This Friday Four feature examines several compelling narratives from around the NHL. Topics covered this week include:
Article Points:
- Blackhawks must increase support for Bedard
- Can Ehlers elevate Carolina?
- Suter might be a free-agency bargain
- Is a surge in trades imminent?
Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks
Following an impressive rookie year, Macklin Celebrini is generating buzz, even regarding the Canadian Olympic Team. In contrast, Connor Bedard, after finishing his second season, seems less frequently discussed among the league`s top young talents, almost becoming overlooked.
This isn`t a criticism of Bedard himself, but rather reflects the limited support the Chicago Blackhawks have provided their young star during his early NHL tenure. The 19-year-old has lacked sufficient surrounding talent to smooth his transition and bolster his confidence.
Bedard`s offensive production slightly decreased in his second year, registering 67 points over 82 games, compared to a 74-point projection based on his rookie performance. Across two seasons, he also holds a notable minus-80 rating and a faceoff win rate significantly below 40 percent.
Is there cause for alarm? Certainly not. Bedard is exceptionally young with ample skill and potential for growth. His scoring rate, especially considering the circumstances, remains remarkable, and he concluded last season strongly with 15 points in his final 15 games. However, should the Blackhawks feel a degree of concern? Likely yes. Bedard doesn`t have the protective buffer of strong linemates or veteran support that other young stars enjoy. Chicago`s lack of depth, particularly at center, leaves him facing excessive pressure. Exposing him to such a demanding environment for an extended period is undesirable.
Consider Celebrini`s situation: he benefited significantly in his rookie season from playing alongside a player like Alex Wennberg. While Wennberg`s signing by San Jose last summer wasn`t highly publicized, he averaged nearly 19 minutes per game and took over 1,000 faceoffs in 2024-25. Essentially, Wennberg handled much of the difficult work, significantly easing the burden on Celebrini.
Bedard hasn`t been afforded that kind of support. Instead, the Blackhawks invested in wingers Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi, and defensemen Alec Martinez and TJ Brodie. Martinez has since retired, and Brodie`s contract was bought out, while Teravainen and Bertuzzi`s contributions were only modest. A year on, Chicago boasts over $22 million in cap space but lacks clear targets for spending it. While their cautious approach this summer is understandable given last year`s results and the weak free-agent pool, the Blackhawks might need to pursue trades to acquire the talent Bedard needs.
The potential in Celebrini`s situation is also evident. Will Smith and William Eklund, who scored 18 and 17 goals last season, appear to be promising linemates for Celebrini. Additionally, Sam Dickinson is developing, and Michael Misa was drafted second overall in 2025. This suggests a strong core in San Jose poised for improvement relatively soon. In Chicago, the future feels slightly less defined. Frank Nazar showed flashes last year, and Artyom Levshunov has the potential to be a defensive cornerstone. Anton Frondell, selected immediately after Misa, should also become a valuable player eventually. Nevertheless, Chicago`s rebuilding process currently seems somewhat behind San Jose`s.
Historically, most generational talents such as Bedard have begun their NHL careers alongside other elite players. Wayne Gretzky had Mark Messier, Sidney Crosby had Evgeni Malkin, and Connor McDavid has Leon Draisaitl. Bedard, however, lacks a teammate anywhere near the caliber of those players. He appears isolated and will likely face the challenge of carrying the team largely by himself for another season.
A potential positive for the Blackhawks is their substantial salary cap space and the highly anticipated 2026 free-agent class. They could aim to sign a top player next summer, leveraging the opportunity to play alongside Bedard in his prime as a key selling point. However, the question remains: can they afford to delay getting significant help for Bedard for another full year?
Duncan Priestley