​The latest update on Connor Bedard’s injury sums things up in two blunt words for the Chicago Blackhawks: not ideal. News that Bedard could require four months to recover after shoulder surgery has understandably rattled Blackhawks fans, many of whom are reaching for the nearest blood pressure monitor. But the concern isn’t limited to Bedard’s health alone. Yes, the 20-year-old’s well-being is the top priority, yet there’s another looming issue: the Blackhawks’ season could be derailed before it even begins.
Chicago competes in what many fans call the “Death Valley” division—the Central Division—where the teams ahead of them have stockpiled talent and depth this offseason in an effort to challenge last year’s division champions, the Colorado Avalanche. Losing their brightest young star could leave the Blackhawks in a precarious position, unable to gain early momentum. If they fall behind early, the gap might prove too wide to bridge by the time Bedard is cleared to return.
So, what options remain for the Blackhawks? The most realistic path won’t involve a blockbuster mid-summer trade for a true number-one center. Instead, the entire roster will need to rally and perform at a higher level to maximize their chances of getting off on the right foot and staying competitive until Bedard can rejoin the lineup.
There’s no doubt that everyone on the Blackhawks roster will need to elevate their games next season. Even if Bedard were fully healthy, the rest of the group will have to take that next step collectively. In particular, Frank Nazar will be a focal point for the organization as it navigates this challenge. The 22-year-old forward built on his rookie campaign by recording 15 goals and 41 points over 66 games. While that represents a solid improvement, it isn’t sufficient to convince everyone that he’s already reached a level of certainty as a cornerstone.
That perception must shift. With Bedard out, the Blackhawks will expect Nazar to step into the top-line center role. He’ll be asked to embrace that responsibility, especially since he’ll begin the season under the long shadow of a seven-year contract extension. If Nazar can rise to the occasion, it would not be surprising to see him push for 20 goals and 50 points next season. However, he will need to get off to a strong start to offset Bedard’s absence and set the tone for the team.
This lift will not rest on Nazar alone. There is another critical player who must seize the moment and help shoulder the load. Enter Anton Fröstlund, the former third-overall pick who will be embarking on his first full season in North America. The 19-year-old made a promising first impression in his NHL audition, tallying three goals and nine points in 12 games after joining the club late in the season. That showing was encouraging for a young player still adjusting to life in a new league, and the Blackhawks are counting on him to help fill an important gap in the middle.
Fröstlund’s development could be pivotal as the season unfolds. While speculation has swirled about whether he might begin the year on the wing to ease the transition, the organization is likely to test him down the middle to see if he can quickly adapt to a larger role. If Fröstlund can translate those early glimpses into a reliable two-way presence and productive offense, he could become a key piece of the team’s plan to weather Bedard’s absence.
In the broader context, the Blackhawks will need more than a couple of players to step forward. They’ll have to rely on depth, chemistry, and resilience across the lineup to stay competitive through the early stages and wait for Bedard’s return. The challenge is substantial: the Central Division is unforgiving, and even a short losing streak can be costly in the standings. The organization, coaches, and players will need to commit to playing with urgency, structure, and a renewed sense of purpose to keep pace with their division rivals.
As Bedard nurses his injury and works toward a comeback, the expectation is that Nazar, Fröstlund, and the rest of the team will seize this moment to prove their readiness for increased responsibility. If Nazar can grasp the top-line duties and Fröstlund can establish himself as a reliable middle-man, the Blackhawks may find themselves in a position to stay in contention longer than many anticipate. But the clock is ticking, and the road to a successful season will hinge on how quickly the team can adjust to life without their young star and still demonstrate enough grit and growth to compete in a brutally competitive division.