C Connor Bedard - Regina Pats, WHL (2023 Draft) Part 2

[CheckingLineCenter]

Ridiculous goal jfc

 

[hamzarocks]

Holy shit this guy is the next one.

He's gonna take the torch from 97 in 2025 imo

 

[crosbyshow]

Sidney did the impossible in 2004 and was named the best Junior in Canada..at 16 years old.

My prediction....Bedard will do it next season

 

[Eternal Leaf]

Is there any doubt now?

That's a generational prospect.

 

[Northern Avs Fan]

This is insane. I kind of want the Avs to tank in 2023

This kid is going to pick up the mantle from McDavid when he ages out.

 

[The Merchant]

One of the best goals I have ever seen. Holy shit

 

[peconcan]

Says a lot that the coach had him out protecting a 1 goal lead with 40 seconds left in the gold medal game.

 

[JPeeper]

Bedard is unreal. The kid is just incredible, can't wait for his draft year to see how much he dominates when he has added some size, weight and more games under his belt. Based on his stats/play you'd think he'd be draft eligible this year the way he dominates, but he still has TWO years left of junior. Crazy. Wright too is NHL ready and still had a season to go before he's drafted.

 

[ranold26]

Connor Bedard might be the best underage prospect that I've ever seen at 15. Full tilt and game-changing. And yes, I met Lindros and his parents in 1988.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Between Regina and Canada, I’d say only mcdavid is his equal in terms of talent at 15

 

[sting101]

Crosby 2.0

That backhand had me spit out my dinner in shock. Insane he's 15

 

[grentthealien]

Crosby 2.0

That backhand had me spit out my dinner in shock. Insane he's 15

That goal reminded me soooo much of Crosby. Going up the middle for a backhander like that.

 

[ORRFForever]

It's funny how, 2 years ago, everyone was saying these things about Wright and now Bedard might be better.

 

[JPeeper]

Crosby 2.0

That backhand had me spit out my dinner in shock. Insane he's 15

Hopefully Bedard starts hitting the gym like Sid to get that powerful ass (no homo). Sid is so dominating because his lower body strength is unmatched. McDavid dominates with his speed, Sid dominates with his powerful ass (slight homo).

 

[Mr Buckles]

What are the odds he's back for the U18s next year? Or will he 'graduate?'

 

[prongertheman9]

Says a lot that the coach had him out protecting a 1 goal lead with 40 seconds left in the gold medal game.

Before the game the coach was talking about how he was most impressed with how little Bedard turned the puck over for a guy who creates so much offence and is so young.

That assist on the empty netter was actually dirty - Slips it through a Russian’s stick and skate and hits Wright in stride. I feel like any other guy on the team high flips it or tries to go off the boards/glass and probably ices it.

 

[Gold Standard]

What are the odds he's back for the U18s next year? Or will he 'graduate?'

given the developmental year we just lost, both Bedard and Wright should not pass up on getting in some extra Team Canada reps wherever they can find them. That includes coming back for next year's IIHF U18 tourney. But Hockey Canada often imposes senseless rules, like, play a U20 tournament and you have "graduated" out of your age group. I think it's pretty much safe to assume that both Wright and Bedard will be on the U20 team this Christmas.

 

[JetsWillFly4Ever]

That back hand, at 15 years old, is f***ing insane.

 

[NatusVincere]

Since so much has been written about Crosby here, did you notice yesterday how many players named Crosby as their favorite player? Bedard, Wright, Michkov... felt like everyone If the next superstars all call you their idol then you've really made it!

 

[Killerjas]

Absolute filth, hoping some miracle Detroit wins the lotto

 

[ORRFForever]

Bedard is stealing Wright's thunder. Wright was fantastic at the U18 but everyone is drooling over Bedard.

2 years ago, it was "can't wait for Wright, Savoie (and Lambert)". Now fans are looking past their draft and looking forward to 2023. LOL!

 

[EichelFan15]

What are fair expectations for his production in the WHL next season? 2 P/G minimum?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

My first two viewings of him were the SF and Final.

My initial thoughts on the generational discussion is that he's right on the borderline of it. My main concerns would be his skating speed and his size. You'd like to think a generational player is elite in every part of the game or could project as such. Bedard has good speed, but it's nothing like McDavid speed, and I also think it's at least a gear worse than Crosby at his prime and I suspect also as a prospect. He's about 5'8/5'9 right now.

Thats probably not undersized for a player his age, but he's now under the microscope of playing against older players. Some people don't grow much past 15/16. If Bedard ends up 5'8-5'10 range, his size is an obstacle to calling him generational. Crosby might be generational at 5'11, but he's built like a truck. If Bedard is only 5'11, is he built like a truck? I don't think 5'11 is that under-sized, but the microscope this guy will be under is bigger than most.

As to how his game projects, he's the best forward prospect since McDavid that I've seen, in my opinion. His shooting power, release, hockey sense, stick skills, playmaking, and edges are all elite. He also looks to have a good work ethic. He was one of the smallest players in this tournament, but didn't back down. And the plays he makes against much older competition is very impressive.

Getting back to the generational discussion, let's give the kid a few years to see how he physically develops, and I'm sure he'll be working on his skating, as well. I have a hard time believing he won't be one of the better players in the NHL. One thing I'm having a hard time thinking of is a good comparison for him. I'm sure there were some old-school hall of famers that he's comparable to, but no one in the current league I can think of.

 

[EichelFan15]

My first two viewings of him were the SF and Final.

My initial thoughts on the generational discussion is that he's right on the borderline of it. My main concerns would be his skating speed and his size. You'd like to think a generational player is elite in every part of the game or could project as such. Bedard has good speed, but it's nothing like McDavid speed, and I also think it's at least a gear worse than Crosby at his prime and I suspect also as a prospect. He's about 5'8/5'9 right now.

Thats probably not undersized for a player his age, but he's now under the microscope of playing against older players. Some people don't grow much past 15/16. If Bedard ends up 5'8-5'10 range, his size is an obstacle to calling him generational. Crosby might be generational at 5'11, but he's built like a truck. If Bedard is only 5'11, is he built like a truck? I don't think 5'11 is that under-sized, but the microscope this guy will be under is bigger than most.

As to how his game projects, he's the best forward prospect since McDavid that I've seen, in my opinion. His shooting power, release, hockey sense, stick skills, playmaking, and edges are all elite. He also looks to have a good work ethic. He was one of the smallest players in this tournament, but didn't back down. And the plays he makes against much older competition is very impressive.

Getting back to the generational discussion, let's give the kid a few years to see how he physically develops, and I'm sure he'll be working on his skating, as well. I have a hard time believing he won't be one of the better players in the NHL. One thing I'm having a hard time thinking of is a good comparison for him. I'm sure there were some old-school hall of famers that he's comparable to, but no one in the current league I can think of.

Someone in this thread said Patrick Kane with Matthews shot and that's the closest I've heard.

 

[Mr Buckles]

One thing I'm having a hard time thinking of is a good comparison for him. I'm sure there were some old-school hall of famers that he's comparable to, but no one in the current league I can think of.

The final was my first full viewing of him playing (besides highlights), and he seems very Crosby-like to me.

The difference being he's less of a grinder, and has more of a McDavid-like finesse to his game.

A small, solid-looking guy buzzing around with great skating and vision. That he stepped up in the final two games in crucial moments reminds me a lot of Crosby.