Will Bedard’s Frustration Spur the Blackhawks to Action?

Old Prof November 15, 2024 in Featured, NHL Tagged Chicago Blackhawks - 2 Minutes

Connor Bedard must strike a balance between his fierce competitiveness and the reality of being part of a rebuilding team in Chicago. The young star is on a Blackhawks squad that has started 6-10-1, currently tied for last in the Central Division. This rough start doesn’t sit well with Bedard, who has been laser-focused on winning since day one.

He recently voiced his frustration over the team’s performance, suggesting that something needs to change to be competitive. Although NHL insider Elliotte Friedman dismissed any notion that Bedard wanted to leave Chicago, he noted that the Blackhawks should take Bedard’s competitive fire seriously. They now face a delicate balancing act between speeding up the rebuild and sticking to their long-term plan.

Will the Blackhawks Explore Moves to Support Bedard’s Desires?

How likely are the Blackhawks to respond to Bedard’s desire for improvement by evaluating ways to upgrade the roster? According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Chicago was actively looking to add a second-line center, which could provide Bedard’s offensive support. While the market for centers is thin, the team is open to dipping into its rich pool of assets if the right opportunity arises.

Chicago has accumulated 11 first and second-round picks over the next three NHL drafts, allowing the team to trade for established talent. However, should the Blackhawks do it? It would seem to upset their logical rebuild. On the other hand, how far should they go to placate Bedard’s desires?

The Blackhawks Have an Interest in High-Caliber Talent

In the past, Chicago’s front office has shown interest in targeting difference-makers, such as Jake Guentzel. This willingness to consider high-level players reflects the team’s commitment to surrounding Bedard with top-tier talent as quickly as possible. Although Friedman emphasizes that Bedard remains fully committed to Chicago, his desire to win could drive the Blackhawks to make moves sooner rather than later. Bedard’s desire brings both urgency and focus to their roster-building plans.

With Bedard’s competitive nature urging the team forward, the Blackhawks may soon be balancing their long-term strategy and building a team that keeps their star player motivated and engaged. Now, what happens? Life could get interesting in The Windy City.