Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard connects with first-ever NHL MVP

In an intriguing twist of sports history, Chicago Blackhawks' rising star Connor Bedard has been connected to Frank Nighbor, the inaugural NHL MVP, through an unbroken chain of just ten players spanning 100 years.

This fascinating linkage, recently highlighted by Puck Empire on Instagram, not only celebrates the legacy of great talents but underscores the timelessness of hockey's relational threads.

The Instagram post from Puck Empire reveals a meticulous breakdown of players from 1923 to the present day, showing how each has shared the ice with another, eventually linking back to Nighbor.

Among these connectors are notable names like Keith Tkachuk, Tyler Johnson, Dallas Smith, and Don Gallinger, forming a tapestry of hockey history woven through decades of gameplay.

Frank Nighbor, hailing from Pembroke, Ontario, began his storied career with the original Ottawa Senators, part of both the NHA and NHL.

His journey through professional hockey also included stints with the Toronto Blueshirts, Vancouver Millionaires, and finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Nighbor's impact on the game is still remembered today, not least for his name being etched on the Stanley Cup five times-once with the Millionaires and four times with the Senators.

As Bedard gears up for his second season in the NHL, expectations are high. The Blackhawks have significantly enhanced their roster, adding seasoned defensemen, a goaltender, and skilled offensive players through recent drafts and acquisitions.

These strategic moves are aimed at propelling the team closer to a playoff berth, a goal that has eluded them in recent times but seems increasingly attainable with their strengthened lineup.

With training camp on the horizon in mid-September, all eyes will be on Bedard and the Blackhawks to see if these historical connections inspire a new era of excellence for the team.

The link to a player of Nighbor's caliber not only enriches Bedard's emerging narrative but also connects current fans to a century's worth of hockey legends.

As the new season approaches, both fans and analysts alike will keenly watch to see if Bedard can channel some of Nighbor's MVP magic into his own game, potentially steering the Blackhawks back to their former glory.