The NHL experience feels different for Connor Bedard, forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, as he embarks on his second season. Although he is coming off a Calder Trophy-winning rookie year as the top pick in the 2023 draft, Bedard shared with Bleacher Report that he now feels more at ease with the game’s tempo as he approaches the 2024-25 season.
“I might not be producing at an extraordinary level, but I’m generating plenty of chances for myself and others, and everything feels a bit slower compared to last year,” Bedard explained. “I view that as a positive.”
Despite being seen as a generational talent since achieving exceptional status to join the WHL at just 14, the 19-year-old has faced challenges adapting to his initial NHL season. One lesson was learning how to balance practice; Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson even took Bedard’s sticks away before an optional practice to encourage him to take a break.
As he enters his second season, Bedard believes he has found a practice routine that helps preserve his energy for the demanding NHL schedule. “After being here a few years, you get your routine down and understand what you need to feel your best,” Bedard noted.
Other changes have occurred within the Blackhawks organization this season, including the departure of players like Taylor Raddysh and MacKenzie Entwistle and the addition of veterans such as Patrick Maroon and Tyler Bertuzzi. “The new players have been fantastic, and I’m enjoying building new relationships,” said Bedard.
Among the new faces is Teuvo Teräväinen, a veteran winger and part of the Blackhawks’ 2015 Stanley Cup-winning roster, who joined the team this summer after eight seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. Bedard and Teräväinen have quickly formed a potent offensive partnership, with the Blackhawks outscoring opponents 5-4 with them on the ice through ten games, a notable achievement for a team generally struggling to score.
“We build our chemistry by discussing what we observe during games,” Bedard stated regarding their connection. “Teräväinen plays at such a high level, and my strength lies in how I read the game. We complement each other well, making it enjoyable to enhance that chemistry.”
After starting the 2024-25 season with a 2-2-1 record, the Blackhawks faced a rough patch, suffering four consecutive losses toward the end of October, during which they were outscored 17-9. Bedard managed six shots against his childhood team, the Vancouver Canucks, but did not score. He did find the net twice the following weekend, though the Blackhawks lost both games.
Despite having a competitive feel to their losses, the team ended the 10-game mark with a 3-6-1 record, which is an improvement over last year’s 4-6-0 start. “To break out of this slump, I think we need to stick with what we know works,” Bedard commented. “We need to recognize what it takes for each of us to perform our best.”
The Blackhawks managed to halt their losing streak with a 5-2 win against the Colorado Avalanche. “We were in a bit of a rough patch… so it was a good feeling to turn that around,” Bedard said.
In his second NHL season, Bedard’s experience extends beyond adjusting to a new roster. As lululemon’s NHL ambassador, he is also the face of a newly announced multi-year partnership between lululemon and Fanatics, which includes creating apparel for 11 NHL teams this season, expanding to all 32 by the 2025-26 season.
Having signed an apparel deal with lululemon last June, Bedard participated in product testing and recently signed a memorabilia agreement with Fanatics. He expressed that being involved in a trend-setting campaign is exciting, noting, “A lot of guys on our team wear the gear.”
His role also included modeling for a campaign alongside other NHL stars. “It’s definitely outside my comfort zone,” he admitted, laughing. “But it’s cool to try something new.”
During his rookie season, Bedard scored 22 goals and tallied 61 points in 68 games due to injury. The Blackhawks wrapped up that year with a 23-53-6 record, finishing with 52 points, placing them 31st in the league. Currently, Bedard’s on track to surpass his rookie stats with three goals and six assists in his first ten games.
As they look to improve from last year’s record, the Blackhawks have an upcoming West Coast road trip against the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks. One game that stands out for Bedard is their November 16th matchup against the Canucks, where he will make his first appearance at Rogers Arena as an NHL player.
“I’m really excited to play in front of friends and family,” Bedard shared. “I grew up going to games supporting this team, so I’m looking forward to going home and seeing everyone.”
The Blackhawks will next face the struggling Sharks, who have a 2-7-2 record, on Thursday night at 10:30 p.m. ET.
