Connor Bedard shines despite setback at NHL Scouting Combine.

It's not like fans of the Chicago Blackhawks need an additional reason to be excited at the prospect of acquiring projected #1 overall pick at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft Connor Bedard this summer, but the 17 year old hockey phenom gave them another reason nonetheless on Saturday.

Bedard and a number of other NHL hopefuls were on hand today at the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, New York and despite some challenges for Bedard, the youngster had a strong showing. According to Blackhawks insider Charlie Roumeliotis of NBC Sports Chicago, Bedard was dealing with an illness on Saturday and was therefore less than 100%, but he persevered despite that setback.

Bedard officially weighed in at 185 lbs and measured in at just over 5'9.

In spite of being under the weather he outshined the players that had come before him when it came to the pull up bar.

He also looked solid during his agility drills.

You can see Bedard pushing hard at the end of his fitness training:

Bedard is not yet officially a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, but with the NHL Draft just a little over 2 weeks away the excitement and anticipation building around him in Chicago is certainly understandable.