Three Options Are Finally Emerging As Connor Bedard’s Permanent Linemate

Chicago Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard has played in 201 games since his debut in 2023, and he’s been everything his team could ask from him and then some. But the Blackhawks haven’t done him any favors. With the amount of roster turnover the franchise has experienced since Bedard was drafted, their young superstar has played with countless line combinations and hasn’t seen the same grouping more than a few times in a row.

Most recently, Chicago has taken a look at Bedard centering a line that includes Ryan Greene and Andre Burakovsky. He and Greene have worked really well together lately—Greene doesn’t have a huge superstar ceiling and hasn’t put up a ton of points, but he’s elevated Bedard’s game.

Burakovsky, on the other hand, should be taken off of the top line any day now. Before Monday’s goal, he hadn’t picked up a point since Jan. 17 (which includes the Olympic break, but still isn’t a great look considering that he was on a line with Bedard). Burakovsky has another year left on his $5.5 million-AAV contract, but it’s worth questioning whether that year will be spent in Chicago, or whether the Blackhawks will buy him out this summer.

Assuming the Blackhawks shift away from Burakovsky and keep Greene where he’s at, it’ll be interesting to see who takes the final spot on the all-important top line. Three options in particular should be at least intriguing for Chicago’s coaching staff.

Roman Kantserov

A second-round pick of the Blackhawks in 2023, Kantserov has blossomed into a really impressive offensive talent in the KHL. While wearing the “A” for Metallurg Magnitogorsk, he’s picked up 61 points in 60 games. He figures to join the U.S. professional ranks this fall, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in a Chicago sweater for the start of the 2026-27 season. With his excellent playmaking ability and quick passing, he could be a perfect fit on the top line. He’s been working at center over in Russia, but could probably slide to the wing without much issue.

Nick Lardis

Lardis has been up and down between Chicago and Rockford a few times this season, and frankly isn’t getting nearly as much ice time as he should. Now, with Oliver Moore set to miss significant time, Lardis should have plenty more opportunities. If the Blackhawks get Burakovsky off of Bedard’s wing and give Lardis some run there, the 20-year-old will have a chance to make a real impression to finish out the season and cement his spot for the next campaign.

Summer Acquisition

The dust has settled on this season’s trade deadline, but it wouldn’t be a huge shock for the Blackhawks to go after a big name this summer. Chicago has been most notably attached to winger Matthew Knies since the trade deadline, and multiple sources have suggested that the Blackhawks are certainly interested. Knies is signed through 2030 with a cap hit of $7.75 million annually, a number Toronto may not be able to afford. If the Leafs make him available this summer, Chicago should pounce—he’s picked up 51 points this season, is a proven NHL scorer, and could make a solid linemate for Bedard.