How the Chicago Blackhawks plan to survive without Connor Bedard

The true value of Connor Bedard to the Chicago Blackhawks becomes clearest when he is not in the lineup. His impact this season goes far beyond highlight goals or flashy assists. Bedard has scored 19 goals and added 25 assists, including 18 primary assists. That means he has directly contributed to 37 of the Blackhawks’ 91 goals. Only Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini have been more involved in their teams’ scoring through goals and primary assists.

So yes, the Blackhawks are going to feel his absence. Deeply.

Injuries are part of the NHL, and no team escapes them. Chicago knows it cannot replace Bedard with one player. Instead, the Blackhawks will need a collective response, with several players stepping into larger roles and taking on more responsibility. As forward Ryan Donato put it, this is now a next man up situation.

Frank Nazar and Tyler Bertuzzi must drive the offense

If there is one player who will feel Bedard’s absence the most, it is Frank Nazar. Simply put, Nazar will inherit much of what Bedard was getting. More ice time. More offensive responsibility. More pressure.

Bedard was averaging just over 21 minutes per game. Nazar has been close to that number already, but now he will be leaned on in every major situation. Early in the season, Nazar looked like Chicago’s most dangerous offensive player. He scored five goals in his first 10 games and played with confidence and swagger. While his scoring cooled off as the season progressed, the chances never fully disappeared.

Coach Jeff Blashill continues to stress process over results with Nazar. The shots are there. The opportunities are there. Now the Blackhawks need the finish. Chicago envisions Nazar as a top six center capable of scoring 30 goals a season. This stretch without Bedard is a major test of that belief.

Alongside Nazar, Tyler Bertuzzi becomes even more important. Bertuzzi has been Chicago’s most consistent scorer outside of Bedard, with 16 goals in 29 games. His strength is around the net, where most of his goals come from within 10 feet. That means his success depends on puck movement, rebounds and sustained offensive zone time.

Bertuzzi has produced with multiple linemates this season, including Nazar and Teuvo Teräväinen earlier on. With Bedard out, Blashill may shuffle lines again to find the right mix. If Bertuzzi keeps scoring at his current pace, it will ease the pressure on the rest of the lineup.

Young talent and depth players get their opportunity

Another player who could benefit from increased opportunity is Nick Lardis. It is a lot to ask of a young player entering the NHL, but Lardis brings rare offensive tools. His shot, speed and instincts helped him score 71 goals in the OHL last season, and he has already been productive at the AHL level.

Even in his NHL debut, Lardis showed he belongs. He hit the crossbar, created chances and led the team in shot attempts. Playing alongside Oliver Moore and Ryan Greene gives that line speed, creativity and energy. Blashill praised Lardis’ jump and offensive awareness, and those traits will be valuable while Chicago searches for goals.

Ryan Donato is another name to watch. His role has shrunk this season, but his effort never has. Donato scored 31 goals last year and is capable of streaky offense. With Bedard out, Blashill may look to give Donato more offensive minutes or power play opportunities to spark production.

Finally, Ilya Mikheyev quietly remains one of Chicago’s most dangerous chance creators. He has generated plenty of high danger opportunities but has struggled to finish. If Mikheyev can rediscover his scoring touch, even occasionally, it could swing games in Chicago’s favor.

No one player will replace Connor Bedard. That is unrealistic. But if the Chicago Blackhawks get strong contributions from Nazar, Bertuzzi and their supporting cast, they can stay competitive and continue building the foundation of their rebuild while their star recovers.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-blackhawks-plan-without-connor-bedard