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Elliotte Friedman believes the Hawks found Connor Bedard's perfect linemate

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Julien Trekker
June 7, 2024 (10:03)

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Chicago Blackhawks' Cononr Bedard in action during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Photo credit: Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers

The renowned insider Elliotte Friedman believes the Chicago Blackhawks found Connor Bedard's perfect linemate on the free agent market.

Now that the Hawks have found their new superstar in Connor Bedard, they'll need to think about who they'll put on his line. Ideally, they'd find a long-term solution so that they can develop a chemistry together.

According to Friedman, the Hawks have already targeted the player they'd like to see on Bedard's line: Jake Guentzel.

"Guentzel is a midwest guy. Chicago is a midwest location. [The Blackhawks] realize they have to move things forward and they have to begin surrounding Bedard with some players. I'm going with Chicago because of the proximity to where Guentzel is from."

After an eventful year for Guentzel, that saw him being traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Carolina Hurricanes, he'll look to test the free agent market this summer.

Not only are the Hawks in a position to make him a compelling offer, they can sell him the idea of playing with Bedard as well.

Perhaps no one in the League has the tools Guentzel has. He spent many seasons on Sidney Crosby's line, learning how to help him and his team.

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POLL
7 JUIN \| 77 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman believes the Hawks found Connor Bedard's perfect linemate Do you think Jake Guentzel will sign with the Chicago Blackhawks?
Yes	44	57.1 %
No	33	42.9 %
LIST OF POLLS