Connor Bedard Ready to Take Draws, Revitalizing Blackhawks’ Forward Lines
Chicago Blackhawks fans have reason to be excited! Head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed on Tuesday that rookie sensation Connor Bedard will resume taking face-offs. This is a significant development, as Bedard has been sidelined from face-off duties since sustaining an injury on December 12th, an injury that kept him out of action for approximately a month.
Since his return, Bedard has been playing center but strategically avoiding face-offs as part of his recovery process. This necessitated another center playing on the wing to cover the draws. Most frequently, that role has been filled by Frank Nazar, who himself was returning from an injury sustained just before Christmas.
A Two-Headed Monster Down the Middle
With Bedard now cleared to participate in face-offs, Nazar can return to his natural position as a second-line center. This creates a formidable one-two punch down the middle, reminiscent of the Blackhawks’ early-season success. The dynamic duo of Bedard and Nazar driving their respective lines was a key factor in the team’s strong start. Their combined speed and skill elevate the entire top-six forward group, giving the Blackhawks greater control of the play.
Jason Dickinson emerges as a likely candidate to center the third line, providing depth and experience. Nick Foligno and Oliver Moore also present options at center, though both have demonstrated versatility and can effectively play wing when needed. Interestingly, Moore has shown a particular aptitude for the center position, potentially influencing future line combinations once the team is fully healthy.
Increased Lineup Flexibility
Separating Bedard and Nazar unlocks a wealth of possibilities for coach Blashill when constructing a winning lineup. The Blackhawks now have more options to optimize their forward lines based on matchups and game situations.
Players like Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, Andre Burakovsky, and Ryan Donato are all strong candidates to flank Bedard and Nazar on the wings. The possibility of Moore playing wing, and even a potential recall for Nick Lardis, further expands the team’s offensive options.
Looking Ahead: A Younger Blackhawks Core
As the trade deadline approaches, the Blackhawks are expected to lean further into their youth movement. It will be fascinating to see how the line combinations evolve after the deadline, reflecting the team’s commitment to building for the future. Only time will tell how quickly these changes will be implemented.
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