Former first overall teammate shares his thoughts on Bedard.

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Ryan Hall
October 9, 2023 (9:46 PM)

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In 2023, the talk of the NHL has been Connor Bedard and his introduction to the league as a budding superstar. All scouts and pundits across the NHL pegged him as the number one overall pick, and that occurred on May 8th when the Chicago Blackhawks made their selection for the North Vancouver native.

Since the selection, it's been nothing but the Connor Bedard show. Blackhawks fans have a real gem in this kid, and he is expected to usher the Blackhawks into a new chapter after general manager Kyle Davidson and ownership decided to close the door on the former chapter that featured Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

During this rebuilding phase, Davidson brought in another former first-overall draft pick, Taylor Hall. The now 31-year-old left winger was drafted in the 2010 entry draft by the Edmonton Oilers. He has made stops with the Oilers, Devils, Coyotes, Sabres, and Bruins.

Currently, he has played 822 games, scoring 264 goals with 429 assists for 693 points. He also has 442 penalty minutes.

Just as the preseason concluded, Hall shared his thoughts on his linemate
and the new leader of the team.

Adding Hall gives the Blackhawks much-needed scoring and veteran leadership to help Bedard grow in the game. Hall still has plenty to offer to the NHL, and having a player of this calibre alongside him will boost his confidence.

I agree with his assessment that both Bedard and McDavid are the two players most ready for the NHL at the age of 18. Even though McDavid's first season was cut short due to injury, which limited him to 48 points,

I feel Bedard is going to surpass that and give the fans at the United Center something to cheer about.