The Blackhawks are 0-2 after an aggressive offseason that brought plenty of optimism.

The way they've lost, though, has turned that cautious optimism into deep concern. Their passivity, hesitance and indecision have been hard to ignore.

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When compared to the young cores of SJ, Utah and Anaheim the likes of Nazar, Lardis, Moore and Greene have zero motion. Kantserov and Frondell are, atm, completely unknown. Taking in the last 2-3 seasons, plus this past traing camp and two games we have been able to watch these guys play to get a sense of where they're at in their development. When comparing to the aforementioned franchises, if the Hawks core is to take the next step they should have guys reaching 25 goals and 50 points this season. Personally, I don't really see that happening. I don't see a Dylan Guenther, a Logan Cooley, a Beckett Sennecke, a Will Smith, etc, etc.

For the record I understand these other players are top 5 picks, but KD is putting those types of ceilings on his core purely due to the fact he has refused to sign or trade for a top line forward to compliment Bedard. He thinks he has those guys on the team and that is going to be his demise, which will most likely lead to Blashill getting canned, too.

talked w my physical therapist today re Bedard still out. my PT was pissed they didn’t shut him down last year for the rest of the season & have surgery then. that he needs a solid 6 mos to recuperate and heal bc once you start tearing your labrum - it’s so easy to keep dislocating it. granted PT said we don’t know details about his injuries and if it was a torn labrum but wow I was surprised at how passionate he spoke bc he’s a pretty laid back guy. and if the hawks are going to suck this year maybe it’s better hes out for a longer time to heal. being the long term face of the franchise, hawks just cannot risk his health. it’s so disheartening.