The Chicago Blackhawks are in the home stretch of their 2023-24 campaign. They’re currently benefitting from some easier competition, translating that into more wins. Coaches and players don’t tank, and the club is hoping to end the season on a high note. Even though these final games are meaningless in the standings, head coach Luke Richardson has the team looking at how they can build towards next season.
We all know this team is being built around new franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard. Let’s look at the chemistry and bonds he and some of the other players are already building.
The Fatherly Bond: Foligno & Bedard
Veteran Nick Foligno has become the Blackhawks’ de facto captain, and his first order of business has been taking Bedard under his wing. As the 2023 first overall draft pick, Bedard has so much talent it’s easy to assume he just knows everything he needs to know. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, he has tons of skill and is adept at putting the puck in the net. But what about adjusting to all the subtleties of the NHL? What about becoming more responsible defensively? Being a good center? Winning faceoffs? The truth is there’s always something to learn.
Foligno knows that. He also has a lot of expertise, being in the league for 17 years. Check out this exchange when Foligno was recently mic’d up for a game.
Nick Foligno to a mic’d up Connor Bedard: “There’s so much to teach you and I don’t have enough contract time. I’m gonna have to stay in Chicago like five more years after I retire.” 😂 #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/ykDcLKQyiS
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 13, 2024
I absolutely love the way Bedard scooches closer in such a receptive way. The great thing is he’s so humble and he’s such a student of the game. He probably knows more than anyone how much he still has to learn. It’s like he’ saying, “Tell me more! Tell me everything! I want to learn!”
Here’s another post-game comment from Foligno about Bedard.
What I really liked — and this might not get written about — but on the first five-on-five goal we had, he comes beneath me, I give it to him and now they’re on a two-on-one. He’s not ahead of the play; he’s not trying to cheat. You can see he’s understanding now his positioning as a centerman in this league…and then his natural abilities take over because of that.
The eye test alone confirms Bedard is improving on his already exceptional skills. His…
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