5 storylines to follow for the Chicago Blackhawks this season

The Chicago Blackhawks are about to embark on another regular season.

The hope is this season the Hawks are not contending for the top spot in the Tankathon.com/NHL standings. While the talent was upgraded in the offseason, it probably is still not enough to get the Hawks back into the playoffs.

Hopefully, the Hawks can avoid the injury issues they had last season. Although, the team's depth is much better than what it was last season.

Five storylines should be followed this season...

Connor Bedard taking the next step in joining the NHL elite.

Bedard was amazing in his rookie season. It was a season that ended with him winning the Calder Trophy.

Imagine the numbers he would have put up had he not missed six weeks with a broken jaw. Now, this is year two of a career that should finish with a Hall of Fame induction and hopefully a bunch of Stanley Cup titles.

Bedard is considered a top 40 player, but if he wants to go from the 30s to the top 10, he must step up his game.

He is at least willing to tussle a bit more with players trying to make a name for themselves with a cheap hit or rattle him. Obviously the front office does not want him dropping gloves, but it is good for the young man to let the rest of the league know he will not be messed with.

As Bedard goes, so will the Chicago Blackhawks.