Ex-NHL coach opines a Leon Draisaitl-like superstar duo is vital for Connor Bedard to unleash his true hockey capabilities

Former NHL coach Rick Bowness has shared his opinion on Connor Bedard's development with the Chicago Blackhawks, suggesting that the young Blackhawks star needs a partner like Leon Draisaitl to maximize his production.

Currently in his second season with the rebuilding Blackhawks, Bedard has been impressive, highlighted by a nine-game point streak that was snapped with a loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night.

Bowness pointed out that while Bedard is showcasing his talent, he lacks another elite player alongside him, unlike Connor McDavid, who has benefited from playing with Draisaitl throughout his career.

On Sportsnet's Hockey Night in Canada show, Bowness said:

"I think you look at with a year and a half into the league, he's still trying to figure out what he can and cannot do in the league. You look at McDavid, when McDavid came in the league 10 years ago, he had Draisaitl with him the whole time. So he had an elite player with him the whole time.

"Connor Bedard is playing with a team that's not quite there yet, obviously. And there's not another guy on that team that has his skills, his vision and his IQ, so he's still trying to figure this even though he's getting nine points in nine straight games," Bowness continued.

Bowness believes that for Bedard to reach his full potential, he will need support from another top-tier player, like how McDavid and Sidney Crosby have had their own superstar partners.

"It's showing what a great player he is, but what a great player, he's going to be as that team, improves over the next couple of years, but he's going to need some help, like McDavid has Draisaitl, like Sid had Malkin you need that duel, he's going to need some help," he added (0:42).

Bedard leads the Blackhawks in scoring with 38 points, accumulated through 11 goals and 27 assists in 43 games. He's on pace for 72 points this season.

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Chris Chelios shares his thoughts on Blackhawks legend's criticism of Connor Bedard

Hawks legend Chris Chelios responded to fellow franchise icon Jeremy Roenick's criticism of Connor Bedard, who Roenick suggested needs a lot of learning before he can take on the role of team captain.

Chelios acknowledged that Roenick's intentions are good but added that Roenick's perspective might be somewhat outdated, suggesting that it reflects a generational gap.

"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," Chelios said.

Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks host the Calgary Flames at the United Center on Monday. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET.