Connor McDavid praises Connor Bedard on professionalism

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Liam
October 9, 2023 (7:17 PM)

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Oilers' captain Connor McDavid is now accustomed to the spotlight, being the most publicized player since he entered the NHL as an 18-year old phenom back in 2015.

Now eight years later, another rookie generational talent is entering the league - Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks is taking the league by storm with hype for his first season.

Earlier this week, Connor McDavid was asked, drawing from his experience, about how the pressure Bedard will feel to live up to expectations. The Oilers' captain spoke highly of Bedard, saying without a doubt that Bedard will be able to handle the pressure of the league, and adjust to becoming a professional hockey player.

"It's a really, really hard league. It's a league full of grown men that have been playing for a long-time, and you know what? He's a really special 18-year-old hockey player, and it'll take some time. I don't expect it to take all that much. He's that good." McDavid said.

Trying to lift the Blackhawks out of the basement and being the first massive step in their rebuild, Bedard will feel the considerable weight of the task. If the Hawks are able to build a good team around him, the Blackhawks will be headed down the right path, towards a Stanley Cup.

Connor Bedard is set to make his National Hockey League debut on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.