Connor Bedard reveals true thoughts ahead of Patrick Kane's return to Chicago
The current face of the Blackhawks discusses the former franchise cornerstone.
HockeyFeed
There was once a time when a young Buffalo native was selected with the 1st overall pick by the Chicago Blackhawks, just a few short years after the historic Original 6 team was listed as the "worst franchise in professional sports" by ESPN. Patrick Kane couldn't have arrived at a more ideal time for the Blackhawks, as they had drafted Jonathan Toews the previous year.
Kane and Toews would team up and become as effective of a 1-2 punch as we've seen in recent NHL history, helping to resurrect the franchise essentially from the dead and eventually win a trio of Stanley Cup championships in five years. And both players will almost certainly have their jersey numbers retired by the organization when their playing days officially end.
While Toews has yet to suit up this season for another team after being informed by the Blackhawks that he would not be retained, Kane moved on nearly one year ago as he was traded to the New York Rangers. Following offseason hip surgery and an extensive rehabilitation process, he chose to join former teammate Alex DeBrincat and suit up for the Detroit Red Wings, where he has fit in very nicely and hasn't displayed any ill effects from the offseason procedure.
This weekend, Kane will play at United Center for the first time in his career as a member of the opposition. Ironically, the Blackhawks are honoring Chris Chelios, who played for both franchises (but won two Stanley Cup wins with Detroit), prior to the game.
It will also mark the first game that Connor Bedard, whom Chicago drafted 1st overall after their controversial Draft lottery win this past spring, plays against Detroit. And needless to say, he can't wait to see Kane on the ice for the first time in person.
“I’m just pumped for the video tribute,” Bedard said of Kane. “I think it’s going to be pretty nasty; he had some sick highlights here. “I’ve watched every one of his [highlight reels] probably 100 times, with his stuff. So, I’m pumped for that.”
For Bedard, he also loved Kane's enthusiastic goal celebrations, of which there were many during his playing days with Chicago.
“He's had some cool cellys in his years,” Bedard said. “He’s an icon in the game. He’s someone who’s going to be remembered forever and he’s still playing at such an elite level.”
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