NHL: Florida Panthers at Chicago Blackhawks - Source: Imagn
The Chicago Blackhawks selected forward Connor Bedard with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, despite there being controversy over the fact that they once again landed a high pick in the wake of the Kyle Beach controversy two years prior.
The Blackhawks continue their rebuilding process with Bedard at the center of it. He did win the Calder Trophy for 2023-24 as the NHL's top rookie despite missing a few games with a broken jaw, but he's facing something that many young players experience - the dreaded sophomore slump.
Bedard, who scored 22 goals with 39 assists in his rookie campaign, has managed just three goals and 12 assists this season.
And it's clear frustration is setting in, not only regarding his lack of production but the constant losses that continue to pile up. He admitted earlier on Friday that there are "about 100 things" he could do to reverse his fortunes.
