3 Blackhawks With The Most To Prove In 2023-24

The Chicago Blackhawks look to be a little better than they were last season, but not by much. They will still need some time for their young players to develop and take control of the team. In the meantime, there is pressure on some to reach a certain level and for the team to start heading in the right direction immediately.

Connor Bedard

There hasn't been this much pressure on a first year player to succeed since Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews, so Connor Bedard has some work ahead of him in his rookie season as everyone is expecting him to take home the Calder Trophy. On top of that, he has to prove that his incredible junior career can transfer over to the NHL in the same way as other elite players have. With Bedard's very good shot and since the Blackhawks went and got a couple of free agents to help him put up points, he will have an expected goals and points total he must reach to get no criticism.

Philipp Kurashev

Philipp Kurashev took his contract to arbitration and was awarded with a decent deal for the output he had last season. More is expected from him as the 23-year-old should once again play on the second line this season. He's one of the bright young players that has a pretty big role this season, so he must go and seize it before he gets pushed down the lineup.

Seth Jones

Ever since Seth Jones signed his massive contract seeing him get $9.5 million AAV long-term, he has had a ton of eyes on him watching him not reach expectations. He is the number one defenseman and will play in all situations, but has to contribute even more. With some pieces that will potentially help the offense improve from last season, Jones will be at the helm on the back-end potentially helping that happen.