The Chicago Blackhawks are entering a crucial phase as the NHL preseason nears, with the spotlight focused on securing the right winger for Connor Bedard Blackhawks wing. After the draft and free agency concluded, the organization’s roster is largely set, but final decisions will emerge during training camp, contract signings, and potential trades. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, competition intensifies for a spot beside their promising No. 1 center, Connor Bedard.
Anticipated First Line Formation Centered on Bedard
The Blackhawks plan to make Connor Bedard their top center from the season’s start. Although there remains debate about Bedard’s ideal position, the consensus is that he will anchor the first line as the primary center. The key challenge for Chicago is pairing him with complementary wingers who can maximize his impact on the ice. While Frank Nazar demonstrated good chemistry with Bedard last season—sharing a 43% expected goals rate at even strength—management envisions Nazar filling the second-line center role instead.
Leading Candidates for Bedard’s Linemates
Among the players considered best suited to join Bedard, Teuvo Teravainen stands out as a top option. Known for his two-way play, Teravainen recorded a 46% expected goals share when playing with Bedard last year, surpassing the team average. However, former coaches have primarily deployed Teravainen in more defensive assignments, leaving uncertainty if the current coach, Jeff Blashill, will align him as a Bedard winger.
Ryan Donato is also expected to rotate in on Bedard’s wing, though he is not viewed as a typical top-six forward. Donato’s production may face challenges after a high shooting percentage (13.98%) inflated his numbers last season. His partnership with Bedard yielded a 41% expected goals share at 5-on-5, suggesting potential but not dominance.
Additional Players on the Fringe of the Top Line
Ilya Mikheyev, although likely to receive some first-line minutes, is generally considered unsuitable for a permanent role alongside Bedard. Despite his speed and respectable scoring rate last season (0.8 goals per 60 minutes, ranking third on the team among those with over 20 games), Mikheyev’s overall offensive attributes—such as passing and zone entries—lag behind the team average.
Andre Burakovsky is another player on the periphery of first-line consideration. Having not surpassed 40 points since 2021, his ability to regain scoring form could temporarily fill the winger spot next to Bedard. However, Burakovsky is not seen as a long-term fixture on Bedard’s line without a significant offensive rebound.
Potential Surprise Contenders for Bedard’s Wing Position
Anton Frondell must impress at training camp to secure a direct spot on the NHL roster and earn time alongside Bedard. Despite several unanswered questions about his readiness, Blackhawks insider Scott Powers suggests the team expects Frondell to make the roster this year. His performance in camp will be pivotal for his chances.
Nick Lardis is considered a longer shot for the opening night lineup. While unlikely to jump directly into Bedard’s wing early on, a strong debut might provide Lardis with an opportunity to prove himself. His scoring abilities at the professional level remain unproven, raising remaining doubts about how well he can adapt.
Looking Ahead: Finalizing Bedard’s Support on the First Line
Connor Bedard’s position as the Blackhawks’ first-line center seems assured, but identifying his optimal wingers remains a work in progress. An early lineup scenario could feature Teuvo Teravainen and Ryan Donato as Bedard’s wing partners. Nevertheless, general manager Kyle Davidson faces pressure to pursue a more proven winger through trade to boost the line’s competitiveness. Securing such a player will likely demand a strong offer from the organization.
As the spotlight remains on the first line, attention will soon shift to the second line, with Frank Nazar expected to fill the center role there and linemates becoming clearer as roster decisions unfold during training camp and preseason games.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Connor Bedard wear 98?
A. Connor Bedard chose the number 98 when he was around six years old because he liked it. At that time, no one in the NHL had the number, which he found interesting. As a kid, he picked a high number, and it just stayed with him.
Q. What is Connor Bedard’s salary?
A. Connor Bedard agreed to a three-year deal worth $13,350,000 with the Chicago Blackhawks. This contract includes a signing bonus of $285,000, with all the money guaranteed. Each year, he will make an average of $4,450,000. In the 2025-26 season, Bedard will receive a base salary of $855,000 along with a signing bonus of $95,000. His total cap hit for that year will be $950,000.
Q. Is Connor Bedard shy?
A. Calvano mentions the child always seemed quiet but joyful. He was a bit shy, and this trait is still visible now. As he grew, he remained humble despite excelling in minor hockey within the British Columbia circuit over the years.
Q. When did Connor Bedard turn 18?
A. Further information will be available in The Hockey News 2023-24 Yearbook. Connor Bedard celebrates his 18th birthday on Monday, July 17, 2023.