Blackhawks' Connor Bedard's Struggles Have Led HNIC Panel To Debate Changing His Position
Connor Bedard is not having the start that he dreamed of this season, and that has led many NHL insiders to debate whether he should be moved to the wing instead.
The big conversation surrounding the Blackhawks right now boils down to two questions: "Who should play alongside Connor Bedard?" and more quietly, "What's going on with Connor Bedard?"
18 games into his sophomore NHL season, Bedard has 13 points, solid, but far from the franchise-altering numbers the Blackhawks envisioned when they drafted him.
He was supposed to become a perennial 100-point player, joining the league's elite scorers. Right now, he's not on track for that.
The Blackhawks coaching staff has continually juggled Bedard's linemates in a bid to find some semblance of chemistry, sending players such as Bertuzzi, Reichel, Hall, Donato, Foligno, and Teravainen his way.
None of it has taken off. With this year already playing out to be another rebuilding season, everything should be tailored toward maximizing Bedard's development. Still, his offense, just three goals this season, hasn't been good enough. Who can forget his long goal drought he had last season too.
This isn't about talent or effort. Some of it is bad puck luck, his shooting percentage is down to under 6% compared to 10.7% last year.
But recent games against Dallas and Minnesota raised alarms, with Bedard generating fewer chances and shots. Tough opponents, yes, but franchise players find ways to perform against the best.
It's time to reconsider his position. Playing center is a grittier position, with more defensive responsibility, tighter areas, and overall, just a lot of physicality.
The Blackhawks didn't draft Bedard to be a good two-way center; they drafted him to take over games offensively, and he has improved defensively.
NHL insiders were debating this on last night's Hockey Night in Canada Panel, which you can see the video below.
That could finally unlock Bedard's full potential by moving him to the wing. He would have more freedom to attack, be able to cheat for offense, and exploit open ice in transition.
He could take on a Nikita Kucherov-type role, where he dictates the game from the right side with elite playmaking and a lethal shot, combined with dynamic edge work. Bedard has those capabilities; he needs space, confidence, and support.
The Blackhawks' lack of reliable centers complicates this idea. Options like Dickinson, Reichel, or Kurashev don't inspire much confidence.
Still, with this season focused on Bedard's growth, sacrificing depth at center might be worth it if it means unleashing his offensive potential.
