Connor Beddard’s highlight reel has been hard to miss.
1st overall selection already predicted 2023 nhl draftThe 17-year-old phenom with a bullet shot and an ability to make the puck look like a string – often leaving defenders chasing shadows and goalkeepers looking foolish – has taken his game to new heights this season.
Videos of his jaw-dropping skills get spread across social media on what feels like an almost daily basis. And when Bedard takes the main stage with Canada at the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championships later this month, there are almost certainly going to be more viral clips.
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His exploits have already entered the conversation of the NHL.
“Our guys in the King’s dressing room are talking about him like, ‘You get a chance to play with a bedridden kid,'” said Canadian defenseman Brandt Clarke, who was selected by Los Angeles for the tournament as part of the men’s under-20 team. Was borrowed from the national team.
“I won’t name anyone.”
So, what were teammates asking questions about Kings defenseman and well-known hockey geek Drew Doughty?
“(He) actually said so,” Clarke, 19, added with a laugh. “(Bedard) is already getting that kind of recognition.”
With good reason.
The silky smooth center from North Vancouver, B.C., has moved to the next level this season after a 51-goal, 100-point performance at age 16 for the Western Hockey League’s Regina Pats in 2021-22.
Bedard was held off the scoresheet in the opener in Regina, but scored 27 times and added 37 assists as part of a tumultuous 27-game point streak.
Before joining Canada, which will be looking for its 20th gold medal at the World Junior Open on Dec. 26 in Halifax and Moncton, Bedard had five points in an 8-2 win last weekend.
Canadian World Junior hopeful and Seattle Thunderbirds goaltender Thomas Milik was asked about Bedard’s shot.
It is learned that he has his first WHL experience this season.
“It’s beautiful, beautiful, great,” the 19-year-old said with a smile. “There’s a picture online of where the shot was taken and I’m still looking for it and it gets to me.
“Hope no one gets broadcast too much.”
During an on-ice session in Moncton, a simple rush drill saw Bedard effortlessly collect a wayward pass by pulling the puck between his legs to his stick without a stride — one of countless subtle moments that seemed normal. Yes, but definitely not.
Shane Wright, the No. 4 pick by the Seattle Kraken in the 2022 draft, said Bedard’s teammates are in awe.
“Such a good player, but you never know,” said the 18-year-old centre, who was also loaned to Canada for the tournament. “Such a down-to-earth guy and such a fun guy to be around.
“He cares about taking care of himself properly and cares about his game. We see the talent on the ice, we see the tricks he does and all the clips, but he does so much behind the camera – behind the scenes – that allows him to be as good and successful as he is. That’s incredible.
One of 10 players returning from Canada’s gold-medal-winning roster that won the August World Juniors again, pushed back eight months after a series of COVID-19 outbreaks that plagued the country last year Bedard is a lock after working hard to gain the place 12 months ago.
But he’s not taking anything lightly.
“Always want to come in with that mindset of trying,” said Bedard, the first player with exceptional status to play in the WHL at age 15. “Still trying to prove myself and show everyone here what I can do.”
What he’s done over the years – Bedard even traveled to Sweden during the pandemic to train and find games when the WHL was shut down – has demonstrated a drive and determination that belies his talent .
“A player who impressed us last Christmas, a player who impressed us over the summer,” said James Boyd, a member of Canada’s management group. “He has the ability to change the game. The exciting thing is that he is a better player now.”
Director of player personnel Alan Miller said the next step was to hone his game without the puck.
“When you get into those key games, the matchups are important,” Miller said. “Offense and a skill, we all know. But I think you will see a young player whose game has matured and is more complete than ever.
While this has been a point of emphasis, Bedard is doing his best to push his point.
He said, ‘Your focus is on victory. “It’s outside noise. I’m very focused on the room with the Pats and here with Team Canada.
“It’s very easy to block that stuff.”
Adam Fantilie, a freshman at the University of Michigan expected to be in the conversation for the No. 2 spot in the draft, is friends with Bedard off the ice.
The pair watched the Regina game on Friday when Fantilie could not find Michigan’s matchup against Michigan State on his laptop.
“Great man,” said Fantilie.
“It’s kind of funny when people pit us against each other,” Bedard said. “We joked about it a little bit, but we’re both cheering for each other and we’re on the same team now.”
Hockey’s next big talent — Bedard has been compared to Connor McDavid for what he could do to change the NHL’s franchise future — is just getting started.
And is already a huge point of discussion throughout the game.
“He’s as advertised,” Clarke said. “He’s very smart with the puck, his release is unmatched.
“I’m really looking forward to the rest of his career.”
The next step is trying to clinch another gold on home soil.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 10, 2022.