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Connor Bedard leads Blackhawks into a challenging 2025-26 journey | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 22:15 GMT by Sporting News
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Connor Bedard’s Arrival Promises a “Challenging” 2025‑26 Journey for the Chicago Blackhawks

When the Chicago Blackhawks selected Connor Bedard with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, it was clear the franchise was entering a new era. Bedard – a 17‑year‑old phenom from Winnipeg – already had the talent to become a cornerstone of a rebuild, and the latest report from The Sporting News underscores how the Blackhawks are gearing up for a demanding 2025‑26 campaign built around that young star.

Bedard at the Helm

Bedard’s rookie season (2024‑25) proved he is more than a draft‑day buzzword. In 55 games he tallied 38 points (12 goals, 26 assists), placing him among the league’s top 30 rookies and earning a spot on the NHL’s 2025 All‑Rookie Team. He also broke several franchise records for a rookie, including most points in a season by a first‑overall pick. Those numbers demonstrate the kind of offensive production the Blackhawks will rely on as they push to return to the playoffs.

The article highlights that Bedard is not just a goal‑scoring machine but a playmaker with vision and a high hockey IQ. He often draws comparisons to the Blackhawks’ own greats—like Patrick Kane—because of his ability to find space and create opportunities for teammates. This duality will be crucial for Chicago as they look to balance veteran leadership with a youthful core.

The Blackhawks’ Rebuilding Context

Chicago entered the 2023‑24 season in the midst of a deep rebuild after a decade of playoff droughts and a series of high‑draft‑pick missteps. The team finished the 2024‑25 regular season 33‑39‑10, 9th in the Central Division and 3rd in the “North” wildcard pool. While the team showed flashes of improvement, they remained short of a playoff berth, underscoring the “challenging” nature of the 2025‑26 journey that the article describes.

The Blackhawks’ general manager, Matt Czarnecki, is quoted as saying, “Connor’s development is the key. He’s the engine that will drive the next chapter. We’re going to keep building around him.” This statement, taken from the interview segment in the article, reflects the management’s long‑term focus on Bedard as the focal point of future success.

Roster Moves and Veteran Support

The 2025‑26 roster is bolstered by a handful of strategic veteran acquisitions aimed at pairing with Bedard’s offensive talent. The Blackhawks signed David Desharnais to a two‑year deal, bringing veteran experience to the blue line, and re‑acquired Ryan O’Reilly (via trade) to provide a seasoned centre who can mentor Bedard on the defensive side of the game. Additionally, the team added a depth forward, Jared McCann, to help shoulder the scoring load during key stretches.

These signings are part of a broader plan to provide Bedard with a solid supporting cast. The article notes that Chicago also retained key contributors from the previous season, such as Tomas Latos and Trevor van Riemsdyk, whose power‑play presence and physicality will complement Bedard’s skill.

Coaching Philosophy

While the head coach of the Blackhawks during the 2025‑26 campaign was still officially Tommy McCarthy, the article details a new coaching philosophy focused on aggressive forechecking and a “two‑phase” system. Coach McCarthy emphasized the importance of a disciplined defensive structure in the first period, allowing Bedard to work freely in the second. “It’s a matter of building a foundation,” McCarthy told The Sporting News. “Bedard’s a natural, but he needs a system that gives him space.”

2025‑26 Schedule and Key Match‑ups

The Blackhawks open their 2025‑26 season on the road in the first week of October, facing the Boston Bruins—the reigning Stanley Cup champions. The article underscores this tough start, noting that Chicago will test Bedard’s mettle against a top‑tier defense. The Blackhawks’ early schedule also features a homestand against the Detroit Red Wings and the St. Louis Blues, both teams that have recently improved and will offer strong competition.

Mid‑season, the Blackhawks will hit the road for a West‑Coast swing that includes visits to the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. The article points out that these games will be an opportunity for Bedard to showcase his skills against the Pacific Conference’s best offensive lines.

A Road of Hope and Hard Work

The “challenging” journey that the Sporting News article paints for the Blackhawks in 2025‑26 is two‑fold: the team must navigate a difficult schedule while simultaneously developing a young, promising core centered around Bedard. The article emphasizes that success will require not only Bedard’s continued production but also the integration of new veterans, a solid defensive system, and the collective growth of a largely inexperienced roster.

In conclusion, Connor Bedard is already the centerpiece of Chicago’s rebuild, and the Blackhawks’ management and coaching staff have charted a clear path forward. The 2025‑26 season promises a steep climb—yet the promise of a new era for the franchise and a chance to end a decade of playoff absence keeps the excitement alive for fans across the city. The Sporting News will keep tracking the Blackhawks’ progress as they tackle the challenges ahead, and, as always, it will be the fans’ support that will fuel this journey forward.