Blackhawks’ Bedard Eyes Panthers’ Success as NHL Season Begins

CHICAGO, Illinois — As the 2025 NHL season kicks off, Chicago Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill advises his star forward Connor Bedard to study the successful play of the Florida Panthers. Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, was given this assignment right after Blashill took over as coach in May.

“The biggest thing he mentioned was just how they swarm pucks,” said Bedard. He has been working on his speed and tenacity in training camp, aiming to emulate the hardworking style that led the Panthers to victory in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

The Blackhawks will face the Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, on Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET in their season opener. This matchup will serve as a measure of Chicago’s progress, as they hope to return to past glories similar to Florida’s recent success.

Although the Panthers struggled in seasons past, they made the playoffs for six consecutive years and secured their first championship last year. Bedard believes Chicago’s young team can achieve similar feats. “Everyone starts in that spot. I’m pretty confident that we’re going to get there,” he said.

During his first two NHL seasons, the 20-year-old Bedard has led the Blackhawks in scoring, coming off a 67-point season. Blashill, who worked with young talent as an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning, has emphasized a team-first approach similar to Florida’s tactics.

Blashill wants the Blackhawks to mimic the Panthers’ strategy of quick puck retrieval and aggressive play. “Florida does a really good job of tracking back and reloading hard. They’re a five-man connected unit,” he explained.

Bedard also noted the importance of being in the right positions on the ice, taking a page from injured Panther center Aleksander Barkov‘s play. “He’s never out of position,” Bedard remarked, underscoring the need for skill and strategy in the game.

While the Blackhawks are determined to rise from their past two seasons, where they finished 31st in the league, Bedard is optimistic about the coaching guidance he’s receiving. “He’s very direct with everyone. You know what he wants,” Bedard said of Blashill.

As Chicago heads into the season, eyes will be on whether they can capture the same level of success as the Panthers.