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

[Roof Daddy]

I think you need to take it next lec

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.

I think we must take it next level, analyze his spice melange, test it, then decipher if he’ll be Chara’s size, McDavid’s wheels, Crosby’s lower body strength, Tom Wilson’s douchiness, Patrick Kane’s ability to pay for a cap and Bruzgaliv’s personality. You wanna know if you’re drafting a true franchise player or the next Yakupov.

 

[danyhabsfan]

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

His release reminds me of the player in your nickname

 

[EichelFan15]

I wonder what the all-time u-18 record was for points during the knockout stage. He must have been close with 10 in 3 games.

 

[EichelFan15]

It sounds like Hockey Canada's plan for Bedard is to have him stay attached to the 2004's for now - meaning that he will attend the U-18 summer camp in late July and possibly play in the Hlinka (if there is one?). One of the HC brass mentioned that the U-20 summer camp will be running at the same time with some inter-mingling to allow evaluators the opportunity to assess how the U-18's stack up against the U-20's. I think it's pretty obvious that Connor will be among the top players there, regardless of age, so I don't know if once HC sees that if they just transition him to the U-20's right away or send him to the Hlinka regardless. Unfortunately Wright is seen as a 2003 to HC so it looks like he won't be a candidate for the Hlinka - which is a bummer because they might need him if Miro and Mich are there for Russia.

 

[kyle44]

It doesn't sound like Canada will be going regardless if the tournament goes ahead:



Also, if Michkov and Miroshnichenko are healthy, they will play for Russia. Canada is the only country that seems to play the "graduation" game where once a player plays at a higher level they won't play them with lower age groups.

 

[EichelFan15]

It doesn't sound like Canada will be going regardless if the tournament goes ahead:



Also, if Michkov and Miroshnichenko are healthy, they will play for Russia. Canada is the only country that seems to play the "graduation" game where once a player plays at a higher level they won't play them with lower age groups.

Nice find. Hopefully Canada changes their mind.

 

[Gravity]

Please be a Hab. Please be a Hab. Please be a Hab. We so desperately need a talent like Bedard.

 

[Kshahdoo]

Please be a Hab. Please be a Hab. Please be a Hab. We so desperately need a talent like Bedard.

Lol, you just need to suck in a season. I doubt, it will happen.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Not that it means much, but he was selected in the USHL draft by Dubuque.

 

[Bubbles]

Bedard has been invited to Canada's National Team Men's U-18 team summer development camp.

Roster announced for Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team summer development camp

There is a heavy WHL presence on that team, shows how well the 2022 and 2023 will be WHL heavy.

 

[Gold Standard]

Any news from Regina camp on this young phenom? season is almost upon us, boys and girls.

Sept. 10 1st. pre-season game.

 

[kyle44]

Any news from Regina camp on this young phenom? season is almost upon us, boys and girls.

Sept. 10 1st. pre-season game.

The Pats' camp doesn't open until September 1st. Similarly, in response to your post in the Shane Wright thread, Kingston's doesn't open until August 30th.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Regina have added few interesting new pieces already; LW Zack Stringer, LD Stanislav Svozil, LD Luke Bateman

Svozil, 18 is already a pro player (2 years, about 100 games and 1 for team czech men)
who already signed his ELC, he was drafted this year, Jackets 3rd round pick

Its still super weird how Stringer didn't get drafted this year, i had him as 2nd, 3rd rounder....
- dude will make Bedard's game sooooo much easier on the ice, brings plenty of skill too
with good hockey sense to boot,

Bateman,18, is huge 6 foot 7 double undrafted dman, with 81 game experience from the WHL.

This is a promising start for them and really good for Bedard.

 

[Jackpot Jaret]

Please be a Hab. Please be a Hab. Please be a Hab. We so desperately need a talent like Bedard.

Sorry, but MTL has too many decent young talent and other good veterans for this to happen IMO

 

[Adele Dazeem]

Lol, you just need to suck in a season. I doubt, it will happen.

Habs are pretenders, it's possible.

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

Hopefully he ends up a Seattle Kraken.

Or by the looks of it from how Benning is destroying his own team, Bedard's hometown Vancouver Canucks.

 

[Stewie Griffin]

Hopefully he ends up a Seattle Kraken.

Or by the looks of it from how Benning is destroying his own team, Bedard's hometown Vancouver Canucks.

You think he'll have Pettersson and Hughes signed by then?

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

You think he'll have Pettersson and Hughes signed by then?

Hughes maybe, Pettersson is tough to call. But Jim is lucky they have the same agent.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Regina have added few interesting new pieces already; LW Zack Stringer, LD Stanislav Svozil, LD Luke Bateman

Svozil, 18 is already a pro player (2 years, about 100 games and 1 for team czech men)
who already signed his ELC, he was drafted this year, Jackets 3rd round pick

Its still super weird how Stringer didn't get drafted this year, i had him as 2nd, 3rd rounder....
- dude will make Bedard's game sooooo much easier on the ice, brings plenty of skill too
with good hockey sense to boot,

Bateman,18, is huge 6 foot 7 double undrafted dman, with 81 game experience from the WHL.

This is a promising start for them and really good for Bedard.

Hate to nitpick but he was just passed over once in the NHL draft. He has a late birthday so was only eligible this past draft. Honestly I feel him on Regina is a perfect situation and I truly feel there is potential he could get drafted next season. He is a massive kid and I feel is very underrated. Obviously Regina will be watched a ton by scouts now so I think he has a perfect opportunity.

Anyways, I can't wait to watch Regina play this upcoming season... what a treat for their fans to have this team. And I agree, the acquisition of Stringer was unreal!

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Hate to nitpick but he was just passed over once in the NHL draft. He has a late birthday so was only eligible this past draft. Honestly I feel him on Regina is a perfect situation and I truly feel there is potential he could get drafted next season. He is a massive kid and I feel is very underrated. Obviously Regina will be watched a ton by scouts now so I think he has a perfect opportunity.

Anyways, I can't wait to watch Regina play this upcoming season... what a treat for their fans to have this team. And I agree, the acquisition of Stringer was unreal!

Ah, okay.

 

[Double Dion]

He's the best player his age I've ever seen honestly. Better than Crosby at that age, better than McDavid at that age, better than Lindros at that age. I'm not old enough to have seen Lemieux at that age, but my guess is that's the last time someone has been this good at that age.

He could have played in the NHL last year in a top 6 role, that's how good he is.

I would love him to be a Flame so much that I wanted a full rebuild just for a slight chance at him. I know people might think I'm overstating things, but I really think in less than 5 years he's hands down going to be the best player on the planet.

 

[Gold Standard]

He's the best player his age I've ever seen honestly. Better than Crosby at that age, better than McDavid at that age, better than Lindros at that age. I'm not old enough to have seen Lemieux at that age, but my guess is that's the last time someone has been this good at that age.

He could have played in the NHL last year in a top 6 role, that's how good he is.

I would love him to be a Flame so much that I wanted a full rebuild just for a slight chance at him. I know people might think I'm overstating things, but I really think in less than 5 years he's hands down going to be the best player on the planet.

I don't agree with it, but I'm open to the idea...would love to see it. We'll have our answer on the evening of January 5, 2022.

 

[Hanji]

He could have played in the NHL last year in a top 6 role, that's how good he is.

I would love him to be a Flame so much that I wanted a full rebuild just for a slight chance at him. I know people might think I'm overstating things, but I really think in less than 5 years he's hands down going to be the best player on the planet.

 

[daver]

He's the best player his age I've ever seen honestly. Better than Crosby at that age, better than McDavid at that age, better than Lindros at that age. I'm not old enough to have seen Lemieux at that age, but my guess is that's the last time someone has been this good at that age.

He could have played in the NHL last year in a top 6 role, that's how good he is.

I would love him to be a Flame so much that I wanted a full rebuild just for a slight chance at him. I know people might think I'm overstating things, but I really think in less than 5 years he's hands down going to be the best player on the planet.

He certainly made a bigger impact as a 15 year old in the WHL than McDavid did in the OHL albeit for a shorter amount of time. It would have been interesting to see Crosby in the Q at age 15; can't see him not winning the scoring title if he had played.

The bar, or the best comparison given it is more recent, for Bedard is Crosby's 16 and 17 year old seasons where he won CHL player of the year both years, dominated the Q like Mario did in his draft year, and got his team to the Memorial Cup final.

 

[Double Dion]

He certainly made a bigger impact as a 15 year old in the WHL than McDavid did in the OHL albeit for a shorter amount of time. It would have been interesting to see Crosby in the Q at age 15; can't see him not winning the scoring title if he had played.

The bar, or the best comparison given it is more recent, for Bedard is Crosby's 16 and 17 year old seasons where he won CHL player of the year both years, dominated the Q like Mario did in his draft year, and got his team to the Memorial Cup final.

Crosby did what he did a year later. Crosby had elite linemates in Pouliot and Roussin. Bedard did not. Bedard did it in a league that is far harder to score in. Guys like Getzlaf, Barzal, Point ect. never did what Bedard did as a 15 year old.