Connor Bedard, a standout player for the Chicago Blackhawks, is known for being one of the NHL’s most formidable talents, yet he aims to enhance his effectiveness both with and without the puck.
During a segment of Frankly Speaking with Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, Bedard shared insights about his summer training and areas for growth:
Frank Seravalli asked Bedard about his summer focus on improving speed, inquiring whether he trained on ice, off ice, or both. Bedard responded that he dedicated most of his efforts to off-ice training, primarily in the gym, while also incorporating some power skating whenever possible.
Seravalli then questioned whether there was an aspect of Bedard’s game from the previous season that he found disappointing. Bedard admitted he had difficulties defensively and struggled with faceoffs, noting that these areas need improvement to excel as a leading player on a successful team. He noted that while he still has work to do, he feels better about his game as the season begins.
When asked if he models his faceoff technique after anyone specific, Bedard commented on the variety of strategies among players, indicating he looks to learn from their techniques to enhance his own.
Lastly, Seravalli observed that Bedard seems to be in better shape this year, noting that his shift lengths appear to be longer. Bedard confirmed that he has focused on conditioning, especially with biking, to maintain endurance throughout games. He acknowledged that while he doesn’t want his shift lengths to excessively extend, feeling good after a minute of play is a testament to his training regimen.
