Connor Bedard and 5 NHL rookies that will be must-see TV
The National Hockey League is about to get another season going. This is the best league in the world playing the best sport in the world. Every year, the NHL debuts tons of really good rookies that they hope to impact the league for a long time. Connor Bedard leads the class this year.
Of course, the Chicago Blackhawks drafted Connor Bedard into the NHL with their first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. He is one of the most hyped-up prospects in the history of the league.
There are Sidney Crosby/Connor McDavid-type expectations of him. He has the talent to make an impact like that on the league but it is certainly not easy. There is a ton of pressure placed on him because of all this hype.
Bedard got the reputation that he has because of his ability to shoot the puck and make plays. You need that incredible playmaking ability to drive a line the way he can but his all-world shot makes him even more lethal. He is a threat to do it all every time he is on the ice.
The NHL is going to love having Connor Bedard in the NHL this season.
His shot is so good because of the way he snaps it while changing the angle of the shot. This ability is one that should be his best translation to the NHL from his junior days. If he stays healthy, he could be a 700-goal scoring wagon.
Bedard played in the WHL for the Regina Pats. He also represented Team Canada at the World Junior Championships. No matter where he went, he dominated. Players with his reputation usually don’t come to the NHL and underwhelm so Chicago has to be all sorts of excited.
The team already surrounded him with some talent. Guys like Taylor Hall, Corey Perry, and Nick Foligno will also be good leaders in the room as he gets his feet wet in the NHL. This is good news for him as they are great go-to captain-like guys.
Bedard is not the only great rookie that will be around this season. He may have the highest ceiling of them all but there are a ton to be excited about as well. These are the five other rookies that will be must-see TV this season: