Connor Bedard, the rookie sensation for the Chicago Blackhawks, is only eighteen years old. That’s why it’s fantastic that he has Nick Foligno as a father figure to guide him through his rookie NHL season.
To think that Bedard would be mentored by Taylor Hall, as everyone assumed. After the former Hart Trophy winner suffered an ACL injury that ended his season, that notion was completely abandoned.
Rather, the more seasoned Foligno has been skating alongside Bedard on the top line. Philpp Kurashev and his line have been putting up some significant points lately.
Bedard’s point total for the last two games is 8. The Hawks won both of those games despite scoring a total of 14 goals. In that same time frame, Kurashev has two goals and three assists, while Foligno has four assists.
Thanks to his recent hot streak, Bedard has virtually sealed the Calder Trophy race in his favor. Foligno should be commended for assisting Bedard in getting there.
Foligno has embraced his role as the sage advisor to the youthful phenomenon, as evidenced by their interactions both on and off the ice.
When New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith gave Connor a strong blow that shattered his jaw in early January, Foligno stood up for Bedard’s honor.
In that encounter, Foligno broke his finger. To keep his protégé safe, the man is prepared to shatter his hand. The fact that Foligno has accepted his role as the top line’s father is crucial.
Being a mentor may be too much for some veterans to handle. Foligno is welcoming it. The Hawks wished to extend Foligno’s contract for an additional two seasons in large part due to his leadership.
The Blackhawks have given us a glimpse into the relationship that the son and father figure have built behind closed doors, which is neat.
Perhaps there isn’t a lot of skill surrounding Bedard at the moment. At least the organization had the right linemate in Kurashev and the ideal mentor in Foligno to assist Bedard transition from a phenomenon to a legend.
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