The Chicago Blackhawks are desperate to get out of the Central Division basement, putting defenseman Seth Jones under major pressure to improve, while budding superstar Connor Bedard is beyond safe as a generational talent for Chicago.
This is the latest edition in THN.com’s Hot Seat Radar series. In this file, we’re examining the Colorado Avalanche.
In each file of the Hot Seat Radar series, we’re identifying someone on the 'hot seat' who's dealing with a notable amount of pressure to produce positive results or face fallout that could put their relationship with their team in jeopardy. As well, we're also pointing out someone on the 'cold seat' who's untouchable and will be around for the long run.
The Blackhawks have been in a full rebuild for quite some time, but GM Kyle Davidson has added a slew of veterans this summer to try to get his team back in the Stanley Cup playoff conversation. But here are the people on the hot and cold seats for Chicago:
Blackhawks’ Hot Seat: Seth Jones, D
It was only three years ago that the Blackhawks were thrilled to trade for Jones and sign him to an eight-year, $76-million contract extension. But as the Hawks have struggled, so too has the 29-year-old blueliner. Long gone are the days when Jones generated 50 or more points on the blueline, as this past season, he amassed only eight goals and 31 points in 67 games. It would be one thing if Jones made up for his dwindling offense by being a legitimate lock-down D-man in his own zone, but advanced statistics show he’s far from a league leader in those departments.
Even with the big money that Chicago threw his way, and as it goes with many players who’ve spent a lot of time with losing teams, Jones could want out to play somewhere where he’s got a much better chance at making the post-season. Indeed, despite his 11 seasons in the NHL, Jones has played only 37 playoff games. That’s not necessarily a comment on him as an individual, but it remains a sore spot when you’re looking at his career in the macro sense.
If the NHL had its Olympic Games participation this year – and even when the 4 Nations Face-Off takes place in February – Jones wouldn’t have an assured spot on the back end for Team U.S.A. That’s an indication of how far his stock has fallen, and it’s up to him – and either the Blackhawks or his next NHL team – to correct course and re-establish himself as an elite player on ‘D’.
Blackhawks’ Cold Seat: Connor Bedard, C
As the reigning Calder Trophy winner as the NHL’s best rookie in 2023-24, Bedard came through exactly as advertised as a generational player in his first season of professional hockey. Despite missing 14 games due to injury, the 19-year-old posted 22 goals and 61 points, and in the process, showed just how easily he fit into the NHL game. Bedard’s future is even brighter, of course, now that he’s got experienced hands Teuvo Teravainen, Tyler Bertuzzi and a full year of Taylor Hall to boost his individual stats in 2024-25 and beyond.
Bedard will likely never be traded by the Hawks, and his ascension to the top of the pyramid of NHL talent will continue for years and years. He’s going to be with Chicago for life, and if and when the Blackhawks win another Stanley Cup or two, it’ll be because Bedard led them there.
Bedard is a foundational piece of the puzzle in the Windy City, and he’s already put the hockey world on notice that he’s going to dominate the league the way few players have. The Bedard Era is just beginning in Chicago, and Hawks fans have every right to be stoked to see Bedard’s influence take hold.