While attention turns to Connor Bedard’s return, Bowen Byram will be Chicago’s X-Factor vs. Pittsburgh

Connor Bedard is expected to make his season debut from a shoulder injury when the Chicago Blackhawks host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday. While Bedard's return commands major attention, writer Jacob Tye argues that newly acquired defenseman Bowen Byram serves as Chicago's true X-factor in the matchup as the team aims to rebound from dropping five of its first six games.

Byram has experienced a slow start in Chicago, posting zero points and a minus-8 rating through his first five games following an offseason trade from the Buffalo Sabres. However, Tye notes that Byram historically performs well against Pittsburgh, having recorded seven assists across his last six games against the Penguins.