Connor Bedard’s offseason transformation has Chicago buzzing with high expectations

The excitement around Connor Bedard has reached new heights in Chicago as the 2023 first-overall pick enters his third NHL season. At just 20 years old, Bedard has already become the face of the Chicago Blackhawks’ rebuild, and with one year remaining on his entry-level contract, the young forward seems poised to take his game to the next level.

After a strong yet incomplete sophomore campaign, Bedard made it clear that his main focus this offseason was on improving his speed, explosiveness, and consistency — three areas that could make him one of the league’s most dominant young players. His hard work appears to have paid off, and both his teammates and head coach have noticed a major difference.

A summer of change for Connor Bedard: speed, power, and smarter training

At the end of last season, Bedard reflected on what he needed to improve:

“I think the biggest thing is speed and explosiveness is No. 1 for me,” Bedard said. “That’s always been my big thing. Just kind of learn about my body a bit and how to keep consistency throughout the year… just try to learn as much as I can.”

Determined to elevate his game, Bedard spent his offseason training in British Columbia alongside another rising NHL star — Macklin Celebrini. The two young phenoms worked intensely on improving their skating mechanics, lower-body strength, and endurance.

That focus has clearly translated into results. Bedard’s acceleration and agility have both improved noticeably during training camp, and teammates have been quick to praise his progress.

Ryan Donato, who played alongside Bedard for much of last season, was among the first to highlight his evolution:

“He looks a lot faster already,” Donato said. “It looks like he gained a step this summer. Obviously, he’s a kid whose work ethic is unquestioned. It’s every day he’s working hard and doing the right things. He’s a true pro and I think he put in a lot of work on the right things, and I think it’ll be cool to see those results pay off.”

Donato’s comments echo what many within the organization have seen — a faster, stronger, and more balanced version of Bedard ready to dominate both ends of the ice.

Perhaps just as importantly, Bedard and the Blackhawks’ performance staff developed a new training approach that prioritizes longevity. Rather than overworking and risking early fatigue, Bedard focused on maintaining high energy throughout the season — a key challenge for young players adjusting to the NHL grind.

A faster, more explosive Connor Bedard could change the Blackhawks’ Future

Head coach Jeff Blashill has also taken note of the transformation. The first-year bench boss, who’s been overseeing Bedard closely throughout training camp, praised the improvements in the young forward’s explosiveness and endurance.

“Everybody says he’s definitely quicker, definitely more agile, definitely more explosive, definitely has more endurance within the shift,” Blashill said. “All those things lead to him being in situations to either get to spots quicker to get open or transport the puck up the ice better or pressure and get the puck back.”

Blashill also emphasized that Bedard’s offseason plan focused on balancing intensity with sustainability:

“Part of what Connor did this summer, too, is come up with a game plan to keep from overworking… getting himself to a spot where he wasn’t going to be burnt out by October. He’s been quick. He’s been agile. He’s been on pucks. I certainly like the things that I see out of him.”

Bedard’s improvements could have a massive ripple effect across the Blackhawks’ lineup. A faster, more dynamic version of the young superstar gives Chicago the offensive weapon it desperately needs to compete against deeper, more experienced teams. His ability to drive plays, recover pucks, and sustain offensive pressure could elevate linemates like Tyler Bertuzzi, Frank Nazar, and Teuvo Teravainen to new heights.

So far in his career, Bedard has tallied 128 points in 150 NHL games, an impressive total given his age and the state of the team around him. But now, with improved physical tools and a maturing hockey IQ, expectations are that Bedard can take the leap into true superstardom — and perhaps even enter the conversation for major individual awards.

What’s next for Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks?

As Bedard heads into his final year under his entry-level deal, his performance this season will likely shape his next contract and define the next phase of the Blackhawks’ rebuild. If his offseason progress translates to the regular season, fans could witness a breakout campaign that firmly establishes him among the NHL’s elite young talents.

The pressure is high — but so is the optimism. The Chicago Blackhawks know that their future revolves around Bedard’s success. With improved speed, strength, and focus, he looks ready to deliver on the immense promise that made him the No. 1 overall pick.

The question now isn’t if Connor Bedard will become a star — it’s just how far he’ll go this season to prove it.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/connor-bedard-set-for-breakout