A new era in Chicago Blackhawks hockey began the moment they won the 2023 NHL draft lottery and, with it, the chance to draft Connor Bedard.
Draft him the club did, and his professional career has gotten off to a fast start, with an assist in Game 1 followed by a goal in Game 2.
Follow along here for the key moments in the phenom’s rookie campaign, along with upcoming games on the Blackhawks schedule, a vast majority of which are available to ESPN+ subscribers at no additional cost via NHL PowerPlay.
Bedard game-by-game
Note: Most recent games first.
Oct. 11: Bruins 3, Blackhawks 1
Bedard & Co. fell short in their second game of the season, but he did score the first regular-season goal of his career:
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Connor Bedard scores his first NHL goal for the Blackhawks
Connor Bedard is relentless in front of goal as he grabs his own rebounded shot and slots it in.
Oct. 10: Blackhawks 4, Penguins 2
The stories leading into Bedard’s first game focused on the matchup with his childhood idol (and fellow No. 1 draft pick) Sidney Crosby. Bedard’s night included taking the game’s first faceoff against Crosby, and he also had an assist on Ryan Donato‘s goal:
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Connor Bedard records first NHL assist
Connor Bedard finds Ryan Donato, who smashes home the rebound to pull the Blackhawks within one goal of the Penguins.
Upcoming Blackhawks games
Note: All games not broadcast by NHL Network, TNT or TBS are available on ESPN+.
Oct. 14: at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m. (NHL Network)
Oct. 16: at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19: at Colorado Avalanche, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Oct. 21: vs. Vegas Golden Knights, 8 p.m.
Oct. 24: vs. Boston Bruins, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN+)
Oct. 27: at Vegas Golden Knights, 6 p.m. (NHL Network)
Oct. 30: at Arizona Coyotes, 10 p.m.
Nov. 4: vs. Florida Panthers, 8 p.m.
Nov. 5: vs. New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. (NHL Network)
Nov. 9: at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7 p.m.
Source: www.espn.com