While attention turns to Connor Bedard's return, Bowen Byram will be Chicago's X-Factor vs. Pittsburgh

On Tuesday (Oct. 13), the Chicago Blackhawks will look for a bounce-back win when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins, having dropped five of their first six games of the season. The matchup is expected to mark the season debut of new Blackhawks' captain Connor Bedard, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Much of the attention will understandably be on Chicago's franchise player, but fans should also keep an eye on a potential breakout game from one of the club's biggest offseason additions, defenseman Bowen Byram.

The 25-year-old has yet to have his signature game as a member of the Blackhawks. Through five games, he has no points and a minus-8 rating, a rough start for a player who finished with 38 and 42 points in each of the last two seasons, respectively.

General Manager Kyle Davidson acquired Byram this offseason, along with depth forward Jordan Greenway, in exchange for the fourth overall pick and a second-round pick at the recent draft. Davidson also added depth defenseman Louis Crevier in the deal to the Buffalo Sabres. 

The moves were viewed as a way to help the Blackhawks win more games now while becoming more competitive in the future. In the limited sample size so far, however, that has not been the case.

Tuesday may finally be Byram's chance to turn things around as the spotlight will be focused on Bedard and the Chicago offense. Byram could be given the room to settle in and let his game develop.

Byram Has Best Chance Yet to Snap Slow Start Against Penguins

The Cranbrook, British Columbia native also has a solid track record in this matchup, having recorded seven assists over his last six games against the Penguins. With no points and a minus-8 rating through five games as a member of the Blackhawks, he appears due to get on the scoresheet for the first time in a Chicago uniform.

It will be an uphill battle, however, as the matchup has been a tough one for Chicago in recent years. Both clubs have gone through rebuilds, but Pittsburgh has still largely held the upper hand when they face off, winning four of their last five meetings. The Blackhawks have claimed just one win in their last four home games against the Penguins and would love to give their hometown fans something to cheer about.

For a team in search of momentum, Bedard's return could provide a much-needed spark but if Byram can find his footing alongside him, Chicago may have its best chance yet to turn a sluggish start into a turning point of the season.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow