Nick Foligno is an important part of Connor Bedard’s rookie success with Chicago Blackhawks

While the Chicago Blackhawks are well on their way to another high pick in this summer’s NHL Draft, it has not taken away from one of the most exciting young stars of the game coming into his own.

Despite missing almost two months due to a fractured jaw, rookie Connor Bedard is still a candidate to capture the Calder Trophy thanks to having scored 20 goals and 31 assists in 52 games, putting up five points against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night.

One of the players who has been helping him grow accustomed to the life of an NHLer is a guy who has been around the block a time or two. 36-year-old Nick Foligno, who is having a respectable year, in terms of production, has been a mentor for Bedard, on and off the ice. Having someone in the room that can help bring someone like Bedard along is crucial in his development, and future team success.

On Wednesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Colby Cohen and Tyler Yaremchuk talk about the impact Foligno has had on the freshman superstar.

Colby Cohen: I think a guy like Foligno is the perfect mentor. He’s not a threatening type of guy on the ice. He doesn’t need to have the puck on his stick, he’s gonna look out for [Bedard], he’s a consignment pro, he’s been a captain in the NHL before.

That relationship has been phenomenal. I said a couple of weeks ago…when Bedard first got back, I though [Minnesota Wild defenseman] Brock Faber had closed the gap in that race, and I believed it. He’s lengthened the gap between him and Faber…and he just shows last night, he’s an 18-year-old kid that can put the worst team in the league on his back, and find his way through a hockey game.

You can watch the entire segment, and the full episode here…