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Connor Bedard celebrated by NHL in special announcement today
Photo credit: Front Office Sports
Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard, taken 1st overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, is being celebrated by the NHL today on his 20th birthday before his 3rd year.
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard is preparing to enter his 3rd year in the NHL after being taken with the 1st overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
While Bedard has yet to experience playoff hockey, he's still just 20 years old and still has a long and prosperous career ahead of him.
Bedard turns 20 years old today, having been born on July 17, 2005. And the NHL is celebrating the occasion:
The Blackhawks have already made a major change in leadership ahead of Bedard's 3rd year in the NHL, hiring former Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill on a full-time basis.
Anders Sorenson, who took over on an interim basis after the termination of Luke Richardson last year, will remain on Blashill's staff as an assistant coach.
Bedard has also made it no secret that he doesn't like the constant losing that he's experienced with the Blackhawks, leading many to believe that the team needs to do more to surround him with additional talent to prevent a potential departure in free agency.
That doesn't worry former Blackhawks Stanley Cup winner Patrick Kane, who recently said he thinks Bdard has a bright future with Chicago.
I wouldn't have any worry or concern about [Bedard]. Yeah, maybe [a move to the wing would help him]. For me, I was a smaller player. The demand is a little bit easier compared to a center. I think it's beneficial to play different positions and kind of learn everything.
Last year, Bedard had 67 points (23G, 44A) for the basement-dwelling Blackhawks, who didn't come close to attaining a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 17 | 455 ANSWERS Connor Bedard celebrated by NHL in special announcement today Can Connor Bedard lead the Blackhawks to the postseason in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 174 | 38.2 % |
| No | 281 | 61.8 % |
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