It’s a new era for the Blackhawks.

Whether 17-year-old phenom Connor Bedard lives up to the astronomical hype placed on him, or he flames out in epic fashion, this is a definitive demarcation point for the franchise. There’s pre-CB and post-CB.

Bedard was selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. After three consecutive seasons below .500, the Hawks have been given a chance to return to glory.

Last night, The Salt Shed hosted a Blackhawks draft party. Fans packed the venue and erupted in cheers when the Blackhawks did the thing that everyone wanted them to do.

The last Blackhawks pick was in 2007 and that pick turned out to be Patrick Kane. These are the standards that Bedard has to live up to.