Connor Bedard praised by Philipp Kurashev for maturity amid NHL pressure and criticism
Connor Bedard may have suffered harsh criticism over a chaotic season with the Chicago Blackhawks, but he is now being praised by teammates and insiders as well. As trade rumors swirled and pressure off the ice mounted, Connor Bedard kept his focus on the ice.
And now, teammate forward Philipp Kurashev himself has chimed in too, calling Connor Bedard "special" for his ability to manage the weight of oversized expectations at just 19 years old.
Philipp Kurashev supports Connor Bedard as pressure intensifies in Chicago
As the Chicago Blackhawks suffered through a tough season, all eyes were on Connor Bedard, who entered the league with the "generational talent" label. The buzz grew stronger in March following Connor Bedard's enigmatic Instagram picture featuring only a house emoji, hyping trade rumors at one of the team's lowest moments.
But amid the media hype, Philipp Kurashev, who has played alongside Connor Bedard since 2023, made a public statement with a glowing endorsement.
In an interview to
NHL
reporter Max Miller, Kurashev stated, 'It is amazing. He does a good job with [the pressure].' The two are very close, and Philipp Kurashev's words describe the silent admiration Bedard enjoys in the dressing room despite outside distractions.
Connor Bedard Stops To Sign Autographs #blackhawks
Their opinion was reinforced by NHL insider Frank Seravalli, who pushed back against the criticism of the young forward.
Discussing a media storm during February, Frank Seravalli indicated that Bedard has been judged too harshly. 'I think there are a couple of different factors that have stood in his way, and one is right between his own ears,' Frank Seravalli stated. 'I think he's been way too frustrated. I think he needs to understand that he shouldn't worry about being a playmaker.
He should just be a shoot-first guy.' Both Frank Seravalli and Philipp Kurashev made it plain: the unrealistic expectations are not a measure of Bedard's true potential.
Also read:
NHL Trade Rumors: Insider dismisses Maple Leafs' interest in bringing back Nazem Kadri
With another off-season behind him and all the support he can muster from players like Philipp Kurashev, Connor Bedard is more dedicated than ever. Though still subject to the heightened media attention, his captaincy of a young contingent of Blackhawks may prove to be his most enduring trait. If Bedard can keep his head and block out the distractions, he may not only meet the hype but surpass it.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match here
.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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