Connor Bedard and Leo Carlsson both have had sensational starts to their NHL careers.
Bedard was the top pick in this summer’s NHL draft, being the most hyped talent in the world of hockey since Connor McDavid entered the league. The fact that the Chicago Blackhawks selected him first overall was widely anticipated.
It did, however, surprise many that the Anaheim Ducks selected Leo Carlsson with the second pick.
Many had expected Adam Fantilli to be the obvious second choice, but the Ducks instead went for Carlsson, who came from a great year in the Swedish top tier. So far, no one can say it was a bad pick.
Carlsson has only played 18 games this season, but he has still scored 13 points, and he’s already an important part of the Ducks, contributing to their offense.
Connor Bedard has also been exceptional, with 21 points in 25 games, despite the Blackhawks being in last place in the NHL. On Thursday, the No. 1 and No. 2 picks played each other for the very first time in their careers.
As it turns out, they had a conversation during the game, but it wasn’t about what fans would’ve guessed.
They were on the ice at the same time for only one shift, and they took that opportunity to have a quick chat. Was it about the pressure of being the top two rookies in the league? What they’ve learned so far?
Nope, it was about the anthem.
“We were only out there for one shift against each other. I asked him about what he thought of the anthem. He said it was pretty cool,” Bedard said, per Chicago Blackhawks beat reporter Ben Pope.
The Blackhawks have an iconic national anthem tradition, with fans cheering throughout ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’
Jim Cornelison has been the team’s national anthem singer since 2007, and the tradition of fans applauding and cheering loudly from start to finish is something that started way back in 1985.
And apparently, it’s so special that hockey’s two biggest talents talked about it. So wholesome!
