The Chicago Blackhawks have plenty of questions going into their centennial season. As they continue to rebuild, they’re starting to solidify their future anchors.

Newly re-signed Frank Nazar and Spencer Knight are pivotal puzzle pieces to the Hawks gaining ground in the standings. So are prospects such as defensemen Sam Rinzel and Artyom Levshunov and 2025 No. 3 pick Anton Frondell.

Oh, and Connor Bedard. The franchise centerpiece is entering his third season with lofty expectations and unanswered questions.

Will he sign an extension with the Hawks? When will he sign? Will he make the leap to permanent NHL stardom? How much has he improved his speed?

One question is missing, though.

How is Connor Bedard?

Well, pretty good, actually. He’s enjoying new coach Jeff Blashill’s system and is ready for the season to get underway.

“When you haven’t played a game for a while, you’re excited to get back to it,” Bedard said. “I feel good where I’m at physically and mentally and excited to get into some games.”

The Hawks open their preseason schedule Tuesday in Detroit against the Red Wings. That’s when we’ll see Blashill’s system in full play and what tweaks may be needed. Training camp began last week with a tough set of practices, but Bedard believes it’s for the better.

“There’s spots to be had, so everyone’s going to be working,” Bedard said on Day 1 of camp. “(Blashill) sets that bar for us. (It’s) hard, but it needs to be.”

Life can be chaotic for a No. 1 draft pick in any sport — media demands, high expectations and more. This past offseason was a quieter one for the 20-year-old Bedard, and he said it was needed.

“The last three, four years have been a little chaotic, and I’m grateful and blessed for that,” Bedard said. “I’ve had amazing opportunities and I’m 20 years old going into my third year in the league. It’s nothing I would trade at all, but to have some time without anything — I was at home with my buddies training — it makes you really miss the game.

“I felt that come the middle of summer, I was sick of working out and just wanted to play. I’m really excited to get going.”

Blashill has set the tone early in camp with his conditioning drills, loud voice and organized setup. While he’s preaching toughness, he knows a good mental state is equally important.

“I’ve actually really enjoyed where our guys’ heads are,” Blashill said. “When you’re really young and you come to the league, you’re probably not as comfortable as when you’ve been in the league a few years. I think guys are getting a little bit more (settled) in the expectations and their roles.

“It’s certainly an important piece of it. Confidence is an amazing thing. Being willing to look at yourself and say what (you) need to get better at matters, and that self-evaluation comes as you continue to mature.”

Being around the younger team has relieved Bedard of some of the weight on his shoulders. He doesn’t see the noise as anything other than hockey.

“I just play hockey and do what I love with some great people and great friends,” he said. “I don’t really see it as pressure. You know what to expect, so you just feel more more prepared.”

Bedard has accomplished plenty in his first two seasons, recording 128 points (45 goals, 83 assists) and winning the 2023-24 Calder Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year. His draft night was a little more than two years ago, but that time has flown by for the Hawks center.

“It’s (a little) bit of both,” Bedard said. “It feels like (draft night) just happened but also feels like it’s forever ago in a way.”

He shared some advice he would give to his then-17-year-old self.

“Enjoy every moment,” Bedard said. “It’s cliche, but honestly, I’m happy with getting to learn on the fly. You can’t say something without having experienced it. I’ve learned a lot the last couple years, so I think I can use that.”