Connor Bedard - Nov. 22 Blackhawks Media Availability Connor Bedard has been part of the struggles for the Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/] this season and it hasn't started to turn around yet. As the full rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off will be chosen soon on Dec. 4, Bedard is very much still in the mix and actually expected to make the team. Bedard has scored three goals and recorded 15 points in 21 games, and in some regards, he has taken a step back from his impressive rookie season as an 18-year-old. Chicago has really struggled to score as a group and the teenager has had many different linemates already. One thing is for certain, Bedard is not going to be playing center for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off. His faceoff percentage is very bad and he has even been tried on the wing this season because of it. That is something he should improve upon in time, so there is no need to worry about if he is going to be the franchise number one center on the Blackhawks. Connor Bedard [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwODkxMDkxOTg0MDAxMDAx/usatsi_24817744.jpg] Connor Bedard Bedard is projected to be one of 13 forwards to make Team Canada. That group also includes Sidney Crosby (already named), Connor McDavid (already named), Nathan MacKinnon (already named), Brad Marchand (already named), Brayden Point (already named), Mathew Barzal, Travis Konecny, Alexis Lafreniere, Mitch Marner, Sam Reinhart, Mark Scheifele, and Mark Stone. Bedard should be the youngest player on the team and while he may not be among the top 13 Canadian forwards that could make Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off right now, he is very much on the trajectory to be one of the best in the country for many years after this. That being said, this tournament could be a confidence booster for Bedard coming back to the Blackhawks. It may provide relief and allow him to play stress-free for the rest of the season because in his mind, he's won't be playing for a spot anymore. Bedard will get to play with and against all elite talent and the experience he'll get from that is extremely valuable. As a number one overall pick and projected generational talent, he is going to have to play a big part in future events for Team Canada. The more international or big-game experience he gets with talent like what is also going to be on the team, the better. As the 4 Nations Face-Off isn't as big or important as the Olympics, this is a good chance to look at young players like Bedard and Lafreniere and get them accustomed [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/rangers-attempting-to-keep-trade-drama-out-of-locker-room] to the environment, even if the Blackhawks' star doesn't play every game. There is a break in NHL action and the best thing for him would be to play competitive games unlike what Chicago has, for the most part, played since he was drafted. Don't be surprised if the struggling Bedard makes Team Canada. It may be the best thing for him and the Blackhawks this season and moving forward. Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/] team site to stay updated on the latest news [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-newshttps://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news], game day [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/game-dayhttps://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/game-day] coverage, player features [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/playershttps://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/players], and more.
