The time isn’t the best for the Chicago Blackhawks right now. With a three-match losing streak, the squad is currently at the bottom of the Central Division of the Western Conference. Their misfortune was amplified by the latest loss against the Edmonton Oilers on February 6 at United Center. The visitors walked away with a 4-3 victory, despite the Blackhawks having a formidable attacking roster. Naturally, the Blackhawks’ star center Connor Bedard is attracting a lot of flak for his apparent failure in helping Chicago turn things around.

In 2023, Bedard was selected as the first overall pick by the Blackhawks thanks to the incredible talent with the puck he displayed. In 2024, the teenager won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the Rookie of The Year. But things have taken a slump in 2025, and Chicago is again looking like one of the NHL’s worst teams. But Connor isn’t one to pay heed to the naysayers.

A recent post by Chicago Sun-Times’ Ben Pope on X from February 6 shared Bedard’s response to the latest criticism coming his way. During the second intermission of the Blackhawks vs Oilers match, the TNT commentators panel threw some shade at Connor. “I think his game has to evolve,” said Anson ‘Ace’ Carter, while Paul Bissonnette noted, “Sometimes I see him continue to try things that aren’t gonna work at the NHL level,” underscoring that Bedard will need to improve his in-game decision making and body language. One of the in-game clips that the analysts used showed Bedard not showing enough intent during an impressive exchange of offensive passes with teammate Ryan Donato.

That didn’t sit well with the Chicago sensation. “I’m not watching broadcasts or anything. I’m playing hockey. Their job is to say what they see. I couldn’t really care less what people on the outside think of me,” Connor Bedard hit back, as per Pope’s latest social media update. The TNT panel further slammed Bedard for his play with Bissonnette concluding that Bedard plays “pond hockey“.

But Connor wasn’t budging from his stance. “I’m not going to be butthurt if someone says I made a bad play. It’s their job,” he responded back to the harsh words and claimed that he would try to clean up the “bad” from his play. The Blackhawks are currently struggling, and are not playoff contenders. For obvious reasons, the bulk of the criticism against the team is centered around Bedard, who has to live up to the hype surrounding him. But tonight isn’t the first time that pundits noted their frustration over the Chicago star’s gameplay.

Tough times for Connor Bedard, despite all the hype

Last week, the Blackhawks were handed a hefty 5-1 defeat by the Florida Panthers. For all of Bedard’s efforts to help the team, his individual skills didn’t amount to much, and Hockey Hall of Famer Messier ripped into Connor’s performance with no holds barred. “He’s soft on his stick, and, I’m sorry, the excuses for a young player are over now. He has to be better than that. Sure enough, they get a power play and who goes right onto the ice? Bedard. There’s no quicker way to destroy the morale of the team than having players who don’t earn their ice-time. When the player makes a conscious choice to be soft on the puck in that situation right there, there has to be consequences,” Messier said on ESPN.

However, others keep pointing out that Connor Bedard is the centerpiece for a team that’s being rebuilt and is possibly the only hope for Chicago Blackhawks fans at the moment for a brighter future. With 15 goals and 46 points in 53 games this season, he has been the most productive player for the Blackhawks. What’s more? He can also score a screamer when needed.

Do you think the criticism that’s coming at Connor is uncalled for and he is in the right to turn a blind eye to them? Share your take on Bedard’s performance in a comment!