The 18-year-old standout showcased his skills in his preseason debut with the Chicago Blackhawks, displaying the potential to become an NHL All-Star even before officially entering competitive play.

During Thursday’s preseason game against the St. Louis Blues, Connor Bedard, often compared to the likes of Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, lived up to expectations. Despite recording two assists and leaving spectators in awe, Bedard reмains critical of his performance.

While acknowledging the win in the preseason match, Bedard expressed his belief that he can improve further. Playing as a centerman, he logged 21:20 minutes, took five shots on goal, and achieved a 62.5 percent face-off win rate.

Chicago head coach Luke Richardson praised Bedard’s performance, emphasizing his ability to read plays and make crucial passes. Richardson highlighted Bedard’s comfort with the puck, his adept skating in traffic, and his potential to excel against stronger opponents.

In his preseason debut, Bedard made an electric start, displaying remarkable deceptive moves in the neutral zone. His trademark toe-drag move helped him evade defensive pressure, showcasing the potential for scoring in the upcoming NHL regular season.

Bedard also contributed to the game-winning goal with a beautifully executed saucer pass to Andreas Athanasiou, showcasing his playmaking abilities. Despite being denied a debut goal, Bedard remains confident in his skills and is determined to contribute positively to the team.

Bedard’s reluctance to leave the ice during a 90-second overtime shift speaks to his passion for the game. He humorously stated, “Yeah, I like hockey. I want to be on the ice,” highlighting his enthusiasm for the sport.

With Bedard’s impressive debut, the future looks promising for the 18-year-old, hinting at the possibility of achieving historic rookie results in the upcoming season.