Connor Bedard’s sophomore season has underwhelmed. It’s OK to say it out loud.

The game was noteworthy as it marked the first time Connor Bedard played in his hometown as an NHL player. However, it also caught headlines as the Blackhawks surprisingly benched Taylor Hall.

Of lesser note was the Canes obtaining Taylor Hall as part of the same deal ... In Chicago, Hall was teammates with another No. 1 pick, Connor Bedard, and filled something of a mentor’s role ...