BLOG: Prospects Set to Start Off-Ice Development Camp

As the Blackhawks continue to wrap up from the 2023 NHL Draft, the new picks join their fellow prospects in Chicago to take part in the team's development camp.

In a new twist, the Blackhawks' staff announced that this year's camp will be all off the ice instead of the usual on ice training. For Connor Bedard, this opportunity allows them to not only focus on their workouts in the gym but create new bonds with their fellow prospects.

"We're going to be working really hard in the gym, and then a lot of kind of team bonding and get into the city and stuff," Bedard said. "So, I'm really looking forward to it. It's been a great kind of first day yesterday, and then it starts today."

The main reason why the team chose to move workouts off the ice is to allow players to rest head coach Luke Richardson states. It also takes the pressure off some prospects to perform at a high level as management watches from the stands.

Richardson also mentions that players can allow their bodies to rest for some of the prospects who played until the middle of June. If they continue to overwork their players during the week-long event before they go off to other international camps and rookie camps, then this can cause injuries down the road.

"I think being smart now giving them some intangibles with a little bit of boxing lessons just to change things up and to have some fun [with other] events in the city to get to know the city and maybe feeling more comfortable," Richardson said. "If you're more comfortable off the ice, then you're just going to be more comfortable on the ice."

Outside of boxing, players will also visit Wrigley Field to take in a Chicago Cubs game along with a cooking class and a series of guest speakers to help their off-ice development.

Oliver Moore also notes that the players can focus on the physical side that can help them grow on the ice. He looks forward to what the team will surprise them with and learn more with his new prospect pool.

"I think that the opportunity to kind of stay off the ice and focus on the physical side of things," Moore said. "All of the prospects can get better physically and just to have that time with the prospects off the ice is going to be cool."

While the management group will not see the players performance on the ice, Richardson trusts the scouting staff with their group of prospects after watching them play all season long.

For the team, Richardson knows this will not hurt their scouting when training camp starts in September, but will allow players to grow at their rate and build the strength that they need.

"I don't think it slows us down at anything," Richardson said. "I think we kind of have a feeling from last year where they are. Over the course of a few months, a lot of people will grow and get stronger. That's just going to excel their process."