the wave of an eight-game point streak. During that span, he has tallied 18 points.



Thanks to Bedard’s red-hot form and the major strides the Blackhawks have made under Blashill’s guidance, Chicago is off to an 8-5-3 record in the NHL season. As Ben Pope reported on X, it’s the team’s best 16-game start since 2016.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6913957a9aa011c75538d56e" data-title="Who is the biggest unsung hero on the Blackhawks right now?" data-options="6"></div>

Chicago Blackhawks confirm key absence with latest injury update on Connor Bedard teammate

NHL News: Connor Bedard, Blackhawks learn troubling news as Jeff Blashill reveals latest injury update on star teammate - Bolavip US

Bedard, Blackhawks learn troubling news after latest injury update on star teammate

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> and the Chicago Blackhawks stay red-hot in the franchise’s Centenary NHL season. Following the 5-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings, rookie Oliver Moore voiced a straightforward message for the rest of the team.



Bedard and the young <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackhawks</a> took down Patrick Kane and the Red Wings, sending a powerful message across the league. With its third straight win in the 2025-26 season, Chicago is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the NHL. 



Moore scored his first career goal, netting the dagger into an empty net to seal a 5–1 win during the Blackhawks’ visit to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-red-wings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Wings</a> at Little Caesars Arena. After the game, Moore spoke about his personal milestone, shining a light on the rest of the team for helping him along the way.



“It feels like a weight off the shoulders a little bit,” Moore admitted on scoring his first career goal, via @BenPopeCST on X. “It reminds you of all the people that got you to this point. It’s all about the guys in here making it easy for me to come in. Hopefully it’s the first of many.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251109_BUS_523637_oliver-moore_74eb6c1e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-523674"></figure><figcaption>Oliver Moore of the Chicago Blackhawks</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Red-ard</h2>



Connor Bedard simply cannot be denied in the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season. Coming off somewhat of a sophomore slump last year, Bedard is tearing the league apart under Jeff Blashill. Following his three-point outing against Kane and the Red Wings, Bedard became the leading scorer of the league with 25 points. His 22 primary assists are unparalleled across the NHL, too.


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Moreover, Bedard has extended his point streak to 8 games. During that stretch, the former first overall pick registers 7 goals and 11 assists for 18 points. Needless to say, the 20-year-old is being as good as advertised when Chicago took him with the first selection in the 2023 NHL entry Draft. With him in such hot form, the Blackhawks have reason to believe their ugly days may be well past them.



<h2>Found a way</h2>



For the first time in a very long one, the Blackhawks sit on a playoff spot. Though it’s very early in the season, it seems they are on the right path in the NHL. Good teams find a way to come out with points night in and night out. Against Detroit, Chicago did just that. Backup goalie Arvid Soderblom finished the game with 45 saves, as the Red Wings outshot the Hawks 46-20.



“We make mistakes a lot of times,” head coach Jeff Blashill admitted after the win, per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. “We make up for it with work ethic. And when we don’t, we’ve gotten really good goaltending.”



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CONNOR BEDARD SNIPE ALERT 🚨 Just 59 seconds into the game! <a href="https://t.co/ejGrAAji8r">pic.twitter.com/ejGrAAji8r</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1987584585446596668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



The winds of change have arrived in the Windy City. As Moore noted, a huge weight is off his shoulders, but Bedard and the Blackhawks are playing with a chip on theirs. They don’t call Chicago the City of Big Shoulders for nothing—there’s plenty of room in Chi-Town for the pressure to rest on these red-hot, young Blackhawks.

NHL News: Connor Bedard teammate delivers bold message to Blackhawks after statement win vs Red Wings

NHL News: Connor Bedard teammate delivers bold message to Blackhawks after statement win vs Red Wings - Bolavip US

Bedard teammate delivers bold message to Blackhawks after statement win vs Red Wings

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> and the Chicago Blackhawks slayed their ghosts from the past with their 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Following the statement victory in the 2025-26 NHL season, Jeff Blashill voiced a powerful message on one veteran on the team.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackhawks</a> had lost three straight games to start off a six-game road trip in the NHL. Meanwhile, Vancouver entered the matchup with an 11-game win streak against Chicago. However, anything can happen in the league, and no streak can last forever. The Canucks learned that the hard way as the Hawks won in British Columbia for the first time since November 2021.



In more ways than one, the 5-2 win over Vancouver gave Bedard and Chicago a clean slate in the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> campaign. Such was the case for Tyler Bertuzzi, too. The 30-year-old winger scored a hat trick—his first multi-goal game since January. Bertuzzi’s last hat trick had been during a 4-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Feb. 24, 2024. After the game, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jeff-blashill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blashill</a> spoke honest words on the veteran’s style of play.



“[Bertuzzi’s] a guy you appreciate more from ice level than you might from up top,” Blashill commented postgame, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “Skating doesn’t always look great, but man, he wins pucks, and that’s kind of who he’s always been for me. He’s great on that back post. He’s really learned over the years how to build a wall on that back post and people shoot for it and they go in. It’s a great way to score. ‘Bert,’ for me, has been very good all season, and he had another good one tonight.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251106_BUS_521883_tyler-bertuzzi-1024x576_cbe3f3ef.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Tyler Bertuzzi" class="wp-image-521908" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Tyler Bertuzzi at the United Center on October 28, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>The means to an end matter</h2>



While Chicago escaped <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/vancouver-canucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vancouver</a> with a much-needed triumph to snap the losing hex, Blashill and the Blackhawks aren’t losing sight of the forest for the trees. The Hawks struggled throughout the game, but Spencer Knight kept them in the game with crucial stops. Going forward, Chicago might not run with that luck in the NHL.


 

 

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“I don’t think it was a lack of want or care or effort, so then it’s about correcting mistakes and finding a way to go out and do a better job,” Blashill noted, via Chicago Sun-Times. “I thought we were really good in the third. We talked about, ‘Good teams find a way to win this game. You’re on the road. It’s 0-0. You probably haven’t played your best. Go out and have a great period.’ And I thought we did.”



On a brighter note, Bedard put on another strong performance in his third season in the league. The former first overall selection is playing on a contract year, as his entry-level deal will expire next summer. With a goal and an assist, Bedard extended his current point streak to six games—with 11 points over that span.



<h2>Didn’t go as planned</h2>



After being traded to the Vancouver Canucks, Lukas Reichel reunited with his former NHL organization in a crucial matchup. Ahead of the game, the German forward delivered a bold statement, which he failed to deliver on. “I want to show that the Canucks made the right move,” Reichel stated before the game.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">AND THAT’S A TYLER BERTUZZI HAT TRICK🧢🧢🧢 <a href="https://t.co/LVU85kRmJv">pic.twitter.com/LVU85kRmJv</a>— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/1986302289217528201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



“The first two periods we doubled them in chances, I think we all saw that,” Canucks head coach Adam Foote admitted. “I think one of those goes in, there’s a pretty good chance we win that hockey game. Little mishap on the first one they got, defensively we made a mistake and I think we just got off a little bit from there. I don’t know if it was fatigue from the trip, coming back. We just over pressed. And you guys saw the rest.”



Though Reichel made his presence felt with some strong plays throughout the night, he was held scoreless and finished the game with a -2 rating. In more ways than one, the Canucks shot themselves on the foot—and it cost them the game.

NHL News: Jeff Blashill delivers bold message on Connor Bedard’s star Blackhawks teammate after win vs Canucks

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NHL News: Jeff Blashill delivers bold message on Connor Bedard’s star Blackhawks teammate after win vs Canucks - Bolavip US

Blashill delivers bold message on Bedard’s Blackhawks teammate after win vs Canucks

After an encouraging start to the 2025-26 NHL season, the Chicago Blackhawks have now lost three games in a row. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> and Frank Nazar can sense the pressure on their shoulders, as they are the focal points on Jeff Blashill’s system. On that note, the head coach sent them a firm reminder.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackhawks</a> six-game road trip in the NHL is off to a terrible start. With three straight losses, Bedard and company must turn the tide before spiraling out of control. Blashill is well aware of the spotlight fixed upon the young stars in Chicago, and he made a clear statement addressing it.



“There’s a lot of burden on [Nazar’s] shoulders for a guy that hasn’t played a lot. For us to expect him to be on top of his game every single night is probably not realistic. It’s the same with a lot of our guys: there’s going to be ups and downs. We’ve just got to collectively make sure we have more ups than downs,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jeff-blashill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blashill</a> admitted postgame, via Ben Pope on X. 



“I thought tonight, it was too spread throughout the team. I just think we have better in us as a group as a whole. We didn’t have enough guys who had their A-game.” Still, Blashill admitted he couldn’t think of one night Bedard didn’t have his A-game.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251104_BUS_520836_connor-bedard-1024x576_144bb85a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Connor Bedard arrives to red carpet" class="wp-image-508020" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Connor Bedard at the United Center on October 11, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Leading by example</h2>



Though in the midst of a tough stretch in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season, Bedard is doing everything in his power to keep the Hawks afloat. The former first overall pick is currently riding a five-game point streak, tallying 9 points (4 goals and 5 assists) over that span. During the 3-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken, Bedard extended his streak by assisting Andre Burakovsky’s lone goal. As head coach Jeff Blashill admitted, the 20-year-old phenom is responding exactly as he hoped.


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“The thing I’d say about Connor is his compete every single day is outstanding,” Blashill said per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “I asked him at the beginning of the year, as one of the better players on the team, to be a great leader in terms of playing winning hockey, and he’s done that consistently.”



<h2>Not always pretty</h2>



Bedard and Nazar lead the way for Chicago with their electric playstyle. When the two youngsters in The Second City are firing on all cylinders, they deliver highlight-reel moments all night long. However, the NHL is too demanding an environment for these young bucks to dominate night in and night out.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251104_BUS_520836_frank-nazar-1-1024x576_0cac8df7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Frank Nazar skating" class="wp-image-476915" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Frank Nazar #91 of the Chicago Blackhawks against the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center.</figcaption></figure>



“[When] both teams are clogging that up, it makes it hard,” Blashill concluded, via Chicago Sun-Times. “Games are hard, man. It’s not going to be a lot of free-flowing [hockey]. You’ve got to really earn your offense. Sometimes you need some ugly ones, and we just didn’t get quite enough pucks through.”



More often than not, it takes an all-out effort and some grinding rather than dangling and playing hero hockey. Blashill noted that the team must be able to adapt to what the game calls for—it may not be as flashy, but it’s effective. Right now, Chicago needs efficiency more than beauty on the ice.

NHL News: Jeff Blashill delivers blunt statement on Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar after Blackhawks loss

NHL News: Jeff Blashill delivers blunt statement on Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar after Blackhawks loss - Bolavip US

Blashill delivers blunt statement on Bedard, Nazar after Blackhawks loss

If it were up to the Chicago Blackhawks, they would hand <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> a lifetime contract in the NHL. However, the wiser option is to let the youngster showcase how great he can be before deciding how much he will make on his next deal.



Twelve games into the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season, Bedard is separating himself from the pack atop the Blackhawks’ stat sheets. Riding a four-game point streak, the former first overall pick is proving he can indeed be the franchise savior in the Windy City.



Now, reports suggest — though, separately — Bedard’s camp and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackhawks</a> are already considering what an extension might look like. On that note, the two could be in for a surprise on the expected term each side has in mind.



“It’s not a foregone conclusion [Bedard will] sign for eight years. I’m sure the Blackhawks will want that, but his side might want a five-year deal,” as reported by insider Chris Johnston on the Chris Johnston Show.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251103_BUS_520215_jeff-blashill-1024x576_d5696999.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jeff Blashill " class="wp-image-520252" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jeff Blashill of the Chicago Blackhawks </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Waiting game</h2>



Eligible to sign a new contract since July 1, Bedard and the Blackhawks opted to play the waiting game. For Bedard, it provided the chance to have a career year and leave Chicago with no choice but to hand him an even bigger deal. For the Hawks, waiting essentially meant paying more for their young star, but it also allowed them to offer a contract more accurately reflecting his production and potential. 


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Had Chicago signed Bedard during the summer, the risk of the deal turning into an overpayment—or a bargain—would have been much higher. Now, the stakes are lower. Moreover, with Bedard set to become a restricted free agent (RFA), the Blackhawks have little to worry about in terms of him leaving for another team this offseason.



<h2>Stability can go a long way</h2>



Though just games into the NHL season, Bedard is on pace to set career-highs in almost every category. With a 14-point production in October, the North Vancouver-native recorded his biggest point total in the opening month of the campaign.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Connor Bedard chirping some Edmonton Oilers fans in the front row after setting up the goal. Hilarious. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blackhawks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blackhawks</a> <a href="https://t.co/uVUfKJ9dMk">pic.twitter.com/uVUfKJ9dMk</a>— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) <a href="https://twitter.com/CRoumeliotis/status/1984825974568222839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



For fans in Chicago, it serves as a beacon of hope for what’s to come for Bedard in the NHL. Perhaps all he needed to regain his confidence was some stability behind the bench. With Jeff Blashill now guiding the squad, the Blackhawks have a steady voice to mentor the third-youngest roster in the league. Blashill is the third coach Bedard has had in his three-year career, and for his sake—and Chicago’s—the hope in Chi-Town is that he sticks around for the long haul. 



For now, the Blackhawks have nothing but praise for their new bench boss. But winter is coming to the City of Big Shoulders, and this young team’s true character is about to be tested.


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NHL News: Blackhawks reportedly headed for obstacle on Connor Bedard’s contract extension

NHL News: Blackhawks reportedly headed for obstacle on Connor Bedard’s contract extension - Bolavip US

Blackhawks reportedly headed for obstacle on Bedard’s extension

It’s been a dazzling start to the season for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard">Connor Bedard</a>, who continues to elevate expectations in Chicago. The 20-year-old center has not only lit up the scoresheet but has also reignited conversations about his long-term future with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks">Blackhawks</a>. Yet, as his play soars, contract talks between both sides have quietly taken a back seat.



Bedard’s rise has been both steady and historic, six goals and eight assists in 11 games, capped by a hat trick that cemented his place among the youngest players in franchise history to reach the 50-goal mark before turning 21. While his performance has sparked early <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-news-connor-bedard-puts-jon-cooper-team-canada-on-notice-with-bold-statement-after-career-best-outing-with-blackhawks">Olympic chatter</a>, negotiations surrounding his next deal remain paused, creating a rare calm around a generational talent.



According to insider Pierre LeBrun, Chicago initiated contact with Bedard’s camp earlier this year, but discussions never gained real traction. Instead, both sides have agreed to hold off — a decision that speaks volumes about Bedard’s confidence and leverage heading into the next phase of his career.



<h2>Why are Bedard and the Blackhawks waiting?</h2>



“They spoke conceptually, which normally means there would have been some numbers thrown around,” LeBrun wrote in The Athletic. “But it doesn’t sound like it got too far… It’s a fluid delay.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251101_BUS_519271_bedard-chicago-1024x576_a6e459b9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-519285" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></figure>



The report suggests there is no urgency from either side. Bedard, still on his entry-level $2.85 million contract, appears focused on development rather than negotiation, while Chicago remains patient, knowing each passing game likely increases his market value.


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<h2>Bedard’s next deal shift the market?</h2>



Future contract projections already hint at tension points. LeBrun noted Chicago might favor a maximum eight-year term, while Bedard’s camp could push for a five-year deal, allowing another major payday sooner. “For five years, I could see something in the $10 million average-annual-value range,” LeBrun added. “For seven or eight years, you’re looking more at the $12 million-plus range.”


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As the Blackhawks prepare to face the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> on Saturday, their young phenom remains focused on the ice. The negotiations can wait — for now, Bedard seems intent on building a legacy before he names his price.

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NHL News: Blackhawks, Connor Bedard reportedly taking patient approach to contract future - Bolavip US

Blackhawks, Bedard reportedly taking patient approach to contract future

NHL News: Blackhawks, Connor Bedard reportedly taking patient approach to contract future

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> and the Chicago Blackhawks will be running into a very familiar face in their upcoming visit in the NHL. Walking into Canada Life Centre to take on Jonathan Toews and the Winnipeg Jets, the former first overall pick in 2023 wore his heart on his sleeve with a bold statement.



Bedard has been under a lot of pressure ever since arriving in Chicago. The Blackhawks look at Bedard in hopes he will be the franchise savior. In many ways, Bedard has <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jonathan-toews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toews</a> to thank for the huge shoes left to fill. Toews was drafted third overall in 2006, and it didn’t take long for him to turn the organization around. 



Now, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackhawks</a> fans expect similar from Bedard, though the two situations in the NHL aren’t quite mirror images. Regardless, the fanbase in Windy City demands results, and Bedard—though only 20 years old—is the biggest name called upon for answers. As Bedard and Toews finally meet, the young sensation delivered a sincere message.



“For him, it’s going to be a cool game,” Bedard admitted per ClutchPoints. “Obviously, someone that means so much to the city, the fans, the organization, everyone here. For all of us, it’s a guy we grew up watching. Someone the whole world is rooting for.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251030_BUS_518277_jonathan-toews-1-1024x576_727398d0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jonathan Toews in action" class="wp-image-518289" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jonathan Toews at Canada Life Centre on October 9, 2025 in Winnipeg, Canada. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Not as special, though</h2>



While Toews and the Blackhawks are in for a emotional evening, nonetheless, it might not be as special as when the former captain returns to Chicago for the first time in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>. Fans in Windy City have seen Toews blossom from a prospect to the captain of a three-time Stanley Cup-winning roster. Now, the story will come full circle.


 

 

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“It’s a cool story for him to get to come back and play at a high level,” Connor Bedard commented to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “I think that’s special for even fans here who obviously watched him, he was captain of the three Cup teams. It’s cool for us to get to play him again but I think the game when he comes back [to Chicago] is going to be pretty awesome.”



From Toews’ standpoint, there is nothing but respect and fond memories about his time in the Second City. “I’ve always said I’m very thankful for how things went in Chicago. It was definitely a dream,” Toews admitted. “I had some tougher years towards the end of my time there that help you put things in perspective and make you realize that the success we had is what everyone in the league is going after and it’s a really, really hard thing to do.”



<h2>Have Bedard and Toews ever play together?</h2>



No, Toews and Bedard didn’t get to share the ice in Chicago. Toews took a medical leave to focus on his health after the 2022-23 NHL season, while Bedard wasn’t drafted until June 2023. The two narrowly missed the chance to play together at United Center for the Blackhawks. So when they face off at center ice for puck drop during the Jets-Hawks game, it will mark the first time the two former Chicago first-round picks meet on the ice.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251030_BUS_518277_Jonathan-Toews-19-of-the-Chicago-Blackhawks-stands-for-the-National-Anthem-prior-to-a-game-against-1024x576_c7b8263b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks stands for the National Anthem prior to a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at United Center on April 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois." class="wp-image-407292" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jonathan Toews at United Center on April 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. </figcaption></figure>



Regardless, Toews has been following Bedard and Chicago’s every move in the NHL, cheering for them to overcome their struggles. The former captain in Chi-town made that clear, as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/jonathan-toews-makes-bold-admission-on-connor-bedards-blackhawks-ahead-of-first-meeting-with-jets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toews made an honest admission on the Blackhawks</a>. Bedard, meanwhile, has been following Toews’ recovery journey, hoping to see him make a return to the NHL. So when the two meet, it will be a matchup built on mutual respect.

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Bedard makes something clear on facing former Blackhawks star Toews

NHL News: Connor Bedard makes something clear on facing former Blackhawks star Jonathan Toews

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