Blackhawks know a lot rides on Connor Bedard’s summer grind

The Chicago Blackhawks may have a brewing core, but a lot of fans understandly don't see this team making major strides in 2025-26. I've mentioned multiple times that, while the realistic take is that they won't, it hasn't stopped me from going bold and a little optimistic.

Still, fans would feel that same optimism if Connor Bedard just broke out and lived up to the 'generational talent' billing. Last week, I discussed this somewhat, speculating that organic growth after his first two years in the league could work wonders for Bedard.

All of that said, it does look like Bedard's putting in the required work this offseason alongside another 'generational talent' named Macklin Celebrini - you may've heard of him. Rory Boylen of Sportsnet had a rather optimistic take on Bedard, saying, "Keep your eyes on Connor Bedard in the summer because his preparation for the next season is what's most important in Chicago right now. The team needs a big breakout season from him and Bedard is committed to achieving that."

You can validate that commitment with the way he and Celebrini have been training partners so far. Heck, it also implies that the two are ready to see their respective teams, the Hawks and San Jose Sharks, take the torch as faces of the league. And that would be fun to watch.

Two years of experience PLUS two full offseasons might surprise people

Gaining on-ice experience at the NHL level starting at age 18 is one thing, but when you're working out when hardly anyone else is watching is what'll ultimately make or break you. Connor understands that, and it's only a matter of tme before that kind of play translates to NHL ice, regardless of how many players, or a lack thereof, the Hawks brought in.

Bedard, even if he enjoys a stellar season that you can call a breakout, won't turn around the Hawks. A few more players need to step up for that to happen. But even if they're just as bad this season as they were last year, an 82-plus-point season from Bedard alone should raise optimism.

That's one reason I was glad to see Rory Boylen point out the work Bedard's been putting in. The more he perfects his game this offseason, the more likely he'll elevate the talent around him, too. That's an underrated intangible there.

Sure, the Hawks and their fans can suffer through another forgettable season. But if Bedard's working to make himself and the rest of the team better, and putting in the overtime, you'll see something better than the mess that's been over the past three campaigns.

Bedard finds himself in an ideal scenario and environment

The biggest benefit here is that Bedard will find himself in a low-to-no pressure scenario. While fans may want better results this year, and Bedard will without a doubt give them that, the current situation in the Windy City is that nobody, not even the die-hard fan base, is expecting much out of Bedard and Company.

It's by no means a win-now or improve-now environment, and one that could get a young player to overthink things. This isn't saying that Bedard wouldn't respond well under pressure. But it does say that Bedard should be just fine without feeling the 'breakout or bust' pressure, or anything even remotely close to that.

That said, with a less-than-stellar team on paper, but a strong work ethic and practicing alongside one of the best young players in the game, Bedard's setting the stage for a fun 2025-26 season, even if a lot of losing could be on the menu.