Bedard’s Blackhawks Debut

10/11/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Connor Bedard (1 Assist) Makes Long-Awaited NHL Debut Against Childhood Hero Sidney Crosby

Few athletes in sports have had a more hyped build-up to their professional debut than Connor Bedard. The Blackhawks rookie was tabbed as a generational phenom from the age of 13. Some reports go back as early as 8 years old when Bedard’s talent was first discovered. Personally, I can’t claim to hold the knowledge of a hockey scout, but I can tell you this — the media has been hyping Bedard’s NHL debut since The Sportsletter began (2018). It finally came on Tuesday for the NHL’s Opening Night.

Sid Meets Kid

Bedard’s Blackhawks opened the season in Pittsburgh against the Penguins and Sidney Crosby, his childhood hero. Crosby was the No. 1 overall pick in 2005, just two weeks after Bedard was born. The 18-year-old phenom and 2023 No. 1 pick began his career with a face-off at center ice against, you guessed it, his boyhood idol. What a welcome to the NHL. Can’t tell me that wasn’t scripted from the league office.

Game 1 of Many

In the game itself, the Blackhawks scored three in the third period to rally and beat the Pens (4-2). Bedard tallied an assist in 21 minutes, but he looked like he belonged, baby face and all. We’ll give him time and taper expectations down to reality, but hockey’s next-gen star is finally skating.

NHL Opening Night Highlights

Blackhawks def. Penguins (4-2)

Lightning def. Predators (5-3)

Golden Knights def. Kraken (4-1)

USA Today: Comparing Bedard to Crosby, Ovechkin, McDavid: How Will He Stack Up?

The Ringer: The 2023-24 NHL Season Entrance Survey

Sporting News: NHL Predictions: Final Standings, Playoff Projections, Stanley Cup Pick

Photo: Icon Sportswire / Getty Images