"Davidson will be all in": NHL insider speculates Blackhawks eyeing star linemate trade for Connor Bedard

NHL insider Scott Powers suggested the Chicago Blackhawks may need a top-tier linemate for Connor Bedard. Bedard has 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in 38 games this season. His -18 plus/minus rating and lack of consistent chemistry with his linemates show the need for improvement.

Tyler Bertuzzi and Taylor Hall, Bedard's current linemates, have struggled to complement his skills. Bertuzzi has 19 points (12 goals, seven assists) in 38 games, with a -19 plus/minus rating. Hall has 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in 37 games, with a -15 plus/minus rating.

In an article for The Athletic, Powers wrote that the Blackhawks might target an elite linemate for Bedard in the offseason.

"It will all likely depend on who is available, but if someone like Mitch Marner or Mikko Rantanen hits the open market, you would think general manager Kyle Davidson will be all in on trying to sign a premier free agent," Powers wrote.

Powers compared Bedard's situation to Macklin Celebrini's, who has excelled with experienced linemate Tyler Toffoli in San Jose.

The Blackhawks will likely secure another top draft pick, which could add a skilled forward to their roster. Prospects like Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore are still developing, and coaching changes may also happen. Signing a strong linemate for Connor Bedard could help the Blackhawks achieve their future goals.

Connor Bedard was not happy with the team's performance in the Winter Classic

The Chicago Blackhawks lost 6-2 to the St. Louis Blues in the 2025 NHL Winter Classic on New Year's Eve. The Blackhawks are now 12-24-2 and sit last in the Central Division. Despite the loss, the Blackhawks' first overall 2023 pick, Connor Bedard, called the game very special.

“It’s a special day,” Bedard said (via NHL.com). “How many teams are playing outdoors this year? Four. So, we are fortunate to be one of those picked and we kind of get dog-walked there. It’s frustrating for sure.”

Cam Fowler scored first for the Blues on a power play at 1:40. Jordan Kyrou added another power-play goal at 8:10, making it 2-0.

Taylor Hall scored for the Blackhawks on a power play at 15:26, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Justin Faulk restored the Blues’ two-goal lead in the second period at 7:15. Dylan Holloway made it 4-1 shortly after.

Fowler scored again at 17:51, increasing the Blues’ lead to 5-1. Tyler Bertuzzi scored for Chicago in the third period, but Alexandre Texier finished the game with the Blues’ sixth goal.