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A statement released by the Chicago Blackhawks on Connor Bedard has fired up their fan base
Photo credit: NHL.com
New Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill, who was recently hired as the new full-time head coach, released a statement today that will have Blackhawks fans excited and looking forward to the year starting.
The Chicago Blackhawks went through another year of not making the postseason, during which they replaced coach Luke Richardson with interim head coach Anders Sorenson.
Since then, the Blackhawks hired former Detroit Red Wings coach and Tampa Bay Lightning assistant Jeff Blashill as the new official full-time head coach last month while retaining Sorenson as an assistant on Blashill's staff.
Blashill said that he believes 2023 1st overall pick Connor Bedard is on the verge of breaking out into a new level of play.
I think Connor's going to get to another level. I don't think there's any question because, like other superstars in this league, he has the drive, the want, to be the very, very best he can be.»
There's zero doubt of the ability that he has. When you watch him with the puck on his stick, both his ability to shoot pucks and his ability to create plays and make passes is really, really elite. There's zero doubt about that.
There's zero doubt of the ability that he has. When you watch him with the puck on his stick, both his ability to shoot pucks and his ability to create plays and make passes is really, really elite. There's zero doubt about that.
Since Blashill's hire, the Blackhawks acquired former Stanley Cup winner Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken in return for Joe Veleno.
While Chicago may still be a longshot to realistically compete for the postseason, the hope is that Blashill will be able to live up to his reputation as a player development coach and help them take the next step toward eventually competing for the playoffs and later, the Stanley Cup once again.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 23 | 330 ANSWERS A statement released by the Chicago Blackhawks on Connor Bedard has fired up their fan base Can Jeff Blashill lead the Blackhawks back to the postseason in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 118 | 35.8 % |
| No | 212 | 64.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
