Blashill confident Bedard will 'get to another level'

Newly hired Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill is looking forward to working with Connor Bedard and helping the 2023 first overall pick take the next step in his career.

"I think Connor's going to get to another level," Blashill said at his introductory press conference Tuesday, according to NHL.com's Tracey Myers. "I don't think there's any question because like other superstars in this league, he has the drive, the want, to be the very, very best he can be.

"There's zero doubt of the ability that he has. When you watch him with the puck on his stick, both his ability to shoot pucks and his ability to create plays and make passes is really, really elite."

The Blackhawks brought in Blashill last week. Chicago fired Luke Richardson in December, and Anders Sorensen filled the role on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.

The club struggled under both coaches and finished the year 31st in the league standings. Many expected the Blackhawks to take a step forward in Bedard's second season, but success never materialized. Bedard was subject to plenty of criticism throughout the campaign, and Blashill has a plan to help the 19-year-old's game evolve.

"Working toward Connor's strengths will be important," Blashill said. "Making sure you're stopping on pucks, making sure your changes are great, making sure you're (taking) short shifts, all those things lead to the development side of a winner. Then there's also the development side of continuing to find ways to separate yourself. In Connor's case, how can he separate himself with the puck to create a little bit more space, because when he has space in the offensive zone, he's excellent as we stand here today."

Bedard led the Blackhawks with 67 points this season but was a minus-36. Chicago is projected to have nearly $30 million in cap space this summer to help build around him.