Connor Bedard Credits Taylor Hall’s Mentorship as Blackhawks Star Nears Return from Shoulder Surgery

CHICAGO — Connor Bedard says Taylor Hall‘s guidance during their 18 months together helped him navigate the unique pressure of being a No. 1 overall pick in a hockey-mad market, a perspective that carries fresh weight as the Blackhawks’ franchise centerpiece closes in on his season debut.

Bedard, sidelined since left shoulder surgery in July, was cleared for contact over the weekend but has no firm return date. Chicago has stumbled to a 1-5-0 start in his absence, the worst six-game opening stretch for the franchise since 2005-06.

“He meant a lot to me,” Bedard said of Hall, who arrived via trade from Boston in June 2023 — the same summer Chicago selected Bedard first overall. “We were obviously in the same sort of spot, first overall pick, a lot of spotlight on us. He was in a Canadian market, so it’s very similar. And he would tell me a lot and always be kind of open and honest, which is all you can ask for.”

Hall, chosen first by Edmonton in 2010, spent eight-plus seasons navigating the microscope of the Oilers before subsequent stops in New Jersey, Arizona, Buffalo, Boston and Chicago. He won the Hart Trophy as league MVP with the Devils in 2018.

The 34-year-old winger reached the summit last June, scoring the Cup-clinching goal 3:47 into Game 6 as Carolina blanked Vegas 3-0 for the franchise’s second championship. Hall has three goals and five points through six games with the Hurricanes this season, including a goal in Saturday’s 5-2 win over the Blackhawks — a game Bedard watched from the press box.

“It was awesome seeing him win it last year,” Bedard said. “Just to see what he’s done in his career, it’s crazy that he’s already at 1,000. He seems young… but he’s had such an amazing career, and seeing him get to live out that dream and win the Cup was special.”

Hall needs 14 games to reach 1,000 career regular-season appearances, a milestone that would place him among the 390 players in NHL history to hit the mark. His path — from the pressure cooker of Edmonton to a championship in Carolina — mirrors the trajectory Chicago envisions for Bedard.

The Blackhawks’ rebuild entered Year 2 under general manager Kyle Davidson with elevated expectations after Bedard’s Calder Trophy-winning rookie season (61 points in 68 games). Instead, Chicago has been outscored 22-11 through six games, managing two or fewer goals in four of them.

Bedard’s shoulder procedure followed a torn labrum diagnosed late last season. Typical NHL recovery timelines for similar surgeries range from four to six months; the 21-year-old is tracking at roughly four months post-operation. He skated in a non-contact jersey at morning skate Saturday, the clearest signal yet that his debut is imminent.

When he returns, Bedard will center a top line likely flanked by veteran acquisitions Teuvo Teravainen and Taylor Raddysh — a support structure Hall never consistently enjoyed in Edmonton. The Blackhawks host Pittsburgh on Tuesday, then begin a three-game road trip through Seattle, Vancouver and Calgary.

Hall, meanwhile, skates on Carolina’s second line alongside Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Seth Jarvis, averaging 16:42 of ice time through six games. The Hurricanes (4-2-0) visit Toronto on Monday night.