NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Dallas Stars - Source: Imagn

Connor Bedard drops eye-opening remark regarding his 'impact' on ice for Blackhawks

Modified Nov 12, 2024 15:25 GMT

Connor Bedard is the face of the Chicago Blackhawks, a team mired in a rebuild. They're 6-9-1 on the year, and Bedard is taking the blame for some of it. The team is not off to the start they envisioned, and the star center isn't pointing any fingers.

He said via NHL:

"Definitely not playing great the last little bit, so I'll try to be better... You can look everywhere, but just feeling like I'm having more of an impact on the game. Felt like earlier in the year I was making a lot of plays and was pretty dangerous out there. Lately I've just been less of an impact and not really making a difference. Hopefully I can contribute more."

Bedard was tabbed as a generational prospect, but he is experiencing a bit of a sophomore slump. He's -4 over the last three games. In 2024, he is -5 overall and has just 13 points in 16 games.

Despite the team actually seeing some success over the last few games, Bedard has not been a major part of it. He has only produced points in two of the last seven games. Four of those games were wins.

Bedard had three assists in a win over the Anaheim Ducks and one assist in a loss to the Dallas Stars. He didn't score in either.

Blackhawks coach discusses Connor Bedard's poor play

Chicago Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson knows that he has to find a way to get Connor Bedard going.

Connor Bedard has struggled lately (Imagn)

He said via Chicago Sun-Times:

‘‘He has to find that consistency, no matter who he’s playing with. But we do have to look at the numbers and see who he’s playing well with, just like everybody else, and maybe go back [to something that worked]. It’s definitely in the bingo machine.’’

Nick Foligno, one of Bedard's most frequent linemates on the ice, added that it's "partly on the player and partly on the coaches to get you to find a rhythm." He also added that they need to "get on a roll as a team. Usually, that breeds more consistency and more chemistry with your linemates."