The Chicago Blackhawks are going to take on the St. Louis Blues in the NHL Winter Classic. This is one of the marquee games on the NHL schedule each year for good reason. It brings a ton of excitement to the sport of hockey.
The Blackhawks are not going to be a playoff team in 2024-25. They have a better chance of having the number one overall pick again.
However, that doesn’t make the Winter Classic meaningless for them. It is a huge opportunity for everyone on the team to play on one of the biggest regular season stages. For this team, this is like a playoff game.
It could have major implications for their development. There are a handful of players on the Blackhawks who could advance their careers even further with a big performance on Tuesday evening. If these three in particular have a big game, the Hawks will be head over heels:
1. Connor Bedard
Of course, Connor Bedard is the face of the franchise and he’s only 19 years old. He is already their best player and will be one of the best in the NHL one day.
Bedard has never been in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and it will take some time for him to get there. For now, the Winter Classic remains the biggest NHL stage for him.
This is Bedard’s chance to put on a huge show with the whole world watching. He’s put up big numbers in WHL Playoff Games in addition to the World Junior Championships but nothing compares to big moments in the NHL
If Bedard puts up a couple of points in a big Blackhawks win at Wrigley Field, he won’t look back.
2. Alex Vlasic
The Chicago Blackhawks have a gem in Alex Vlasic. At this point, it’s hard to argue against him being their number-one defenseman. He has been stellar as a two-way guy emphasizing his own end.
Despite the defense always coming first, Vlasic is one point away from his career-high for a single season. That also can be said for his goal and assist totals.
If he can have a big game in the Winter Classic with everyone watching, the hockey world might truly take note of his game. He has the ceiling of a top-pair guy on a winning team.
3. Frank Nazar
It is unclear how long Frank Nazar will stay in the NHL beyond this Winter Classic. There could be big implications for him in this matchup at Wrigley Field.
Nazar scored on his first NHL shot at the end of last season but hasn’t put one in since. He tore up the AHL a few weeks ago before getting the call-up. There have been flashes but Anders Sorensen is looking for more consistency.
The young rookie certainly won’t be sent down any time soon if he dominates in the Winter Classic. If there was a time to show what he’s got for this year, it’s in this game. All three of these guys are going to have great NHL careers but a big game like this could advance them that much quicker.
