The Latest Breaking News from Connor Murphy

Luke Richardson has emphasized a few key points about passes exiting the defensive zone: know the play you’re going to make, stay on your forehand and make it quickly.

The fact Bedard’s NHL debut Tuesday didn’t take place in Chicago didn’t prevent some Hawks fans from traveling to Pittsburgh to see it for themselves.

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.

With no primary captain this season, two longer-tenured defenseman and two new but experienced forwards will comprise the Hawks’ leadership group.

As the Hawks embrace the arduous journey back to contention, their veterans will be important in restoring the winning habits needed to return to relevance.

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.

With Jonathan Toews moving on after 15 years as captain, the Hawks will rely on a group of alternate captains to provide leadership this season (instead of giving the title to either Seth Jones or Connor Murphy). The decision opens the door for Connor Bedard to potentially assume the role…

Bedard’s arrival and a loaded prospect pool has shrouded the reality that the Hawks’ record probably won’t be much better in 2023-24 than it was in 2022-23. Preseason gambling lines forecast the Hawks to be the NHL’s third-worst team.

Kyle Davidson has argued that Kane and Toews’ presences were so enormous that they inadvertently prevented any young Hawks players from growing into leaders themselves.

Jonathan Toews’ exit opens the Hawks’ captain position for the first time in 15 years. Jones and Murphy are respectable candidates, but it’s also possible the Hawks leave the position vacant — as many other teams are doing.