Conor Bedard, the young hockey sensation, has shown remarkable progress this season, according to Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson. The structure of the current Blackhawks roster has positively influenced Bedard’s development.
Roster Changes Impacting Bedard’s Growth
Two years ago, when Bedard entered the league at 18, the roster featured only a few players close to his age. Regular teammates included Kevin Korchinski (19), Lukas Reichel (21), Alex Vlasic (22), and Philipp Kurashev (23). This season, the dynamics have shifted significantly.
Current Roster Composition
- Seven players born in 2003, 2004, or 2005 are now regulars.
- Bedard is the second-youngest player on the team, just over three months older than Artyom Levshunov.
- Four of the top-six forwards are 22 years old or younger:
- Ryan Greene (22)
- Frank Nazar (21)
- Oliver Moore (20)
- Conor Bedard (20)
Davidson noted that the experience of sharing the locker room with a younger generation has contributed to Bedard’s increasing comfort and confidence on the ice. “It’s a lot different being 18 and 19 in a room full of 30- to 35-year-olds versus being 20 in a room full of 20- to 24-year-olds,” he stated.
Potential Olympic Aspirations
Looking ahead, Bedard’s impressive performance could lead to him representing Canada in the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina in 2026. While he is not guaranteed a spot, his achievements thus far have put him on the radar of Hockey Canada officials, including General Manager Doug Armstrong.
Upcoming Olympic Roster Discussions
Armstrong and his team are set to meet in Florida to discuss roster construction, with a submission deadline for national federations of December 31. Davidson expressed his hope for Bedard’s inclusion, emphasizing the value of such an opportunity.
Impact of Recognition
“Any recognition like that is great for a person,” Davidson said. “It does a lot for someone’s confidence, not that he needs a confidence boost.” Bedard, who appears confident in his abilities, stands to benefit immensely from the high-stakes environment of Olympic competition.
In conclusion, this season has marked significant progress for Conor Bedard, buoyed by a supportive roster and the potential for international recognition. His future looks promising as he continues to develop in the NHL.
