Following another miserable campaign in the Windy City in 2024-25, the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to return to relevance in the Western Conference this season. The Hawks haven't advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2019-20, and they've finished at the bottom of the Central Division in each of the last three years.

But if Connor Bedard can take another step forward in his development in year three of his NHL career, it will go a long way towards helping the Original Six franchise return to respectability. And based on what linemate Ryan Donato has seen, so far, so good .

“He looks a lot faster already,” Donato said earlier this week, per The Athletic's Scott Powers. “It looks like he gained a step this summer. Obviously, he’s a kid that his work ethic is unquestioned. It’s

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