Can Connor Bedard turn this Blackhawks season around?

The Chicago Blackhawks have received a much needed liferaft with the return of Connor Bedard into the lineup approaching. Coach Jeff Blashill stated that Bedard is "trending" towards making his season debut versus the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.

This news provides a breathe of fresh air to a Chicago fanbase that needs positive energy. It has been a brutal start for the team without their captain, having posted a 1-5-0 record through six games thus far. This is not the beginning of the season that anyone would have envisioned.

The good news is it is a long campaign. With 78 games left on the schedule, the Blackhawks have plenty of time to turn the tides. The return of Bedard will hopefully give this squad the boast they need. Here are the biggest areas Bedard's presence will have to be felt if he is to help this team get back on track.

Driving the Play

The Blackhawks lack of play drivers has been evident in the early days of the season. Most of these players are complementary pieces meant to support the top gun. With Bedard back in the mix, this should get much more out of this team's offense. With Bedard on the ice, the Blackhawks become a much more dangerous team.

Bedard has been by far this team's most effective offensive producer since he's entered the NHL. Chicago should be able to generate considerably more O-zone possession and shot attempts with the return of Bedard. Teams will have to step up their game when Bedard is on the ice. With most of the attention focused on him, this should open up time and space for his teammates.

Elevating Linemates

Building off his play driving attributes, Bedard has the ability to raise the level of his linemates. It is not just the impact that Bedard himself will have, but more so the impact he will have on the rest of the team. Whoever gets to play with Bedard on a nightly basis will massively benefit from the experience.

No one else on this team can create something out of nothing the way Bedard does. The way he processes the game rivals the very best, including Patrick Kane. The prospect of what those two will be able to do together is mouth-watering. Beyond Kane, the young guns will benefit from Bedard. Roman Kantserov, in particular, is a guy who should be able to take his game to the next level with Bedard on his line.

Running the Power Play

Chicago's power play has been awful so far this season. They have scored just one goal and that came from a defenseman, Sam Rinzel. Bedard's comeback could not come at a better time in the Blackhawks hopes of getting this power play going. With Bedard being utilized on the left side, it has enabled Blashill to place Kane back on his usual right wall position.