Connor Bedard Confident Blackhawks Can Finally Turn Corner

The past few years haven't been great for the Chicago Blackhawks, with the team missing the playoffs for five straight years. But entering 2025-26, there is some renewed belief in this team.

Connor Bedard Believes in the Blackhawks Roster

As the team gets ready for the upcoming season, there is a lot of pressure for this unit to finally show some promise. It's been a grueling few seasons for Chicago, but there is hope within the unit.

Everything is being led by young star Connor Bedard, who spoke about the Blackhawks' chances this season. It seems that Bedard has high hopes for this team moving forward, despite the lack of success so far in his NHL career.

“We feel great about our guys,” Bedard said. “We had a lot of guys come up last year and make big steps and make a difference. Obviously, we’re going to be young, and that’s exciting. I think we’re all going to be growing up together and going through the fight together. I love our group. I’m pumped to get going.”

Bedard entered the league with very high expectations with the Blackhawks, and so far, the team hasn't been able to live up to them. But this year could be the turning point, and Bedard will be a main catalyst of that fact.

Last season, Bedard played in all 82 games for Chicago. In that time, Bedard posted 23 goals and 44 assists for the Blackhawks.

Not only does Bedard have the season to think about, but also his future. The young star can become a restricted free agent next summer, but he isn't fully worrying about that yet.

“It’s nothing crazy,” he said at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour on Tuesday. “We’re both comfortable with where we’re at. They know I want to be there; I know they want me. So, it’s really not on my mind that much, and I just think when it happens, it’ll happen.”

Bedard seems to be calm about the year and his contract situation. The young player has shown some impressive poise in different areas throughout his time in the league so far, and this could massively benefit him moving forward.