Tag: Connor Bedard

Connor Bedard leads Blackhawks’ young core during early-season surge

Blackhawks’ Young Core Finds Poise as Rebuild Gathers Speed

Author: IHM Team | Date: October 23, 2025

Chicago look different this fall: calmer, faster, more connected. Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar drive the surge, while blue-liners Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel add composure. The Blackhawks are 3-2-2 and talking about accelerating the rebuild rather than just surviving it.

Connor Bedard leads Blackhawks’ young core during early-season surge

What feels new

The kids are producing. Bedard has 2-5-7, Nazar 3-4-7. Rinzel sits at 1-2-3. Levshunov owns two helpers and steady minutes. Quicker support through the neutral zone and cleaner exits reduce long defensive shifts.

Chemistry on and off the ice

The 2022-24 draft class spent time together late last season and carried it into camp. Shared road routines and extra skill work translate to faster reads and better recovery habits.

System uptick under Jeff Blashill

The brief is simple: play faster and be assertive. Early returns show better first touches, middle-lane support, and more attacks off turnovers. Mistakes still happen, but the group resets quicker.

Perspective and pressure

Club icon Denis Savard wants them in the playoff race with ten to go for valuable reps. Chairman Danny Wirtz sees a bond that echoes past cores rising together.

The checklist ahead

  • Close games late with cleaner shifts after icings.
  • Special teams: sharper entries and a true net-front on the power play.
  • Road composure: next measurement game in Tampa.

Coach Mark’s Comment: “The talent is obvious. What stands out now is poise. Bedard and Nazar drive speed, Levshunov and Rinzel calm the back end, and the group recovers faster after mistakes. That is how a rebuild turns into results.”