Chris Chelios on Connor Bedard, "His Skill Level is Something Else"
Legendary Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Chris Chelios is making his rounds after having his #7 jersey retired by his former team. Chelios played a historic 26 seasons in the NHL and was one of the longest-tenured players in league history.
He knows a thing or two about pure talent, and he joined Back 2 You to discuss Blackhawks star Connor Bedard. Bedard was drafted #1 overall by the Hawks and has already been making an impact. He currently holds 17 goals and 24 assists.
"Unbelievable. He did not disappoint. The way he carries himself and his interviews...The players can't talk enough about what a great kid he is. And he's so well-liked throughout the team. And that's first and most important for me is the way his teammates, you know, accept him."
via Chris Chelios, Back 2 You
Bedard was selected #1 overall and has come into the league in a big way. He could have easily been cocky or self-centered, but he has proven to be a huge teammate to the rest of the Blackhawks squad.
"So is I've talked to him on occasion. He's a very serious focused kid, but he is opening up a little more, it seems like in his interviews. He's got kind of a keen, dry sense of humor, but his skill level is something else. I still think he's going to grow, quite honestly. And I'm talking taller, not just stronger. He just turned 18 and I told you earlier that I grew about an inch and a half, you know, from 18 to 19-20. I hope he gets a little more size"
via Chris Chelios, Back 2 You
Chelios knows what it means to be smaller. His biggest issue starting in the junior hockey leagues in Canada was that he was a lot smaller than his teammates. However, he would grow a few inches and pack on a lot of pounds, making him a feared defender.
Bedard is more of a skillful player and not a bruiser, but he will need to stack on some weight if he is to allow himself to push back on those larger players in the league.
James Brizuela has been a professional writer since 2019. After covering entertainment and the NFL for Sportskeeda, he now works as an Assignment Desk Editor for the LA Sports Report Network which has partnered with the Sports Illustrated FanNation Network, focusing on his expertise in LA sports at the college and professional level.