Blackhawks Head Coach Shares Why he Benched Connor Bedard

Published December 11, 2023 at 12:53
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Connor Bedard is already close to reach the superstar status within the NHL. Nevertheless, at the age of 18, there is still a lot he has to learn.

Luke Richardson, the head coach of the Blackhawks, fully recognizes this and is committed to what he believes is the best approach for helping the young player.

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Blackhawks Head Coach Explains Why he Benched Bedard




In a recent press conference, Richardson shared why he doesn't send Bedard on the ice when his team holds the lead late in games. His logic is simple: he leaves that task to more experienced players.

"When they're close and we have the lead, I think we've been using guys like Dickinson's line and Tyler Johnson's and Kershev's, guys like that, that have a little more experience to play in a five on six situation at this level. So he's not going to be probably a part of that equation yet.

But, you know, he's a great player and he's got a good eye hand coordination with stick abilities that at some point we'd like him to be involved in that, but right now, that probably plays into ice time as well at the end of the game."


Bedard is bound to assume a more prominent role on his team as he accumulates more experience. While the strategy of keeping him away from such scenarios is intriguing, there will come a time when he must be on the ice during big moments.

Do you think Bedard will win the Calder Trophy?

As seen on House of Hockey - Blackhawks Coach Reveals Why He Is Benching Bedard
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December 11   |   747 answers
Blackhawks Head Coach Shares Why he Benched Connor Bedard

Do you think Bedard will win the Calder Trophy?

Yes55974.8 %
No18825.2 %
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