The transition from junior hockey or another league to the NHL is one that nearly every player this century has struggled with. Very seldom do we see a young prospect, especially one that just turned 18 years old, become a superstar in the top league in the world.
However, that’s exactly what the Blackhawks are expecting out of first-overall pick Connor Bedard. Dubbed by many as “the savior of the franchise” and “the future of hockey”, Bedard is fresh off his 18th birthday, but is still expected to rise to stardom on day one.
It’s become clear that Bedard needs some sort of “safe space” on the ice, where he can flourish and stick to the game he’s comfortable with. But it’s safe to say he’ll have plenty of opposing skaters breathing down his neck, hoping to get their licks in on the league’s top prospect.
That “safe space” is where new acquisition Nick Foligno comes in, even if it isn’t on the ice. While it’s unclear what line Foligno will play on, it likely won’t be with Bedard all the time. However, Foligno said in a recent interview with Sportsnet’s “The Fan Morning Show” that he still has plans to make life easier on Chicago’s golden boy.
“You can’t forget, he’s never played in the NHL. He’s never had these pressures. It’s a whole different beast here in the NHL, and these are grown men who understand how to be pros. And that’s where you get to teach him. So I’m excited about giving him what I’ve learned. I came into an incredible locker room in Ottawa with some of the leaders and people that I worked with, and feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to use that, pass that on to all the teams I’ve been on. So that’s what I’m excited about and looking forward to with Connor. And all the guys, not just him. There’s so many young players that hopefully we can make a great impression on.”
- Nick Foligno
If that isn’t exactly what you want to hear from your veteran acquisition, I’m not sure what is. The Blackhawks’ mission in bringing on Foligno was to supply the team’s young core with a veteran presence without TOO much leadership, justifying their move from Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. It seems as if Foligno has taken that message to heart. The 35-year-old has been in the league since 2007, and has seen it all. If he can stand behind Bedard and teach him a thing or two about “being a pro”, his efforts will certainly help round out Bedard’s game. After all, the kid has already accomplished everything he possibly can, and is one of the best prospects ever drafted. But the one thing he doesn’t have yet is the exact aspect of his game that Foligno can help with: how to be a pro.
In an optimal scenario, Foligno comes to the Blackhawks and is able to pass his knowledge on to the team’s young prospects, just as he has done so successfully on his past teams. A player that’s seen it all is always a plus, especially for a team led by an 18-year-old, even if he does turn out to be a superstar.
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