Bedard bags assist, win in ‘awesome’ NHL debut
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Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporter
PITTSBURGH — Connor Bedard did everything but score a goal in his NHL debut.
And the Chicago Blackhawks rookie still stole the show.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft made his much-heralded premiere Tuesday night and lived up to the billing while notching his first NHL point in Chicago’s 4-2 win over Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
If the game outcome was surprising — the draft lottery-winning Blackhawks used four different scorers to come back from a 2-0 deficit and top the veteran Penguins — Bedard’s smooth transition to the NHL was not. He was in the spotlight right away as the opening faceoff pitted Chicago’s 18-year-old phenom against his childhood idol in Crosby, the three-time Stanley Cup champion.
It was a quintessential welcome-to-the-NHL-kid moment. The result, however, did not favor Bedard.
“[I was] just trying to win it, and I failed miserably,” he said after the game. “But it was pretty cool. He’s a childhood hero of mine, like I’ve mentioned. It was a lot of fun.”
Bedard didn’t let the early loss affect his confidence. His on-ice performance already displays what has put him firmly in the generational talent category, and he finished the night with 21:29 ice time (leading all forwards), 5 shots on goal, 11 shot attempts (the second most in an NHL debut since 2009-10) and 1 assist.
He became the youngest player to earn a point in a season opener since Aleksander Barkov in 2013, and the second-youngest player in Blackhawks history (after Eddie Olczyk in 1984) to secure a debut point.
The only place Bedard underachieved was at the faceoff dot, where he went just 2-for-13. That won’t diminish his first experience as an NHL player though, something that, despite months of hype leading up to it, went by too quickly, he noted.
“It’s a moment you think of all your life,” he said. “And now it’s already done. That part is kind of sad.”
Fortunately for Bedard, the memories can last a lifetime.
His pedigree didn’t preclude him from being immersed in all the usual NHL rookie traditions — or guard against an apparently nervous pregame moment. Before the Blackhawks went out for warmups, Bedard was caught looking frantically around for his missing stick — having seemingly forgotten to grab one — before finally locating one on the equipment rack.
Turns out Bedard’s usual superstition had just been interrupted. Normally he would leave a stick along the wall, blade not touching the ground. But he couldn’t find the one he’d prepped, thus the search for another.
Once he went down the tunnel, it was Bedard and fellow freshman Kevin Korchinski alone taking the ice for a minute of solo laps before their teammates joined. Neither player wore a helmet — which are mandatory in warmups for players who entered the league after the 2019-20 season — but Korchinski said it was other Blackhawks who encouraged the decision, insisting “you only get one rookie lap.”
And if anyone could relate to what Bedard was going through Tuesday, it was Korchinski. Bedard might have been hard on himself for not excelling in every aspect of the game on night one, but Korchinski would encourage him to give himself some grace.
“Just like the rest of us, he’s got stuff he’s going to learn from and work on,” Korchinski said. “That’s the scary thing is he’s still learning. He’s only 18. He’s only going to get better.”
Bedard seemingly had the same idea and made the most of his ample ice time throughout the game, both at 5-on-5 and with the man advantage. He was a fixture on the Blackhawks’ first power-play unit and during their initial attempt helped Chicago hold the zone for more than 90 seconds with a pair of nice keep-ins and a whistling one-timer that didn’t make it past Pittsburgh netminder Tristan Jarry.
While Bedard was a clear focal point for the Blackhawks (and, frankly, the Penguins), he wasn’t the only one deserving of attention. Chicago used a collective effort to move past Pittsburgh after falling into a 2-0 hole in the second period off goals from Bryan Rust and Crosby. Bedard was on the ice when Crosby scored, and it might have inspired him to get on the scoresheet as well.
Moments after Crosby’s tally, Bedard, who had been buzzing around the net generating his own chances already, picked up his assist on linemate Ryan Donato‘s score that cut the Pittsburgh lead to 2-1 heading into the third period. Bedard earned his helper, though, with a strong zone entry to set up a prolonged sequence in Pittsburgh’s end that allowed Chicago to wear down the Penguins.
Bedard never has had trouble finding the back of a net before. He collected 71 goals and 143 points in 57 games with the Western Hockey League’s Regina Pats last season, an encore to the 100-point campaign he produced the year prior. It might be just a matter of time before he’s collecting NHL tallies. Taking down the Penguins, though, required Chicago’s depth to carry them through.
Once Donato opened the floodgates, Chicago poured it on with a goal from Cole Guttman to tie the game at 2, followed by Jason Dickinson‘s game-winner late in the third period. Nick Foligno added the insurance empty-netter from there. And Petr Mrazek‘s exceptional 38-save showing gave the Blackhawks every chance to rally back.
“It just shows our mindset,” Bedard said of Chicago’s effort. “We’ve seen that a lot throughout camp. Guys want to win so badly.”
And it was the victory Bedard relished most about his debut. The entire game felt like the start of a promising new chapter for Chicago hockey — which, in every respect, it was.
“Coming back like we did, it’s awesome for our group,” Bedard said. “I think you remember [the night] with a little better taste in your mouth when you win.”
There has been no shortage of excitement already this NHL offseason. Following the Florida Panthers‘ second consecutive Stanley Cup championship — and seemingly never-ending celebration — the annual period of roster modification has begun.
The 2025 NHL draft included 224 prospects finding new homes, and the weekend included trades for Noah Dobson, Charlie Coyle and John Gibson. On Monday, a slew of re-signings, and the trade of Mitch Marner, took several big names off the free agent big board.
Below you will find our continuously updated free agency tracker for 2025, featuring a list of every player signed, including average annual value of the contract in most cases. Analysis of the biggest deals can be found here.
Note that the newest deals are on top, denoted by date.
Draft recap: All 224 picks
Grades for all 32 teams
Winners and losers
July 2
Salmon Arm, British Columbia, native Curtis Lazar is headed back to Western Canada, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Oilers.
Veteran winger Anthony Mantha has made the rounds in recent seasons, and his next NHL home is in Pittsburgh, inking a one-year, $2.5 million pact.
July 1
After a brief stint for an American-based team, Andrew Mangiapane is back in Western Canada, inking a two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal with the Oilers.
Forward Justin Brazeau has chosen the Penguins as his next NHL destination, inking a two-year, $1.5 million AAV contract.
The Devils continued adding to their forward depth, adding veteran scoring winger Evgenii Dadonov via a one-year, $1 million deal.
The July 1 goalie rush continues. The Mammoth are the latest team to make an addition in the crease, inking Stanley Cup champion Vitek Vanecek via a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
Offensive defenseman John Klingberg is headed to San Jose, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $4 million pact with the Sharks.
One of the top remaining free agents available, veteran forward Mikael Granlund has landed with the Ducks on a three-year deal.
Veteran bottom-six forward Lars Eller has chosen the Senators as his next team, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.25 million deal.
The Penguins have extended their business relationships with Philip Tomasino (one year, $1.75 million) and Connor Dewar (one year, $1.1 million).
As part of the effort to retake the title of Florida’s best hockey team, the Lightning have inked Pontus Holmberg to a two-year, $1.55 million AAV contract.
The Wild have added Nico Sturm. The former Panther has signed a two-year, $2 million AAV contract.
The Sabres have entered the chat! The club’s first big deal of the day is inking goaltender Alex Lyon to a two-year, $1.5 million AAV contract.
The Kraken add to their goaltending depth, adding former Stanley Cup winner Matt Murray on a one-year, $1 million contract.
The Islanders had themselves a great draft weekend, and they continue the momentum in free agency, adding veteran forward Jonathan Drouin on a two-year, $4 million AAV deal.
The Stars are on the board. Hours after announcing the official hiring of Glen Gulutzan as the club’s new head coach, the Stars have brought back forward Radek Faksa on a two-year, $3 million AAV contract.
Earlier on Tuesday the Kings lost defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to the Rangers. To help fill that blue-line gap, they signed Cody Ceci (four years, $4.5 million AAV) and Brian Dumoulin (three years, $4 million AAV). They also signed goaltender Anton Forsberg for two years, $2.25 million AAV.
Defenseman Nick Perbix has thus far only known NHL life as a member of the Lightning. He’ll head to Nashville next, agreeing to a two-year, $2.75 million AAV deal with the Predators.
The Panthers have gone to the veteran defenseman well again, signing Jeff Petry to a one-year, $775,000 contract.
Fresh off a Stanley Cup with the Panthers, defenseman Nate Schmidt is joining the Mammoth by way of a three-year, $3.5 million AAV contract.
The NHL career of James van Riemsdyk will continue, as he has agreed to terms with the Red Wings on a one-year, $1 million deal. Separately, the Wings added Jacob Bernard-Docker on a one-year, $875,000 contract.
The Bruins add to their depth, agreeing to terms with Sean Kuraly on a two-year, $1.85 million AAV pact.
Another key member of the Panthers’ championship roster is returning. Veteran forward Tomas Nosek has agreed to a one-year deal.
After completing the 2024-25 season with the Jets, veteran forward Brandon Tanev is sticking in the Central Division, but heading to Utah by way of a three-year, $2.5 million AAV deal.
Take another goalie’s name off the big board! Kaapo Kahkonen has agreed to terms with the Canadiens on a one-year deal worth $1.15 million. In a separate deal, the club also signed forward Sammy Blais.
The winner of the 2020 Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA men’s hockey, defenseman Scott Perunovich has signed a one-year deal with the Mammoth.
In need of some backup goaltending depth, the Islanders agreed to terms with “Big Save” Dave Rittich on a one-year deal.
Diminutive, versatile forward Kailer Yamamoto is the latest player added by the Mammoth, by way of a one-year, $775,000 pact.
Veteran center Nick Bjugstad has made his decision: He’s joining the Blues by way of a two-year contract.
Veteran defenseman Ryan Lindgren finished the 2024-25 season with the Avalanche, and he’ll head northwest for his next NHL home, agreeing to terms on a four-year, $4.5 million AAV contract.
The Senators haven’t been able to lure any new free agents to the club yet, but their re-signing game remains strong. After re-upping with Claude Giroux, the Sens also continued their business relationship with Nick Cousins via a one-year, $825,000 pact.
Sure to be a fan favorite in Beantown, veteran forward Tanner Jeannot has agreed to terms on a five-year contract with the Bruins, with a $3.4 million AAV.
A sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft, winger Michael Pezzetta is going from Montreal to Toronto via a two-year, $787,500 AAV contract.
Connor Brown impressed a lot of viewers with inspired play during the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. Now, he’ll bring that energy to the Devils, who have signed him to a four-year, $3 million AAV contract.
The defenseman market is one key player smaller, as the Rangers have agreed to terms with Vladislav Gavrikov on a seven-year, $7 million AAV contract.
One of the top goaltending options available is off the board, with Dan Vladar joining the Flyers via a two-year, $3.35 million AAV contract.
Veteran feisty forward Corey Perry is switching sides in the Oilers-Kings rivalry, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with salary and bonuses worth $3.5 million. Separately, the Kings also signed veteran forward Joel Armia to a two-year deal with a $2.5 million AAV.
One of the top available free agents has made a decision … and he’ll be re-signing. Brock Boeser is back with the Canucks by way of a seven-year, $7.3 million AAV contract.
Parker Kelly will continue his career with the Avalanche, agreeing to terms on a four-year contract with a $1.7 million AAV.
Veteran forward Colin Blackwell will be returning to the Stars, agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with a $775,000 AAV.
Christian Dvorak has moved on from the Canadiens, agreeing to a one-year, $5.4 million contract with the Flyers.
Noah Juulsen, welcome to Philly! The Flyers have inked the 28-year-old defenseman to a one-year, $900,000 deal.
Defenseman Ryan Johnson is sticking with the Sabres, agreeing to terms on a three-year deal with a $775,000 AAV.
The top-rated goaltender slated to hit free agency this offseason will not make it to market; Jake Allen is back with the Devils via a five-year contract with a $1.8 million AAV.
Veteran offensive defenseman Tony DeAngelo will be back with the Islanders for 2025-26, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.75 million contract.
June 30
The Red Wings will be continuing their relationship with veteran forward Patrick Kane, inking a one-year, $3 million extension.
The band is getting back together. After re-upping with Sam Bennett last week, the Panthers re-signed both Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand on Monday.
Rumors of a Mitch Marner trade popped up during draft weekend, and they came to fruition Monday, as the Maple Leafs inked Marner to an eight-year, $12 million average annual value extension, then traded him to the Golden Knights for Nicolas Roy.
The Oilers will not be allowing one of their promising young players to leave via offer sheet, as they signed restricted free agent defenseman Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $10.5 million AAV contract.
Veteran defenseman Ivan Provorov would have been one of the most sought-after blueliners on the free agent market. Instead, he’ll be back with the Blue Jackets for the foreseeable future, agreeing to a seven-year, $8.5 million AAV deal.
George Springer had a career-high seven RBIs, including his ninth grand slam, and the Toronto Blue Jays celebrated Canada Day by beating the Yankees 12-5 on Tuesday and closing within one game of American League East-leading New York.
The seven RBIs are tied for the second most by any Blue Jays player in a home game, behind Edwin Encarnación (nine RBIs in 2015), according to ESPN Research.
Andrés Giménez had a go-ahead, three-run homer for the Blue Jays, who overcame a 2-0 deficit against Max Fried. After the Yankees tied the score 4-4 in the seventh, Toronto broke open the game in the bottom half against a reeling Yankees bullpen.
Springer went 3-for-4, starting the comeback with a solo homer in the fourth against Fried and boosting the lead to 9-5 with the slam off Luke Weaver after Ernie Clement‘s go-ahead single off shortstop Anthony Volpe‘s glove. Springer has 13 homers this season.
Toronto won the first two games of the four-game series and closed within one game of the Yankees for the first time since before play on April 20.
New York went 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position, dropping to 3-for-24 in the series, while the Blue Jays were 5-for-7. After going 13-14 in June, the Yankees fell to 10-14 against AL East rivals.
The Associate Press contributed to this report.
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