The Latest Breaking News from Connor Bedard

The conference imbalance this season likely won’t matter to the Blackhawks, who remain early in their rebuilding timeline. But for aspiring East contenders like the Red Wings, Sabres and Senators, it’s a huge handicap.

Bet on it: John ‘The Barber’ Taddio likes what he has seen of rookie Bedard, who gives Hawks ‘a lot of energy’

With patience, Bedard’s chances and points will come, as was the case Tuesday. He tallied three points in a 4-2 Hawks win. But in the meantime, Luke Richardson is teaching him that “everything doesn’t have to be a highlight.”

Even at age 38, Perry remains effective in the dirty areas, thanks to his ability to get his stick on every puck. Given his rebounding skill, the Hawks are emphasizing shooting early and often on power plays this season.

Bedard made his second preseason appearance Sunday in an ugly 6-1 defeat. Meanwhile, prospect forward Samuel Savoie had surgery on his right femur.

Bedard set up both Hawks goals in a 2-1 overtime win Thursday and more than held his own against the Blues’ top players. But he said he has “a lot better than that” coming soon.

For young players like Connor Bedard who form the Hawks’ next generation — and who need to quickly accumulate as much NHL experience as possible — there’s actually a lot of anticipation for the preseason, which starts Thursday against the Blues.

It turns out putting together the 2023 No. 1 overall pick (Bedard) and the 2010 No. 1 overall pick (Hall) is not only a neat storyline but also clicks on the ice.

Everyone has been awed by some aspect of Bedard’s game through the first two days of camp. For Tyler Johnson, it’s Bedard’s unique shooting release. For Connor Murphy, it’s his ability to create space. For Luke Richardson, it’s his various similarities to Sidney Crosby, Mark Stone and Auston…

The presence of Connor Bedard and a number of other talented prospects lifted the mood at the first day of Hawks camp Thursday. Coach Luke Richardson said he hasn’t made any tweaks to his system yet, but he may eventually make some to accommodate the new personnel.

The Blackhawks welcome the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft into the fold this fall. We provide details on his play, his progress and his promise in Chicago throughout the days leading up to his Oct. 10 debut.