Dear Blackhawks Fans: The media did Connor Bedard a massive favor

Whether or not you think star Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard deserved the media hailstorm he’s been recently under, it makes no difference. He was under constant attack from several outlets and it naturally attracted the attention of fans, in case you’re late to the party.

I pitched in what I felt was a balanced opinion regarding what one of Bedard’s critics said, but I never thought to express my opinions of why Bedard should be listening in. No, not because what his critics are saying is true, or at least 100 percent true, but because doing so should allow him to flip the narrative. And that, Blackhawks fans, screams opportunity. 

Some players just respond to intense media criticism well, and hey, more power to them if they do. Doing so gives them a chance to add some fuel to their game and exert some sweet revenge. 

Connor Bedard’s awesome performance on Friday is a telling sign

In last night’s win over the Nashville Predators, Bedard got off to a good head start when he put up two points, one goal, a plus-2, and a 50.0 faceoff win percentage. Should that keep up, then we can honestly say the media just did Bedard a massive favor. 

Yeah, maybe it was just one good game and perhaps Bedard’s play will continue to be a roller coaster. Perhaps intense media criticism from seemingly every angle could hinder his performance. But I doubt it because when you’ve been in the spotlight for as long as Bedard has despite being just a year and a half into his NHL career, you naturally welcome criticism. 

When you’re the No. 1 overall pick, you welcome criticism. And when you’ve been labeled a generational talent, you also welcome criticism. It comes with the territory of the media once upon a time labeling you a future NHL star, and that’s been the case with Bedard long before the Blackhawks drafted him. 

The media’s criticism of Bedard will be a favor, not a hindrance

I’ll concede that all this criticism could have a negative effect on some players. I’d be willing to go as far as to say it’d affect a lot of people whose criticism is limited to a very finite number of people. Not millions, as is Bedard’s case. 

As mentioned previously, the position Bedard landed himself in with his sheer talent invites criticism. And the more one invites such criticism, whether doing so willingly or organically, with Bedard’s case being the latter, they learn how to not just handle, but bend it to their will. 

That’s what, if you wanted me to make an educated guess right now, will be the case with Bedard. Yeah, it’s fair to criticize those criticizing him, but at the end of the day, Bedard’s winning this one. Early signs show that’ll be the case, and it’s something you can anticipate continuing once we reach the final third of the season.