Blackhawks legend makes his feelings known on Jeremy Roenick's criticism of Connor Bedard over Winter Classic snub

Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard was recently in the headlines for reasons other than his play on the ice. Bedard was called out by Jeremy Roenick, the Blackhawks legend who made an appearance during the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field with fellow Blackhawks alumni, Chris Chelios and Denis Savard.

In the days after the event, Roenick went on the "Stripes and Snipes" podcast and called out Connor Bedard for not acknowledging the legends of the team. Roenick said that the 19-year-old had a lot of learning to do if he wanted to be a leader, and captain of the franchise in the future.

Chelios, who was with Roenick at the Winter Classic spoke on sports radio station, 670 The Score about the latter's criticism of Bedard.

"Jeremy’s heart is in the right place—there’s no question about that," Chelios said. He’s so excited to be back with the Blackhawks and involved in the Hawks' Hall of Fame induction. I think, he might be stuck in the '90s, somewhat like I am, and it’s just a generational thing. It’s nothing to do with Connor or any of the other younger players."

"When I was raised, we were taught to shake people's hands and look you in the eyes—that’s not the way it is (now)," Chelios added.

Chelios explained that the incident was largely a miscommunication and that Roenick did not express his feelings clearly while speaking about the snub. The three-time Stanley Cup champion downplayed the incident and spoke about how Roenick and Bedard would possibly sit together and laugh about the miscommunication in the future.

Connor Bedard is on an eight-game point streak

Despite the chatter surrounding him and Jeremy Roenick, Connor Bedard is playing his best hockey of the season. Bedard is on an eight-game point streak and he's racked up 11 points (four goals, seven assists) during the stretch.

His recent hot streak puts him up to 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 41 games to begin the first half of the 2024-25 campaign. Unfortunately, that production has not resulted in many wins for the Blackhawks who sit last in the NHL with a 14-25-2 record.

Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks hope to start stringing some wins together in Detroit on Friday when they take on the Red Wings. The puck drops at 7 p.m. EST at Little Ceasers Arena.