Now that the Hawks' season is over, Bedard plans to play for Canada in the World Championships, then head home to Vancouver to work on his speed and explosiveness.
Davidson said Saturday he expects the Hawks to begin ascending next season after this season's meager 23-win effort. Coach Luke Richardson said Davidson told him he plans to be active in free agency this summer to help make that happen.
The Hawks struggled to get or maintain any puck possession in a 4-0 defeat Sunday. Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt, making just his second career start, gave the Hawks their 13th shutout loss of the season.
Richardson has generally succeeded so far with his top priorities developing players individually, maintaining morale and unity and consistently messaging the importance of work ethic, togetherness and making smart decisions in spite of his inevitably awful win-loss record.
The Hawks focused hard on producing a strong first period Tuesday, and their efforts paid off. They translated a 2-0 lead at the first intermission into an eventual 3-1 victory.