Chicago Blackhawks rookie sensation Connor Bedard has displayed remarkable adaptability on the ice recently. This was highlighted in a tweet by Charlie Roumeliotis:
“@CRoumeliotis Luke Richardson on Connor Bedard playing both wing and center lately: ‘He’s motivated by ice time. I don’t think he cares. You could put him on defense and he’d be fine with it. I’m not sure about goaltender. That would be the only place he wouldn’t want to play.’ #Blackhawks.”
Luke Richardson on Connor Bedard playing both wing and center lately: "He’s motivated by ice time. I don’t think he cares. You could put him on defense and he’d be fine with it. I’m not sure about goaltender. That would be the only place he wouldn’t want to play." 😂 #Blackhawks
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 9, 2024
Connor Bedard a jack of all trades
The tweet features a humorous quote by Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson, praising Bedard’s willingness to play both center and wing.
Connor Bedard, drafted first overall in 2023, has primarily played center throughout his career. However, recent Blackhawks lineups show him deployed on the wing alongside linemates Lukas Reichel and Andreas Athanasiou. This move appears to be a strategic decision by coach Richardson to maximize playing time for Bedard and potentially unlock new offensive opportunities.
Connor Bedard’s willingness to embrace different positions is a valuable asset for the Blackhawks. His ability to play both center and wing allows the coaching staff to adjust lines and matchups based on opponent strategies. Additionally, playing the wing exposes Connor Bedard to different offensive looks and could further develop his overall hockey IQ.
While center is often considered the more defensively demanding position, playing the wing can also hone Bedard’s defensive awareness. He will need to learn different positioning techniques on the forecheck and backcheck, further refining his two-way game. This well-rounded skillset will be crucial for his future success in the NHL.
Head coach Luke Richardson’s comments, captured in the Charlie Roumeliotis tweet, showcase his confidence in Connor Bedard’s versatility. Bedard’s willingness to adapt positions demonstrates a high hockey IQ and a dedication to contributing to the team’s success. This bodes well for his own development and the Blackhawks’ future as they rebuild a competitive roster.
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