5 Ways Connor Bedard Can Become Elite Next Season for the Blackhawks

Improve Faceoff Percentage:: Winning more draws grants immediate puck possession, a crucial starting point for offensive plays and controlling game flow.

Develop Net-Front Presence:: Adding goals from rebounds and deflections in high-traffic areas makes an offense less predictable and harder to defend.

Enhance Defensive Responsibility:: Elite centers are trusted in all zones. Improved defensive awareness and execution limit opponent chances and earn crucial ice time.

Better Utilize Teammates:: Drawing defensive attention and distributing the puck effectively leverages linemates' skills and creates more diverse scoring threats.

Diversify Shot Selection:: While his wrist shot is world-class, incorporating snapshots, one-timers, or changing release points keeps goalies guessing.

Faceoffs: While Bedard isn't expected to become a Patrice Bergeron overnight, improving his sub-40% faceoff win rate from his rookie season is essential. Winning draws in the offensive zone provides instant scoring chances, while defensive zone wins alleviate pressure. Even a modest improvement to the mid-40s would be a significant step.

Net-Front Presence: Many of Bedard's rookie goals came from his incredible shot. To become truly elite, he needs to score the 'dirty' goals too. This means battling in front of the opposing net, screening the goalie, and pouncing on rebounds. It adds a vital layer to his offensive toolkit.

Defensive Play: Elite players impact the game even without the puck. Bedard needs to continue developing his positioning, backchecking commitment, and stick work in the defensive zone. This not only prevents goals against but also builds trust with the coaching staff for critical late-game situations.

Utilizing Teammates: As defenses key in on Bedard, his ability to draw players towards him and quickly find open teammates becomes paramount. Making linemates more dangerous makes the entire team harder to play against. This requires vision, trust, and precise passing.

Shot Variety: Bedard possesses one of the best wrist shots in the game. However, elite goal-scorers adapt. Developing a quicker release, mastering a deceptive snapshot, or occasionally using a slap shot forces goalies to constantly adjust and prevents them from anticipating his signature wrister.

Watch for Bedard's positioning and success rate in the faceoff circle.

Observe if he engages more in battles around the opponent's net.

Note his positioning and effort when the Blackhawks don't have the puck in their own zone.

Look for quick passes that set up teammates after drawing defenders.

See if he mixes up his shot types or relies primarily on his wrist shot.

Source: Jay Zawaski's Blackhawks Beat: 5 ways Connor Bedard can go from 'good' to 'elite' next season target="_blank"