Chicago begins the 2023-24 season with five away contests. Bedard says he's, sort of, looking forward to officially launching his NHL career in some well-known rinks.
The Chicago Blackhawks will begin their regular season on Oct. 10 versus Sidney Crosby and the Penguins in Pittsburgh. Rookie Connor Bedard, could take the opening faceoff at PPG Paints Arena against Crosby, one of the stars the top draft pick of 2023 has been compared to.
And one Bedard has looked up to. See the video below.
Then it's on to three straight games against Original Six opponents, in Boston, Montréal and Toronto.
There will be hoopla for Bedard in the Canadian rinks, especially against the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.
Connor Bedard chats with Sidney Crosby during the NHL's preseason media tour.In the build-up to being drafted No. 1 overall, the 18-year-old native of North Vancouver, British Columbia led all of major junior hockey in scoring last season with the WHL Regina Pats and was named CHL Player of the Year. Bedard also led Canada's World Junior Championship team to a gold medal in January by rewriting the tourney's records with some dazzling moves on national TV.
The Blackhawks swing back west to play the Avalanche in Denver on Oct. 19 before their home-opener on Oct. 21 against defending Stanley Cup Champion Vegas.
Warm-ups against Minnesota on Thursday.Bedard and the Blackhawks were in preseason action on Thursday against the Minnesota Wild at the United Center.