Bedard, the No. 1 draft pick of 2023, considers McDavid, the No. 1 selection in 2015, the best hockey player in the world.
When reporters ask Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard about meeting a big-name NHL star for the first time in a game, Chicago's 18-year-old center always gives a polite answer.
When asked about meeting Connor McDavid for the first time, Bedard gave an more excited reply.
After all, McDavid isn't just a heralded No. 1 overall NHL Draft pick, in 2015, like Bedard was last summer.
McDavid has led the league in scoring in five of his eight NHL seasons so far. In 2022-23, the fleet Edmonton center was tops in goals and assists to finish with 153 points, the most since Mario Lemieux in 1995-96, en route to his third Hart Trophy.
This matchup is a big deal for Bedard, who leads NHL rookies in points with 11 goals and 12 assists in 27 games. He seems to be revved for Tuesday's game between the Blackhawks and suddenly surging Oilers in Edmonton.
The Oilers have won seven straight after a horrific start under since-fired Jay Woodcroft. McDavid is on a nine-game points streak with six goals and 17 assists in the span.
Skated Together in September
McDavid and Bedard skated together at the BioSteel NHL Camp in Arlington, Virginia in September before NHL training camps opened. The two were in the same training sessions earlier in the summer as well, and Bedard said he was impressed by McDavid's drive and work habits.
Asked if he has applied any tips, moves or techniques from the speedy McDavid, Bedard said, "I wish I could implement. I don't think I can move that fast or anything.
"He's the best player in the world and he's so fun to watch," Bedard added. "The stuff he does, every shift, it's crazy." See video.
Bedard had two assists on Sunday in a 4-2 loss to Washington. He started a crisp passing play that led to linemate Philipp Kurashev's goal to open the scoring.
He lofted a backhand, cross-ice pass to a pinching Connor Murphy for Chicago's second goal in the closing two minutes. It was a pretty play, but with the game out of reach.
Entering Tuesday, the Blackhawks were tied with San Jose for the lowest point total in the league. See our other stories on the site for roster updates.