Overview
- Bedard declared the Blackhawks want to win now, delivering the message after an 8-3 midweek victory to cap a 2-2-1 start.
- Through five games, the 20-year-old center has two goals and six points, reinforcing a stronger on-ice presence noted to start the season.
- Under-the-hood numbers remain mixed, with poor 5-on-5 results alongside Colton Dach and Andre Burakovsky and improved results away from that trio as coach Jeff Blashill tests combinations.
- The third-year star is coming off a documented sophomore regression in shots, chances and expected goals despite playing all 82 games.
- His entry-level contract expires after this season, and both Bedard and GM Kyle Davidson have signaled no urgency as they monitor performance before a new RFA deal.