Bedard recognizes Schaefer's immediate impact, calling him "one of the faces of our game." Learn about the rookie sensation's meteoric rise and Bedard's anticipation for their first matchup.
ELMONT, NY -- Tuesday night marks the first time Chicago Blackhawks star and fellow No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard battles New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
Back on Dec. 30, an Islanders' 3-2 shootout win in which Schaefer recorded an assist, Bedard was out with an injury.
"It's insane," Bedard said of what Schaefer has accomplished so far in his first NHL season. "I think he's leading defensemen in goals, which is incredible. I think, especially for him -- last year, he played 17 [OHL] games -- he comes in and just lights the league on fire. It's fun to watch."
Is Bedard looking forward to going up against Schaefer for the first time?
"I'm excited to see him out there today," Bedard said. "I don't know how excited I am to be chasing him around. He can fly. But no...whenever you play a great player -- it's the NHL, you're playing a great player every night -- but for the first time to against something like that [it's fun]. As a competitor -- I'm sure he'd say the same -- it's always fun when you get to compete against some of the best in the league. And so I'm excited to go against him, and then all their other guys."
It was clear the effect that Bedard had at 18, breaking into the NHL. Like Bedard, it's clear Schaefer understands his impact.
"He's an ambassador for the game. I think you see how he approaches things, and he just knows the impact he has on people," Bedard said. "So that's cool. And it's really, really fun to watch what he does. And, for just someone to step in like that and do what he's doing, it's incredible.
"You're in a spot, and obviously, he's living out the dream that we're all lucky enough to get to do. And he's embraced it well. He just understands the impact he has on kids and hockey in general. I mean, he's one of the faces of our game now. It just looks like he's having fun with it and enjoying every day. So that's all you can really hope for."
Bedard, a forward, recorded 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points in 68 games.
Schaefer, a defenseman, has recorded 22 goals with 29 assists for 51 points in 71 games.
Here's what Blackhawks Jeff Blashill had to say about Schaefer:
"[His season] has been unbelievable," Blashill told reporters. "Just watching him play, he's been an outstanding player for this team. It's one thing to be a really good player as a young player. But it's another thing to be a really good player and help your team be in the playoff battle, which he's done. They got other good players for sure, but he's been a significant factor. I forsee him continuing to be...this doesn't look like a flash in the pan. He looks like an everyday NHL player with a really high ceiling."