Bedard Reveals His Feelings for Chicago

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Ryan Hall
September 7, 2023 (1:17)

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The Connor Bedard story has been the talk of the summer of 2023 ever since he was drafted first overall by an NHL organization on May 8th. This draft choice had been a long time coming, as General Manager Kyle Davidson and his management team decided to turn the page on the previous group of players, including Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, and embark on a new path with a new core.

Since the draft, Bedard has been part of a group of 33 other players who participated in the NHLPA rookie showcase at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex. It was the first time he ever put on an actual Chicago Blackhawks jersey meant for him.

During the experience, he signed memorabilia, took video shoots and photo shoots for EA Sports, and posed for his first Upper Deck trading cards. As an avid card collector in the past, this was an especially special occasion, as he is now on his way to becoming an NHL superstar.

"I haven't thought about it too much, but I think if I were to open a pack or something and see myself in it, it would be a little crazy," Bedard said. "Growing up, I was a big card guy. I loved opening packs and stuff, so I think that would be cool."

Bedard also shared his perspective on Chicago and his role within the organization, highlighting how special it is.

"It's really cool," he said. "I think you wouldn't feel it until a game, but just to be with this organization and city and everything, it's a dream come true. I think the support we've received since the draft, and just that team in general, growing up watching them and seeing their (Stanley Cup) runs was pretty cool. So, putting on the jersey is really special."

He also explained that the idea of the event and the experience feels more normal as he participates in more of these special events and training camps.

"It's not that crazy here," Bedard said. "You get used to it a little bit. ... It's an event, like the NHL Scouting Combine and those sorts of things. It's kind of normal."

NHL training camps officially open on September 21st and will run until September 24th, as NHL GMs assess the depth of their organizations and determine who will make the final cut for the first game of the season.