I didn't agree with Messier's assessment that Bedard should have been sat after the effort on the Florida goal, but if Richardinson wasn't injured, he certainly should have been sat for a few shifts for that stupid ass blind backhand pass near the blueline.
- Chunk

Ehhhh, i think you have a kid who's learning what he can and can't do at the NHL level, i also believe he felt that was he soft part of the defense and one of his team mates should of been there. It also lets him and the defense work on breaks the other way. I prefer he get this all out now instead of when he's 22-23 years old.

I know I am in the minority on this board. But I do not see Bedard as a 1C or as a Captain. Some of the criticisms we are hearing now from Messier and Bissonette are legit. I know he is only 19 and he will improve his game in many different aspects. He has a terrific shot. He sees the game well. He will get stronger. He will get a little better at faceoffs. But he shies away from contact like Kaner and TT. (self preservation) His body language and facial expressions are not strong, tough or inspiring. His interviews are ho hum. Similar to TT. Kaner was much more charismatic, even as a rookie. Not being a captain is perfectly alright. Some people are just not cut out for that role. I don't see him defending the opponents 1C on the road when we do not have the last change. I don't see him carrying a team on his back in a long playoff run. With a better supporting cast I think he will score more. I can see him scoring 30 to 40 goals with 50 to 60 assists, many of those on the powerplay. There is nothing wrong with that. It is elite. (Kane scored more than 90 points only three times in his career and for his career is a plus 5.) They have prospects and a high draft pick this year. But as we know none of those are sure things, I hope they can add a couple really good top 6 players to Bedard, Nazar, TT and Bertuzzi. Because as it stands now the Hawks top 6 are only draft lottery quality. 
- Ztra

Not even close, he's willing to engage along the boards all the time. Kaner never engaged along the boards as a teenager, never.

Not even close, he's willing to engage along the boards all the time. Kaner never engaged along the boards as a teenager, never.
- BetweenTheDots

The only two things Kaner engaged in his first few years was floating at the red line and frat house parties.

Not even close, he's willing to engage along the boards all the time. Kaner never engaged along the boards as a teenager, never.
- BetweenTheDots

Kaner wasn’t top line center either which is why Bedard should be bumped to wing. His play is more like Kaner than any center I can think of tbh

Kaner wasn’t top line center either which is why Bedard should be bumped to wing. His play is more like Kaner than any center I can think of tbh
- Assman22

Damn another crazy take

What do you think about Jack Hughes?

How about McDavid?

Bedard has more hits then both of them combined in their 1st season. Just saying you're not watching

Not sure what feed you have but the Edmonton announcers basically said he’s got similar numbers as McDavid at the same time in their career but Bedard just doesn’t have any help like McDavid had with Draisaitl. I’m sure Bedard knows he can’t/shouldn’t do the things he’s trying, but what other options does he have?
- paulr

He's a kid of course he is going to try dumb stuff. His hockey IQ is off the charts. He knows but in the moment, like most teenagers, you do things you know you are not supposed to do.

Not even close, he's willing to engage along the boards all the time. Kaner never engaged along the boards as a teenager, never.
- BetweenTheDots

They talked about the Hawks needing to keep a forward high in the D zone last night b/c if you don't Edmonton will pin you in the Dzone and just cycle the puck around with McDavid skating around everyone.

Essentially keep a forward high so make one of Edmonton's D hesitant to join the play or make an aggressive pinch. That is why Bedard was staying so high for the most part. Also fairly certain the coaching staff is telling him to play that high in the zone. If they didn't want him doing that he wouldn't be doing it.

They talked about the Hawks needing to keep a forward high in the D zone last night b/c if you don't Edmonton will pin you in the Dzone and just cycle the puck around with McDavid skating around everyone.

Essentially keep a forward high so make one of Edmonton's D hesitant to join the play or make an aggressive pinch. That is why Bedard was staying so high for the most part. Also fairly certain the coaching staff is telling him to play that high in the zone. If they didn't want him doing that he wouldn't be doing it.
- bhawks2241

Yea, not you, but to say he doesn't engage or try to play defense, alls I've got to say to that is they aren't watching the games.

Kaner wasn’t top line center either which is why Bedard should be bumped to wing. His play is more like Kaner than any center I can think of tbh
- Assman22

Kane basically played center in the offensive zone. Always had the puck and always disturbing the puck maybe that is why Bedard's game looks similar.

Yea, not you, but to say he doesn't engage or try to play defense, alls I've got to say to that is they aren't watching the games.
- BetweenTheDots

When he wants to he does. He needs to do it more consistently. He also appears to be developing a little bit of nasty to his game, again when he wants to. Seen him take a few chops at guys, left that knee out against Draistal last night, seen him take a run at a few guys too when he's pissed.

Sure he's not happy about having Donato and Slaggert (who's game I love) on his wings. Those are 3rd line guys.

Kane basically played center in the offensive zone. Always had the puck and always disturbing the puck maybe that is why Bedard's game looks similar.
- bhawks2241

Both float/floated in the dzone

2-4-3-3-2

The only two things Kaner engaged in his first few years was floating at the red line and frat house parties.
- rpeters01

Ha ha. Good chuckle. Yeah the wandering around- was it UW Madison? was pretty funny.

Kaner wasn’t top line center either which is why Bedard should be bumped to wing. His play is more like Kaner than any center I can think of tbh
- Assman22

Amazingly he did go 8-5 on draws last night. Was 7-4 against Florida and 5-1 against TB. At least that aspect is improving.

He's trying to do a little too much in the Ozone, too many moves and risky passes. At this point though with a celler dweller team, why not? Coaching should definitely preach simpler plays at times to him, but it's tough as unlike Celebrini or even Hughes, he's trying to live up to his generational talent billing.

From what I watched, he's not moving into the right spots enough and also his linemates aren't skilled enough to get him the puck for good shots although maybe it was Slaggert that passed him that grade A shot in the first period.

Different generational talents had better circumstances than Bedard as rookies and onward. Even Biz admitted that at the end of his criticism.

Crosby had Lemieux, Recchi, Palffy, Gonchar and Leclair as teammates (Malkin the next year). McDavid had Hall, RNH and Draisitl as teammates. And even Ovie. While the Caps were terrible his rookie year, Ovechkin was already 20-years old as a rookie.

I know I am in the minority on this board. But I do not see Bedard as a 1C or as a Captain. Some of the criticisms we are hearing now from Messier and Bissonette are legit. I know he is only 19 and he will improve his game in many different aspects. He has a terrific shot. He sees the game well. He will get stronger. He will get a little better at faceoffs. But he shies away from contact like Kaner and TT. (self preservation) His body language and facial expressions are not strong, tough or inspiring. His interviews are ho hum. Similar to TT. Kaner was much more charismatic, even as a rookie. Not being a captain is perfectly alright. Some people are just not cut out for that role. I don't see him defending the opponents 1C on the road when we do not have the last change. I don't see him carrying a team on his back in a long playoff run. With a better supporting cast I think he will score more. I can see him scoring 30 to 40 goals with 50 to 60 assists, many of those on the powerplay. There is nothing wrong with that. It is elite. (Kane scored more than 90 points only three times in his career and for his career is a plus 5.) They have prospects and a high draft pick this year. But as we know none of those are sure things, I hope they can add a couple really good top 6 players to Bedard, Nazar, TT and Bertuzzi. Because as it stands now the Hawks top 6 are only draft lottery quality. 
- Ztra

What does body language, facial expressions and charisma have to do with anything? The best player ever, Bobby Orr had zero charisma.

Now to legitimate criticism, will he be a number one center? Why not? Kane and Bedard had one thing in common. Both work harder than most improving their game. Very quietly Bedard is improving at the face off dot. He may not be winning more than 50% but opponents now have to battle him at each face off. He’s not yet a strong defensive player, but he’s better than he was last season. He’s also not Cherry picking that often. There are very few that have his on ice vision, hockey IQ and ability to get to open areas. Yes there are holes in his game, the tendency to reach in when battling for a puck. He also does flybys when an opponent has the puck instead of stopping and engaging a puck battle. But yesterday on Chicago’s third goal he out battled Darnell Nurse for puck possession before assisting on Martinez’s goal.

Is he captain material. What comprises a good captain? Let’s take one of the best, certainly in Chicago, Jonathan Toews. What is it that made Toews a good captain? He outworked everyone, he was solid two way player and he was humble and by all accounts a great teammate. Bedard works hard, but he’s not the hardest worker. Bedard isn’t a solid two way player but he has improved that aspect of his game. He’s definitely humble and appears to be a good teammate. One intangible that will endear hi to his teammates. When Bedard scores his reaction is old school, not much of reaction and almost no celebration. When a teammate scores his reaction is much more pronounced and he celebrates much more enthusiastically. Do I think he’s captain material? Not now but I can see him improving his game to be considered.

Ehhhh, i think you have a kid who's learning what he can and can't do at the NHL level, i also believe he felt that was he soft part of the defense and one of his team mates should of been there. It also lets him and the defense work on breaks the other way. I prefer he get this all out now instead of when he's 22-23 years old.
- BetweenTheDots

How many times does he need to get burned with that before the learning starts. Not the first time by any means.

What does body language, facial expressions and charisma have to do with anything? The best player ever, Bobby Orr had zero charisma.

Now to legitimate criticism, will he be a number one center? Why not? Kane and Bedard had one thing in common. Both work harder than most improving their game. Very quietly Bedard is improving at the face off dot. He may not be winning more than 50% but opponents now have to battle him at each face off. He’s not yet a strong defensive player, but he’s better than he was last season. He’s also not Cherry picking that often. There are very few that have his on ice vision, hockey IQ and ability to get to open areas. Yes there are holes in his game, the tendency to reach in when battling for a puck. He also does flybys when an opponent has the puck instead of stopping and engaging a puck battle. But yesterday on Chicago’s third goal he out battled Darnell Nurse for puck possession before assisting on Martinez’s goal.

Is he captain material. What comprises a good captain? Let’s take one of the best, certainly in Chicago, Jonathan Toews. What is it that made Toews a good captain? He outworked everyone, he was solid two way player and he was humble and by all accounts a great teammate. Bedard works hard, but he’s not the hardest worker. Bedard isn’t a solid two way player but he has improved that aspect of his game. He’s definitely humble and appears to be a good teammate. One intangible that will endear hi to his teammates. When Bedard scores his reaction is old school, not much of reaction and almost no celebration. When a teammate scores his reaction is much more pronounced and he celebrates much more enthusiastically. Do I think he’s captain material? Not now but I can see him improving his game to be considered.
- paulr

Toews was one of the least charismatic captains. He sounded like an emotionless drone most of the time. I mean his nickname was captain serious. That isn't a nickname someone that is charismatic and well spoken usually gets. He was a lead by example captain and expected everyone else to work as hard as he did.

Toews was one of the least charismatic captains. He sounded like an emotionless drone most of the time. I mean his nickname was captain serious. That isn't a nickname someone that is charismatic and well spoken usually gets. He was a lead by example captain and expected everyone else to work as hard as he did.
- bhawks2241

On his list of things to accomplish, choosing the right captain is about 320th on KD's list. After 5xxx posts we're really struggling for topics. But, Sikura still sucks.

How many times does he need to get burned with that before the learning starts. Not the first time by any means.
- Chunk

One more i guess

On his list of things to accomplish, choosing the right captain is about 320th on KD's list. After 5xxx posts we're really struggling for topics. But after all this, Sikura still sucks.
- rpeters01

I enjoyed watching Nazar a few times skate with McDavid. Don't think his top speed is as fast but his short area and acceleration are on the same level. Took away McDavid's space so fast it surprised McDavid.

I enjoyed watching Nazar a few times skate with McDavid. Don't think his top speed is as fast but his short area and acceleration are on the same level. Took away McDavid's space so fast it surprised McDavid.
- bhawks2241

Nazar doesn't have McD's stride. It's like a Miata vs a Ferrari. I for one want to keep most our picks and give them a few years.

Nazar doesn't have McD's stride. It's like a Miata vs a Ferrari. I for one want to keep most our picks and give them a few years.
- rpeters01

No but I think you are underselling Nazar's skating and top end speed. He is a lot closer than you give him credit for.

I've read that the Habs are interested in Cozens. Wouldn't it be funny if Dach was traded for Cozens? Two similar players- big, struggling young centers.

I enjoyed watching Nazar a few times skate with McDavid. Don't think his top speed is as fast but his short area and acceleration are on the same level. Took away McDavid's space so fast it surprised McDavid.
- bhawks2241

I noticed Nazar against McDavid in their previous game, also. McDavid had zero points in that game, and he didn't get a point until his assist in OT last night.

Preliminary results on D!ckinson are that he has a high ankle sprain. Imaging tomorrow to determine severity.