Lafreniere was held in very high regard too... some pan out and some don't.
What I see as a real different in Bedard compared to many of the hyped names of years past, he's doing what he is doing on pure IQ, skill, and skating. The skating will get elevated as he moves up, so that may not be a difference maker... but IQ and skill translate very well. In that way he is more McDavid/Crosby than he his Lindros or many of the other incredibly hyped names. I think he's going to be a special player for a team, but I wouldn't be shocked if he has a rough rookie season adjusting to NHL skating and physicality.