The Chicago Blackhawks have officially sent a message to the league — and it couldn’t be louder: Connor Bedard is no longer going it alone.
In a headline-grabbing trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Blackhawks have acquired veteran winger Rickard Rakell, a proven top-six scorer with a sharp edge and a history of delivering under pressure.
And the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
With Bedard entering his sophomore season and the Blackhawks still deep in their rebuild, the front office pulled the trigger on a deal that gives their young phenom exactly what he’s needed: a skilled, experienced winger who can protect, produce, and push the pace.
The Deal:
To Blackhawks: Rickard Rakell (F)
To Penguins: Lukas Reichel (F), Ethan Del Mastro (D), 2026 second-round pick
The trade cost Chicago some promising pieces — including 23-year-old forward Lukas Reichel and defenseman Ethan Del Mastro — but the payoff could be massive. With three second-round picks in hand, the Blackhawks could afford to sweeten the deal without mortgaging their future.
Why Rakell Is the “Bodyguard” Bedard Needed
Rakell isn’t just a scorer — he’s a versatile, high-motor winger who thrives in high-pressure situations and brings physicality when needed. While not a fighter in the traditional sense, he’s the kind of veteran who commands respect on the ice. That presence will open space for Bedard, allowing the 19-year-old phenom to operate with more freedom and less wear.
The Swedish winger has posted multiple 30-goal seasons in the NHL and brings a lethal shot, smart positioning, and playoff-level experience to a team that desperately needs balance and bite on the top lines.
He’s also under contract for three more seasons at a team-friendly $5 million cap hit, giving Chicago stability as they continue building around Bedard, Frank Nazar, and the wave of talent rising from the AHL ranks.
What This Means for Chicago
Connor Bedard should no longer be the only name circled on opposing scouting reports. With Tyler Bertuzzi already in the mix and Andre Burakovsky brought in earlier this offseason, Rakell gives the Hawks a legitimate scoring trio that can shuffle across the top six.
In a Central Division still wide open behind the Stars and Jets, this move signals that the Blackhawks aren’t just rebuilding — they’re preparing to compete again.
Head coach Jeff Blashill now has the kind of flexibility and veteran presence that was sorely lacking last season. And for Bedard, this move could mark a critical turning point — the moment Chicago began surrounding their generational star with pieces to protect and elevate him.
The Takeaway
This is more than a roster shuffle. It’s a clear statement:
Connor Bedard isn’t in this alone anymore. And the Blackhawks are done waiting quietly.
Rickard Rakell might not wear a letter on his jersey, but for Bedard — and the fans in Chicago — his arrival may feel like the beginning of something bigger.
The rebuild just got teeth.
