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Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard issues a clear message to the organization's coaching staff
Photo credit: DailyHerald
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard has quickly sent a clear message to the coaching staff before heading home for to Vancover for the NHL off-season, and they have to listen.
This past year has been a massive stepping stone and learning process for the youth movement in Chicago, which saw names such as Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore make their NHL debuts late in the season.
Although the 2025 season-ending standings are a spitting image of last years, the outlook heading into next season is much different.
Stability is expected to be seen throughout the lineup as the Blackhawks are in search of a coach who is experienced at the NHL level, and Connor Bedard must be sighing in relief.
Throughout 57 games this past season, Bedard has played with 36 different line combinations and has failed to produce consistently due to what he's been granted.
In the first 57 games of the season, Connor Bedard has had 36 different line combinations. This is a HUGE problem that must be fixed this summer.
https://x.com/GregBoysen/status/1894570533871599655
The most notable linemates that has complimented Bedard's game is former 13th overall pick Frank Nazar, who was recently removed from Bedard's line towards the end of the season.
During season-exit interviews before players left the rink to head home for the summer, Bedard left one important message to coaching staff that they must consider.
The former first overall pick enjoys playing with Nazar the most, and it's clear who he wants as his linemate for game one of the 2025-26 NHL year next season.
«He's been unbelievable, how much better he's getting every game,» Bedard said of Nazar. «The way he uses his speed and thinks the game so well, guys get pushed back when he's out there. His growth has been remarkable in the last20 games.»
Nazar scored a goal in each of the Blackhawks' final games of the season and has been on a very consistent stretch throughout his 53 games played this year.
It will be interesting to see what the new and improved coaching staff chalk up for the opening night lineup, but it will sure be exciting!
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 30 | 251 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard issues a clear message to the organization's coaching staff Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks should hire an experienced coach or keep Anders Sorensen? | ||
| Hire someone experienced | 199 | 79.3 % |
| Keep Anders Sorensen | 35 | 13.9 % |
| I'm unsure of what the organization should do | 17 | 6.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
