Blashill Sets the Pace at Blackhawks Camp: Bedard in Command

The start of the preseason for the Chicago Blackhawks under the direction of Jeff Blashill was not a walk in the park. The coach made it clear from day one that intensity would be key. Players like Connor Bedard experienced a rigorous practice session, with Blashill present in every detail, giving instructions and advice.

My feet are killing me. I haven’t been on the ice since April, so it was a difficult adjustment. I don’t remember them hurting this much, but I guess that happens at every training camp.
Jeff Blashill

For Blashill, this is his first real contact with the team since he was hired in May. His main task is to lead the team’s reconstruction, after the Blackhawks won only 74 games in the last three seasons. Despite the emerging talent led by Bedard, the team will be one of the youngest in the NHL on opening night. Blashill has work to do.

Build a strong culture.
Establish effective game systems.
Define the positions of each player.

The focus of the first day was on the fundamentals of the game and team culture. The intensity and pace were notable, with little rest time.

I loved everything about today. I think it sets the tone for what Blash wants, what our coaching staff wants, and the standard we want to have.
Nick Foligno

Bedard, for his part, confirmed that the players were prepared for the demand.

He warned us a bit that we were going to skate. I think that’s good. You have to do it and that will build a culture and the way we are going to play.
Connor Bedard

This is Blashill’s second chance to prove his worth as a head coach in the NHL. The 51-year-old coach had a record of 204-261-72 in seven seasons with the Detroit Red Wings before being fired in April 2022. Blashill spent the previous three years as an assistant to Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay. He is likely to draw on his experience as a head coach in the minor leagues as he navigates the challenges of the young Blackhawks.

There are real comparisons to my experiences I had in the American (Hockey) League. But in the end, a coach told me this a long time ago, he was a former player, he said that his best coaches made them do well, and we are going to make our guys do well.
Jeff Blashill

The Blackhawks began the preseason without veteran goaltender Laurent Brossoit, who has been sidelined by injuries since signing a two-year contract last year in free agency. General manager Kyle Davidson said Brossoit will be out “long-term” after undergoing offseason hip surgery. The Blackhawks acquired Spencer Knight in a trade with Florida in March and signed the goalie to a contract extension last week. They also have Arvid Soderblom in goal.