Bedard, St. Louis to be reacquainted when Blackhawks visit Canadiens

St. Louis singles out one exceptional aspect of Bedard’s toolkit that sets him apart.

“What truly stands out is his incredible shot,” St. Louis emphasizes. “Although there’s more to his game, that’s the standout feature.”

When Bedard makes his NHL debut in Montreal, he will face off against Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky, creating an exhilarating matchup between the past two No. 1 picks in the draft.

“I’m sure it will be an amazing experience,” Bedard eagerly expresses about playing in Montreal. “Everyone raves about the incredible atmosphere and passionate fans. The energy in the arena is electrifying. It’s an exceptionally special first trip, and we’re thrilled to hit the ice on Saturday.”

Despite the large media contingent covering Chicago’s practice at the Canadiens’ training facility on Friday, Bedard remains remarkably composed.

“I’ve been dealing with it for quite some time,” Bedard nonchalantly remarks. “I believe I’ve grown more comfortable each day. It’s not something I’m overly focused on. My main priority is playing hockey and supporting my teammates.”

On the ice, Bedard appears at ease, as observed by Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson.

“He’s already making impressive adjustments on the fly, which can often take players months or even years to achieve,” Richardson remarks. “This is what sets him apart as an elite player. He seamlessly incorporates new information and embraces pressure situations.

“The media attention that accompanies his success doesn’t bother him one bit because he understands that it comes with the territory. If you aspire to be the best, you must be prepared for the spotlight. I believe he has a deep passion for hockey and is deeply immersed in the sport. He’s constantly watching and analyzing the game.”