Could Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar be the Chicago Blackhawks next great duo?

Despite the season struggles for the Hawks, Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar have been exciting to watch.

Since head coach Anders Sorensen placed them alongside Tyler Bertuzzi on the first line, they capitalized on scoring chances and emerged as the team's dynamic trio.

With that being said, could they be the next Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane?

Most fans would think it's too soon to say, especially since Connor Bedard is carrying most of the workload.

That's fair to say. However, if they continue to generate more offense and create more scoring chances, it can happen.

The Toews-Kane dynamic duo. What made them fun to watch?

Think about it.

When the Blackhawks drafted Jonathan Toews in 2006 and Patrick Kane in 2007, their legendary chemistry didn't develop overnight. While both are highly skilled, their first season together (2007-08) had its struggles as they adjusted to the NHL and a rebuilding Blackhawks team at the time.

It wasn't until the 2009-10 season when the team added key pieces and Toews and Kane found their roles.

Toews emerged as a two-way player while Kane became an elite playmaker. Together, they formed one of the most dynamic duos in the league, leading Chicago to three Stanley Cup championships (2010, 2013, and 2015).

Bedard: The Next Franchise Superstar.

For Bedard and Nazar, their situation is different. Bedard, the 2024 Calder Memorial Trophy winner, is the cornerstone of this Original Six franchise.

The 19-year-old has 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists) in 51 games this season and is currently on a four-game point streak.

His elite shot, quick hands, and his creativity makes him the centerpiece of the Blackhawks' rebuild.

Can Frank Nazar be the #2 Star?

Frank Nazar, on the other hand, is still finding his game at the NHL level and trying to be the next superstar on the team. The former Michigan Wolverine forward has the tools to be a high-end, two-way player.

His speed, hockey IQ, and ability to create plays off the rush make him a dangerous weapon.

But unlike Kane, who was known for his elite playmaking skills and vision on the ice, Nazar's strengths lie in his ability to play a responsible 200-foot game.

That doesn't mean he won't be a great running mate for Bedard. Early on, their chemistry has shown promise. Bedard's quick release and offensive instincts, paired with Nazar's speed and two-way play, has led to scoring chances.

The more they play together, the better they'll learn and complement from each other's skill--just as Toews and Kane did over time.

The Bigger Picture: Depth Over Superstars?

Even if Nazar doesn't develop into a superstar type player, the Blackhawks' future is still bright. Chicago has built a talented prospect pool featuring players like Oliver Moore, Sacha Boisvert, and Nick Lardis.

If the Blackhawks don't try to create a new Toews-Kane duo in Bedard and Nazar, they could follow a more balanced approach with their young core.

Expectations for Nazar and the Blackhawks.

It remains unseen if Nazar can reach an elite level. Could we see him be Bedard's running mate in the near future or is he a high end talented player like Dylan Larkin and Mathew Barzal and not a generational talent like Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard?

Regardless, he's going to be a key player for this Blackhawks rebuild and their aspirations to be a playoff contender.

For now, Bedard is already proving that he can be the face of the Blackhawks franchise. The question is if Nazar will rise to the occasion and if we'll see more out of him with Connor Bedard. If not, will the Blackhawks find success with a deep, talented, well-rounded roster instead?