FEATURE: Bedard, Foligno Forge Strong Relationship in Training Camp

Over the summer, while Connor Bedard took part in different hockey camps and media tours, he received a text message from new Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno.

Ever since that initial text, the two remained in close contact leading up to the team’s training camp, where their strong connection has only grown. For Bedard, there's immense value in finding a veteran he can lean while he navigates his way into the NHL.

“[Foligno’s] been unreal,” Bedard said. “He's been so good to me. He's made me feel so comfortable as well as all the young guys, so he's such a good person, such a good kind of role model and it's pretty great for me to have a guy like him.”

After the Blackhawks drafted Bedard first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, general manager Kyle Davidson acquired several veteran players like Foligno, Taylor Hall and Corey Perry to do exactly what is taking place -- to help guide some of the younger players on the roster. For Foligno, it's an opportunity to pay it forward.

While he and Bedard have a 15-plus year age gap, the 35-year-old forward still understands the appreciation that young players can have for their relationships with veteran players. With a player like Bedard – who’s been praised for his maturity level at just 18 years old – Foligno knows that the positive atmosphere he hopes to create can help take off some of the pressure that he could feel on the ice.

“There's not much work to do there,” Foligno said. “I think it's just more get to know him and make sure he understands that this is also a fun, family atmosphere, too. When you have that in the room, your team usually excels on the ice.”

To help make their connection stronger, Foligno invited the rookie forward to his home to learn more about him his personality off the ice. There, Bedard not only created a connection with the veteran, but also with his three children – Milana, Landon and Hudson.

“I think they were they're pretty funny,” Bedard said. “He's telling me about their games going on and stuff. So, it's good to get to know them, his wife and him, so it was a lot of fun.”

As he watched his children interact with Bedard over a game of mini-sticks, it made Foligno reflect on the players who helped him when he started his career, like Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher.

While he also joined a locker room filled with longtime veterans, he understood the importance of that bond they shared and how it impacted their game. Now, this is his time to be that leader for young players including Bedard.

“It’s funny to kind of go back to that and remember the feelings that I had and how much those guys helped me,” Foligno said. “I think I'm really excited about having that opportunity to pay it forward in that way.”