Powers, in a column published in The Athletic on Thursday, pointed toward the franchise’s potential pursuit of an elite linemate for franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard. With 33 points in 38 games during the first half of this season, Bedard has shown flashes of brilliance.

Let's pull the lens out from the current state of the Blackhawks and focus on what the calendar year could bring for the team.

Connor Bedard kicks off the scoring for the Blackhawks vs. the Stars. Facebook; Twitter; Email

Connor Bedard didn’t sugarcoat his feelings following the Chicago Blackhawks’ 6–2 loss to the St. Louis Blues in Tuesday’s NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field. The one-sided matchup frustrated the Blackhawks star,