Bedard appears more relaxed as she embarks on Year 2.

CHICAGO — Connor Bedard was one of the earliest players out on the ice on Monday morning and also one of the last ones off when practice concluded. As with his debut season last season with Chicago Blackhawks, Bedard appears unchanged this time around. Subtle changes have occurred within his character and play since last season. “He seems much more at ease now with himself than last season,” Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno noted. “He understands the league, and you can see him progress as both an individual and as an athlete. […] I’ve rarely witnessed someone more driven; he wants to improve for this season and build upon last season. ” Chicago Bulls rookie Patric Budard will once more play an instrumental role in Tuesday night’s season opener at Utah, just as was true during his rookie campaign. Bedard will continue to be closely observed throughout his first NHL season, yet much of the initial hype that surrounded him may have dissipated. That seems fine with Bedard himself who seems at peace with being under scrutiny but doesn’t particularly relish talking about himself too often. “I think just being more relaxed going in here feels good for myself,” Bedard noted when speaking on Monday at NHL Media Day 2018. However, perhaps more significant changes might lie outside him than within him personally: Bedard turned 19 this July! Chicago upgraded their roster after posting 23-53-6 results last season in order to help him take his game to another level and begin its rebuild. Bedard skated alongside new acquisitions Teuvo Teravainen and Ilya Mikheyev for one of Chicago’s final practices before heading west for Utah. Training camp saw him join Tyler Bertuzzi (now signed by Chicago) who also has always shown confidence with the puck and making plays, according to defenseman Connor Murphy. “He always showed up confident and ready.” “He now has more experienced linemen on his roster that should help in various situations throughout a game and help provide him with more of a 200-foot game,” according to Chicago, which selected Bedard with their No.1 overall pick in 2023 draft. While dealing with all the attention surrounding his NHL debut, he scored 22 goals and 39 assists despite missing over four weeks due to a broken jaw injury. Bedard earned the Calder Memorial Trophy for NHL rookie of the year and put everything he learned into practice as he prepared for his sophomore campaign. “A lot of speed,” Bedard stated. “I spent my days both inside and outdoors looking to put myself into as many game situations as possible. “Part of Bedard’s confidence heading into his second season – even with his impressive skill set made even sharper by summer work – comes from his first season experience.” “After getting comfortable in the league and playing some games,” said Bristowe, “there are just little tweaks you pick up or alter that help adjust and adapt more easily to it all. So now there are just little plays I make or know what will work.” “Chicago forward Brandon Bedard, listed at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, proved himself quite hostile during Chicago’s preseason games against Minnesota and St Louis respectively, engaging Joel Eriksson Ek in battle and engaging St Louis forward Zack Bolduc in fighting exchanges.” Bedard downplayed it as “just hockey”, dismissing any adjustments on his end as irrelevant; humorously noting he would lose most NHL fights! Coach Luke Richardson similarly underplayed its significance, yet noted where Bedard should head in his game development. Richardson suggested, “He just needs to gain strength and know when he needs to hold onto that puck or release it sooner so he can spin off and open himself again,” Richardson explained. Richardson believes these skills would develop with time – something Richardson expects will happen with their son who’s eager to work and advance up both teams and individually.