CHICAGO – Connor Bedard was excited to play Macklin Celebrini for the first time.

The San Jose Sharks face the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night at the United Center in what should be the first of many matchups between the old Vancouver buddies and the first overall picks for 2023 and 2024.

But Celebrini has been dealing with a hip injury and has been since his impressive NHL debut on October 10th. Celebrini scored his first goal 7:01 into his NHL career and provided a highlight-reel assist in the St. Louis Blues' 5-4 overtime loss.

“First and foremost, I want him to get healthy. The entire hockey world watched that first game. He looked great,” Bedard told reporters after the Blackhawks’ morning skate on Thursday. “I'm pretty sure it's not too serious. I think we'll go there soon. Hopefully he’ll play then.”

Chicago visits the San Jose Sharks on October 31 at SAP Center.

So what did Bedard think of Celebrini's debut?

“I think I just got back from dinner or whatever and I looked at my phone and saw he scored a goal. It's pretty wild. I was excited and happy for him,” he said. “We were a few hours ahead, so I couldn't see everything. But just his speed and explosiveness, and of course everyone knows how skilled he is and how well he can play. I feel like he attacked really well. Didn’t look out of place at all.”

And from one No. 1 pick to the next: “I sent him a little text message. I congratulated him and stuff.”

Halloween is just two weeks away – hopefully NHL and San Jose Sharks fans will be treated to Bedard-Celebrini in the first round!