Blackhawks' Connor Bedard feeling ‘quite a bit' extra relaxed going into 12 months 2 of NHL

Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard feeling ‘a lot’ more relaxed going into Year 2 of NHL initially appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Offered by Nationwide Insurance coverage Agent Jeff Vukovich

Heading into final yr’s coaching camp, all eyes had been on Chicago Blackhawks’ No. 1 total decide, Connor Bedard, as he ready for his NHL marketing campaign. The media consideration carried into the common season, making a frenzy each time Bedard performed in a brand new venue.

This yr, Bedard enters his second NHL season feeling “quite a bit” extra comfy. He regarded mentally refreshed heading into coaching camp.

“I didn’t do an interview for a few months, which was unbelievable,” Bedard mentioned with a smile. “I really feel much more prepared to return. The joy was there final yr, however I believe I simply really feel extra relaxed.”

Bedard partly credited his quiet summer season for permitting him to focus solely on coaching, in contrast to final yr when his offseason was stuffed with commitments just like the NHL Scouting Mix, Draft, and growth camp.

“It was nice, for certain,” Bedard mentioned. “Final yr, like, it’s tremendous cool, I don’t take any of it with no consideration, however it’s positively a number of stuff. It’s one thing you at all times need and it’s nice, however as soon as it’s completed, you don’t need to do it once more. It was a very good summer season.”

The Blackhawks are desperate to see what Bedard can do in his sophomore season, now that he’s had a full offseason to coach and acquire familiarity with the NHL.

“I am certain that’ll be a pleasant factor for him, to have a full offseason the place he was simply coaching and specializing in preparing for the season,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson mentioned. “However there’s additionally consolation in coming into your second camp the place you recognize what you are strolling into. You’ve got been across the facility, you recognize what coaching camp is like, there’s quite a bit fewer questions that he’ll be questioning or having to reply heading into the yr.

“Most likely now that he is coming into his second yr, quite a bit much less of that hoopla he needed to undergo on that preliminary street journey — simply name it what it’s, it isn’t regular, what he needed to undergo final yr. I am certain there’s consolation in figuring out what he is entering into within the NHL, he is aware of the extent of play, he is been by a yr, simply rather more relaxed coming into his second camp. I am excited to see how he does.

“It is so early, and as quickly as there’s hockey on the ice, you need to begin evaluating, and we’re not even by Day 2, however simply watching him within the skates, I believe he seems to be improbable. Excited to see how he does as we enter the season.”

Bedard’s offensive potential stays sky-high. If he stays wholesome, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him flirt with 40 objectives and 90 factors this season. The Blackhawks additionally consider there’s room for him to develop defensively.

“I believe it is simply rising that 200-foot recreation and I am certain from his standpoint he most likely needs to up his offensive output as nicely,” Davidson mentioned. “However I am excited to see him with some new linemates and actually taking that step that now he understands the league and having the ability to affect the sport on either side of the puck and in addition give us a number of extra memorable moments on the offensive aspect of issues.”

A key focus for Bedard this summer season was bettering his pace. Though it’s early in camp, he’s already feeling the distinction.

“I really feel good,” Bedard mentioned. “I ought to, I used to be coaching for some time; all of us had been. I believe everybody does. The tempo of the skates has been good. I’m feeling fairly good. Within the health club and on the ice, [I] simply [tried] to place myself in as a lot recreation conditions as I can. Coming right here, I’m prepared to try this.”

When requested about his private expectations for the season, Bedard smiled and replied: “I’d by no means let you know, however I’ve objectives in my head for certain.”