Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard was booed in Montreal

Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard skated in his first professional game in hockey-obsessed Montreal.

He did not receive a warm welcome. Montreal Canadiens fans booed him every time he touched the puck during the game’s early goings.

The reason for booing the potential next face of the NHL is a little confusing. Some on social media are arguing it is Montreal’s way of showing respect.

Others are countering with Habs fans being upset that the Chicago Blackhawks won the NHL Draft Lottery and the right to pick Bedard. Either way, it did not upset Bedard.

Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard was not hurt by being booed.

If Canadiens fans are not pleased with how Bedard ended up in Chicago, they cannot blame him. It was not like Bedard chose to sign with Chicago over Montreal.

Also, Bedard going to the league’s No. 3 U.S. media market is better for growing the game. Sure, Montreal has a great tradition and is an amazing hockey town. Montreal also happens to be in Canada. You are not growing the game in the United States with a draw like Bedard playing in Quebec.

Disagree with me? Well, the game got more popular with Wayne Gretzky in Los Angeles than it did when he was with Edmonton.

At least Bedard was a good sport about it. He has shown that he is mature beyond his years. For all his amazing talents, he is still just 18 and handling the start of his career like he was 38.

So far he has made his NHL debut against his idol Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh. Then he played his second career game in Boston with Brad Marchand trying to mess with him.

In his third game, he gets booed. He responded to that gauntlet with a goal and two assists. It does not get any easier for Connor as the Chicago Blackhawks face the Maple Leafs in Toronto next.

Who knows if he will get the same reception in Toronto as he did in Montreal? One thing is for certain, he can handle whatever comes his way.