MacKinnon backs Bedard: 'I'd have killed' to have his stats at 19

Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon backed Chicago Blackhawks sophomore Connor Bedard for his play at a young age.

"(Bedard's) a 19-year-old kid, and he's close to a point a game," MacKinnon told The Athletic's Mark Lazerus. "I'd have killed for that when I was 19. I had like 30 points. He's doing great."

Bedard has 17 goals and 52 points in 65 games this season, a drop from his 22 goals and 61 points in 68 contests as a rookie. Many expected Bedard to take a leap in his second NHL campaign, not a step backward, given his status as the most hyped first overall pick since Connor McDavid in 2015.

MacKinnon, the 2013 first overall pick, tallied only 14 goals and 38 points in 64 games in his sophomore campaign. The reigning Hart Trophy winner didn't become the dominant player we know today until his fifth season in the league when he produced 97 points at 22 years old.

"I was obviously a top player growing up and in junior, so that didn't feel normal to me," MacKinnon said. "It definitely takes some time. I think Connor looks great, honestly. He creates so much. Sometimes, the puck's just not going in for him. It happens."

Bedard appreciated the positive comments from MacKinnon.

"Obviously, he's one of the top players in the league," Bedard said. "He's just been dominating, especially these last couple years. It means more when someone you're playing against, competing against, says something about you than a media person or someone like that. Obviously, it's nice of him to say that."

Bedard noted he watches MacKinnon closely as he looks to develop his game.

"Obviously, he's way faster than I am, but just his mindset of attacking, and the way he just puts guys on their heels so much," Bedard said. "Some of that's due to his speed, but also just how he's attacking middle ice. As I get older, I want to get faster. I'll never be at that level of skating, but (I want to have) that mindset of putting guys on their heels and attacking."