Connor Bedard proved he can carry the Blackhawks, not just a line

Let's rewind a couple of years, following Connor Bedard's debut for the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite being lauded as a "generational talent," many were miffed at his lack of production for such a label: 61 points in 68 games, 67 points in 82 games. Immediate, somewhat emotional reactions were that he would be a bust and nowhere near the highest-rated prospect since Connor McDavid, as scouts made him out to be, especially after his historic World Juniors.

Many claimed he couldn't carry a line, given that he didn't drive the offense as expected and that his speed wasn't there. He was a slow, undersized forward with only a good shot. He played "pond hockey", attempting moves that seemingly couldn't be done with his current skillset. No backchecking, questionable defense; he was seen as "one-dimensional."

Clearly, Bedard realized he was lacking in one area

This was his speed, something that was noticeable from his first season on the Blackhawks. They were (and are) building a supersonic pipeline with guys who could skate at 20 mph like it was nothing. Guys who could blow the defense away along the boards, setting up their teammates. Bedard seemed too slow, often caught by elite defenders. He realized that was his first priority in the offseason, and that one change unlocked his potential.

Not only did Bedard carry his line, but he carried his team.

Bedard went on a tear in his first 31 games before injury, with 44 total points, and his two assists in his final game against the St. Louis Blues remained the Blackhawks' best over the five games that followed. The offense was entirely depleted following his injury, forcing the team to shift playstyle in the absence of their offensive dynamo. Andre Burakovsky fell off a cliff offensively, with only two points in seven games since Bedard was injured. Ryan Greene has three points, but has found chemistry with the newly formed "Kid Line" with Oliver Moore and Nick Lardis.

Sure, the Blackhawks' problems began before the injury; however, without Bedard, the Blackhawks have gone a measly 1-6-0, scoring 14 total goals in that stretch. The clear missing piece? Bedard. Frank Nazar couldn't find his game after his fast start, and the puck to the face didn't help at all. Moore and Lardis are starting to show confidence in their game, but it could take some time before they start producing as expected. The rest of the roster are two-way forwards at best; none will deliver consistent offense, nor will they be a threat at all times.

Bedard has proven to be the cornerstone of this franchise, ranking in the top three in points before his injury, and is a superstar in the NHL. He proved naysayers wrong and will continue to do so when he returns to the ice. He has returned to practice but will likely remain on the injury report until early-mid January, based on Kyle Davidson's report.