Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman has finally weighed in on the growing speculation surrounding Connor Bedard’s unusual behavior with the Chicago Blackhawks, and his comments have only added to the mystery.
Fans and analysts have noticed that something seems off with the rookie phenom—whether it’s his body language on the ice, interactions with teammates, or subtle frustrations during games. Bedard, who was expected to be the face of Chicago’s rebuild, has been playing well, but there have been moments of visible frustration, isolated reactions, and even awkward post-game interviews that have people talking.
Friedman acknowledged the concerns on a recent segment, saying, “There’s definitely something there. I don’t know if it’s frustration with losing, the pressure he’s under, or something behind the scenes, but people around the league have noticed.”
Could it be the Blackhawks’ struggles as a team, locker room dynamics, or even personal pressure from carrying the weight of expectations? Some speculate that Chicago’s rebuilding process isn’t moving fast enough for a player of Bedard’s caliber, leading to early signs of frustration. Others believe it’s simply the growing pains of a young star adjusting to the NHL spotlight.
Whatever the case, Bedard’s behavior isn’t going unnoticed. With Friedman addressing it publicly, the question now is—is this just a phase, or is there a deeper issue brewing in Chicago?