Connor Bedard, the first pick in the 2023 National Hockey League (NHL) draft, has a chance to experience the joys of the professional game this year, but with that status comes worry, and he can fully see that these days – that… just a certain teammate.
All is not rosy in the world of the former Regina Pats sensation in the Western Junior Hockey League. When it comes to Bedard, observers talk much less about his skills on the ice and more about the problems facing the Hawks, who are sitting in the basement of the midsection with a record of 6-13-0. And according to veteran Nick Foligno, the performance of the young players is very questionable.
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Chicago lost 4-2 to the St. Louis Blues on Sunday and has suffered seven losses in its last 10 games. Having played for clubs that have achieved a fair amount of success throughout his career, Foligno seems impatient when he sees certain players at work. Without specifically naming them, he called on Kevin Korchinski, Bedard and several others to continue their education in the NHL.
“After 20 games you should understand the league a little better. I’m not saying it will be perfect. However, more commitment is needed, he commented to the Daily Herald. You should be on fire all year long because you could be an important part of this rebuild and the future of this team. There is no excuse. Every time we step on the ice we have to find the motivation we need, no matter what it is. I can think of 10 reasons and I’m 36 years old. That should be the case for every player in this locker room.
Problems everywhere
The Hawks have some issues on and off the ice. Corey Perry has left the group for reasons that have not been publicly disclosed, while Taylor Hall is injured and will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. For his part, Bedard scored a total of 17 points, but with a difference of -11.
Head coach Luke Richardson’s men host the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday.