Bedard has already proven that he's NHL ready from a talent perspective. Today, Bedard proved that he's NHL ready from a maturity perspective as well.

The Chicago Blackhawks are currently preparing for the beginning of their season, which will kick off with the annual prospects tournament. Unlike most of the other prospects at the event, Bedard has already made his NHL team for this season. Many assumed that Bedard would likely be held out of the tournament to keep him healthy.

While most players would be happy to sit out and know there is an NHL pay cheque in their future, Bedard isn't most players. Instead Scott Powers and Michael Russo have both confirmed that Bedard has insisted on playing in the rookie tournament, because he just wants to be treated as "one of the guys".

This is just another example of what makes Bedard special. Bedard knows that he isn't above anyone and obviously knows what true leadership looks like. This is the sort of attitude that will make Bedard successful beyond his wildest dreams at the NHL level.