No. 1 pick Connor Bedard makes NHL pre-season debut with Chicago at United Center

Connor Bedard played in his first pre-season game with Chicago on Thursday night, and fans of the Original Six franchise were ready.

The two lower levels of the United Center in Chicago were mostly full for the exhibition matchup with the St. Louis Blues. The team closed off the upper deck.

Chicago coach Luke Richardson started Bedard on a line with wingers Taylor Hall and Ryan Donato. The rookie got the loudest cheers of any player when his name was announced before the game.

Bedard's No. 98 jersey was everywhere as fans walked along the United Center concourses prior to the opening faceoff — won by Bedard. Even more fans were contemplating a Bedard jersey — at $250 US for an authentic version and $200 for a replica — at the main team store and smaller stands.

Chicago went 26-49-7 last season, and then used a surprise win in the NHL draft lottery to take the highly touted Bedard with the No. 1 overall pick. The 18-year-old centre from North Vancouver won't play in an official game until Chicago opens the regular season at Pittsburgh on Oct. 10.

"It's another step," Richardson said of Thursday's pre-season contest. "It's an exciting time for the whole organization and city and I'm sure for him and a lot of the other young players tonight, too."

He has been compared to Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, and he is the FanDuel Sportsbook favourite for the Calder Trophy for NHL rookie of the year.

"I mentioned before, he's not slipping into the league unnoticed or unknown," Richardson said. "So people are ready for him, which is going to present some challenges for him."

Bedard got his first real test Thursday night against an opposing lineup made up of mostly NHL-calibre players.

"I was like talking to my dad today and I'm,