Former NHL star Jeremy Roenick has stirred controversy once again, this time casting criticism on Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard for what he deemed disrespectful conduct at the recent Winter Classic. Roenick, who was part of the alumni attending the event, felt slighted by Bedard's decision not to greet him or fellow hockey legends Chris Chelios and Denis Savard during their ceremonial puck drop at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Eve.
The Winter Classic itself was marred for the Blackhawks by a disappointing 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues, but Roenick's focus quickly shifted to Bedard's actions—or lack thereof. On Roenick's podcast, "Snipes and Stripes," co-hosted by former NHL referee Tim Peel, the Hall of Famer expressed his frustration over what he perceived as Bedard's failure to acknowledge the presence of former players who contributed to the team’s storied history.
“All the players came up to me, ‘Chely’ and ‘Savy,’ congratulated us, saying hi, giving us respect, except for one,” Roenick said, undoubtedly making it clear where he felt the young forward fell short. He added, “There needs to be respect in the game, and there needs to be respect for the history of the game.”
Roenick amplified his criticism by implying Bedard's actions—or lack thereof—suggested broader problems within the team culture. He argued, “If we don’t have respect to go up and fist bump, to say congratulations, how can you do it with your own teammates?” This statement raised eyebrows about the validity of his claims, especially since Bedard is still finding his footing during his sophomore NHL season. With only 10 goals and 34 points through 39 games, every interaction and expectation weighs heavily on the young star.
Despite Roenick’s insistence he wasn’t belittling Bedard’s character, other aspects of his remarks conveyed significant disappointment. “This kid needs to learn as a 19-year-old. This all is his learning curve,” he told listeners. Roenick suggested Bedard has missed opportunities to develop leadership skills, especially if he aspires to captain the team someday—alluding to his perceived lack of engagement with the alumni.
The criticism prompted public debate about the nature of respect within sports, particularly from rising stars who are often under tremendous pressure. Bedard’s performance and how he interacts with teammates and the hockey community influence both his career path and the narrative surrounding him. Many fans and commentators have rallied behind the idea, arguing such pressure to engage with alumni shouldn’t overshadow Bedard’s primary focus: playing to the best of his abilities.
This criticism arrives at a time when public sentiment about Bedard, the first overall pick, has begun to sway. Hockey enthusiasts are starting to compare his progress with potential 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini, who is currently generating buzz after just 30 NHL games. The scrutiny of Bedard’s every action only amplifies the stakes for both the player and the franchise.
Roenick’s remarks are not without their contradictions. While he chastised Bedard publicly, there also lies the question of whether it would have been more appropriate to address these concerns privately. Roenick has longstanding connections within the Blackhawks organization, particularly after his recent induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Many feel if he wanted to impart wisdom or critique, reaching out to Bedard directly may have been more constructive.
Still, the reality is Roenick's comments will likely remain part of the conversation surrounding Bedard, especially after the challenging season the young prospect is experiencing. With the Blackhawks performing poorly and the mounting expectations for Bedard, winning games becomes imperative—not just for his reputation but for solidifying his standing within the team.
Looking forward, Bedard and the Blackhawks are set to face tough competition, including their matchup against the slumping New York Rangers. With the puck dropping at 3 p.m. EST, there lies hope for Bedard to showcase resilience and take control of his narrative. Overcoming these adversities may turn the tide not only for his detractors but solidify his role as the cornerstone of future Blackhawks success.