On June 28th Connor Bedard was selected 1st overall in the NHL draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. As the most hyped prospect since Connor McDavid, who was selected 1st overall in 2015, the pressure already was on Bedard to bring the success of the early 2010’s back to a desperate Hawks team who are currently in the midst of a three year playoff drought.
Bedard performed well throughout camp and his preseason games, even practicing with McDavid. Notching a hat trick in his first action with the team, versus the Saint Louis Blues, during the prospects showcase in September. Fans and critics alike eagerly waited for the debut of the barely 18 year old prodigy. As Hawks fans hoped for a performance similar to Auston Matthews’ 4 goal debut in 2016, Bedard took the ice. He lined up for the opening Face-Off against “Sid the Kid” Crosby. A fellow once-in-a-generation prospect, who fell nothing short of his expectations leading his team to three Stanley Cup Championships and winning two MVPs. The Future hall of famer easily won the face-off against Bedard and the season was underway. Bedard did not shy away from the spotlight, recording his first point assisting on a Ryan Donato goal. He finished the game with a win while leading all forwards with 21 minutes of ice time. A few games later he recorded his first goal, a wraparound against the Bruins.
Ever since this first game, Bedard’s strong play has been a constant throughout the start to the season. The Blackhawks winning, not so much. Bedard currently leads all rookies in goals (12) and points (24). Dylan Zadeh claims to be “Satisfied with Bedard’s performances so far” and “eager to watch his development.” Bedard’s on pace for 40 goals, a total Patrick Kane has only reached twice in his career. He has also impressed with his slick handles and lightning quick skating. With the Bears and Bulls both in a seemingly never ending rebuild, Bedard has provided a glimmer of hope for the Chicago sports fan. The Hawks are a very young team, so while this in all likelihood will not be the year they bring the Cup back to Grant Park, look for the them to continue to improve as Bedard and fellow rookie Kevin Korchinski develop alongside prospects such as Oliver Moore of the University of Minnesota and Frank Nazar of the University of Michigan. Senior Henry Reiland is hoping for a “strong rebuild centered around Connor Bedard.”
Bedard has definitely lived up to the hype so far this season and his improvement has been visible, as he has become much more comfortable in the face off circle. He has also made some outstanding passes which often get overlooked by highlight reel goals. Against the Capitals December 10th he deked past a defender and fired a saucer pass through three defenders, setting up Connor Murphy in the slot for a goal.
As to what the rest of the season holds, only time will tell. Bedard’s first campaign will only provide us fans with a short preview of what the next few years will look like, but I will certainly be following along. If you are interested in watching the development of Bedard you can find tickets here.
