The Blackhawks have a power play problem they didn’t have last year

After two preseason games and a handful of practices, the Blackhawks powerplay units have started to take shape. The only thing missing is Connor Bedard.

Bedard has been making progress on the ice during his solo skates, which has led to speculation of an early return. Whether that happens or not, the Blackhawks will need to figure out what the powerplay looks like both before and after Bedard returns.

Up to this point, the Blackhawks top powerplay unit has consisted of Tyler Bertuzzi on the goal line, Roman Kantserov in the bumper, Anton Frondell on the right wall, Patrick Kane on the left wall, and Bowen Byram at the point.

Patrick Kane has played on the right wall for the majority of his career so far. That is where he is most effective. This year, however, may be different. Jeff Blashill thinks the power play would be better if Kane was on the left. "I thought he was excellent on it today, kind of finding the little quiet areas, then finding his options."

Additionally, Blashill likes Kane having the left-handed Kantserov as an option in the bumper. Byram, being a left-handed defenseman, is another one-timer option for Kane.

What does this mean for Connor Bedard?

Bedard will likely slot in on the right wall in place of Frondell, allowing Bedard to attack downhill. It makes him not only a shooting threat but also gives him the option to find Bertuzzi on the doorstep. Bedard has spent a significant amount of power-play time on the right side so far in his career.

Doing this would push Frondell down to the second unit, likely bumping Oliver Moore or Ryan Donato off the power play entirely. Nick Lardis, Frank Nazar, Anton Frondell, and Artyom Levshunov would likely round out the second unit.

The Blackhawks powerplay finished 29th in league standings last season. For the entirety of Bedard's career, he hasn't had any support. However, this season will be a different story.

Not only do the Blackhawks have enough talent for one solid unit, but they have additional talent that allows them to ice two dangerous groups. The challenge will be fitting the puzzle pieces in the right places.

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