Connor Bedard, just 19 years old, has quickly become a crucial player for the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring 67 points in his second NHL season with 23 goals and 44 assists over 82 games. Bedard averages 20 minutes of ice time and plays prominently on the team’s top line. Recently, Patrick Kane, a former Blackhawk now with the Detroit Red Wings, offered valuable advice for Bedard’s continuing development.
Speaking on ESPN Chicago on July 10, Kane reflected on his own early years in the NHL and suggested that playing as a winger can be slightly less demanding than playing center, especially for a smaller player adapting to the league.
“For me, I was a smaller player. The demand is a little bit easier compared to a center. I think it’s beneficial to play different positions and kind of learn everything,”
Kane said.
Kane acknowledged that it took time for him to adjust to the challenges of the NHL.
“It’s a tough league to get adjusted to. I went through my growing pains,”
Kane said.
He also noted that many young players face pressure to perform quickly, often without ample time to grow into their roles. Despite these challenges, Kane remains confident in Bedard’s future with the Blackhawks.
“I don’t think there’s any concern about him,”
he said.
Highlighting Bedard’s commitment to the team, Kane sees this loyalty as a promising sign for both the player and the organization.
“I think he’s got a great career ahead of him and it looks like he wants to be a Blackhawk for a long time,”
he added.
Kane also mentioned the Blackhawks’ pool of talented prospects and recent draft picks, expressing optimism that this young core will contribute significantly as they mature.
Reflecting on Bedard’s performance at such a young age, Kane offered high praise.
“For an 18-year-old, the type of season he’s had, it’s pretty incredible,”
he said.
He concluded by emphasizing his belief that Bedard will continue improving as he gains experience in the league.
Insights from Former Hawk Philipp Kurashev on the Pressure Bedard Faces
Philipp Kurashev, who recently joined the San Jose Sharks after five seasons with the Blackhawks, shared his perspective on the immense expectations surrounding Connor Bedard. Kurashev praised Bedard for managing the pressure effectively despite the attention he receives from both the league and media.
“It is amazing. He does a good job with [the pressure].”
Kurashev said as quoted by NHL insider Max Miller on X.
Kurashev also mentioned their friendship and mutual support as they navigate their professional careers.
From the beginning of his NHL journey, Bedard has dealt with substantial off-ice pressures, including the high-profile Corey Perry incident and criticism from analyst Anson Carter. Additionally, the Blackhawks have struggled to assemble a strong supporting roster around Bedard, which adds to the challenges he faces.
This environment makes Bedard’s composed and effective play even more notable, signaling his resilience and potential as he continues to progress in the NHL.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Patrick Kane wear 88?
A. Kane decided to wear the No. 88 jersey because it represents the year he was born. He followed this tradition with his old London Knights teammates. Kane played his first NHL game on October 4, 2007, facing off against the Minnesota Wild.
Q. What happened to Patrick Kane?
A. On Monday, Kane agreed to a one-year contract worth $3 million with the Red Wings, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic. If he meets his performance goals, Kane could earn up to $7 million next season. In 2024-25, the three-time Stanley Cup winner scored 21 goals and 59 points, playing 17:59 per game on average over 72 matches.
Q. Why is Patrick Kane 88?
A. In August, Kane threw the first pitch at a Buffalo Bisons (AAA) game. He wore the No. 88 jersey, symbolizing his birth year. This is a tradition he shared with former London Knights teammates. Kane played his first NHL game on October 4, 2007, against the Minnesota Wild.
Q. What type of surgery did Patrick Kane have?
A. Many people overlook that Kane underwent hip resurfacing surgery on June 1, 2023. He had a hip issue where bones were rubbing together. To fix it, doctors trimmed and capped the femoral head with metal and replaced the socket with a metal shell.