C Connor Bedard - Regina Pats, WHL (2023 Draft) Part 3

[JackSlater]

How does 1. even seem obvious? Matthews was over PPG and all-star in one of the Europe’s finest pro leagues. Big fan of Bedard but to be obviously better than Matthews was at his age, we need to see more than just a excellent World Juniors from him.

Matthews was not an all star in one of Europe's finest pro leagues in his age 16 season. Bedard just turned 17, Matthews was 18 for basically the whole time he was in Switzerland. Terrible comparison.

 

[Zetterberg4Captain]

He is going to be so happy getting drafted by Steve Yzerman and putting in the winged wheel.

The DRW deserve to complete their rebuild with at least 1 top 3 pick

 

[grentthealien]

2 things here,

1. I'm really high on Bedard as a prospect, for me he is just below the McDavid, Crosby level.

2. As good of a goal scorer that AM has been, his career so far has lacked the "it" factor even though his individual playoff resume isn't horrible I just think that Bedard can have a total career as good as AM will have.

Time will tell of course.

Kind of regretting who ever initially compared Bedard’s shot to Matthews , I get why they did it but inevitably that is what this thread has derailed into as anything Leafs related will become polarized lol

We’ll see how Bedard performs in his draft year but a few things I feel almost certain of at this point with him and what he’s already accomplished 1. He is going be a consistent 40+ goal scorer in this league and 2. Even if his high insane goal scoring rate doesn’t translate to a exact Matthews or Ovechkin rate in the NHL he has enough creativity and playmaking to more than make up for it, both parts of his game I think are underated. Bedard’s shot is talked about so much that much like McDavid’s speed it overshadows almost everything else that makes him unique and hard to deny when he starts producing.

Another thing that is much harder to judge but someone I think you? Lol mentioned he has the “It” factor? While I’m not sure what that is or how to properly define it I feel like mentality and mental strength are a part of it, both things that at this point Bedard seems to have in Comparison to say Shane Wright this year who at times leaves you wanting more on the ice and has been questioned about his attitude and mental approach.

Bedard seems to be much more willing to force the matter and drive play himself rather than defer which takes a ton of confidence when you are pretty much always the youngest player on your team and are playing with future NHL players. We’ll see what happens in the Remaining WJC games but to this point Bedard seems to have a second gear when the games matter more and he has played more hockey, we’ve seen this in his first U-18 and his limited WJ play as a 16/17 year old so far not to mention him practically silencing all the criticism for his pedestrian first half of his WHL season last year with his stellar play in the second half.

 

[Barry Amsterdam]

Matthews was an early Birthday. He was 2 days away from being eligible for the 2015 draft.

that would make him the oldest in his class.

 

[grentthealien]

Anyone get a bit of a Datsyuk vibe from Bedard?

In what way ? Not defensively but maybe a little bit in his shiftiness and one on one moves? I still feel like there are better comparisons though.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Kind of regretting who ever initially compared Bedard’s shot to Matthews , I get why they did it but inevitably that is what this thread has derailed into as anything Leafs related will become polarized lol

We’ll see how Bedard performs in his draft year but a few things I feel almost certain of at this point with him and what he’s already accomplished 1. He is going be a consistent 40+ goal scorer in this league and 2. Even if his high insane goal scoring rate doesn’t translate to a exact Matthews or Ovechkin rate in the NHL he has enough creativity and playmaking to more than make up for it, both parts of his game I think are underated. Bedard’s shot is talked about so much that much like McDavid’s speed it overshadows almost everything else that makes him unique and hard to deny when he starts producing.

Another thing that is much harder to judge but someone I think you? Lol mentioned he has the “It” factor? While I’m not sure what that is or how to properly define it I feel like mentality and mental strength are a part of it, both things that at this point Bedard seems to have in Comparison to say Shane Wright this year who at times leaves you wanting more on the ice and has been questioned about his attitude and mental approach.

Bedard seems to be much more willing to force the matter and drive play himself rather than defer which takes a ton of confidence when you are pretty much always the youngest player on your team and are playing with future NHL players. We’ll see what happens in the Remaining WJC games but to this point Bedard seems to have a second gear when the games matter more and he has played more hockey, we’ve seen this in his first U-18 and his limited WJ play as a 16/17 year old so far not to mention him practically silencing all the criticism for his pedestrian first half of his WHL season last year with his stellar play in the second half.

During his 15 year old WHL season, I made the stylistic comparison of a Caufield / McDavid hybrid. I think that is a bit more fitting that talking about him like he's Auston Matthews because besides his shot, they really aren't that similar.

 

[Rengorlex]

Not that I disagree with Matthews having a great career but athis kind of a comparison is very misleading. You should instead include their goals per average up until the age Matthews is, which is 24. Including their careers to late 30s while Matthews is in his prime is going to greatly skew the results.

 

[Peasy]

Kind of regretting who ever initially compared Bedard’s shot to Matthews , I get why they did it but inevitably that is what this thread has derailed into as anything Leafs related will become polarized lol

We’ll see how Bedard performs in his draft year but a few things I feel almost certain of at this point with him and what he’s already accomplished 1. He is going be a consistent 40+ goal scorer in this league and 2. Even if his high insane goal scoring rate doesn’t translate to a exact Matthews or Ovechkin rate in the NHL he has enough creativity and playmaking to more than make up for it, both parts of his game I think are underated. Bedard’s shot is talked about so much that much like McDavid’s speed it overshadows almost everything else that makes him unique and hard to deny when he starts producing.

Another thing that is much harder to judge but someone I think you? Lol mentioned he has the “It” factor? While I’m not sure what that is or how to properly define it I feel like mentality and mental strength are a part of it, both things that at this point Bedard seems to have in Comparison to say Shane Wright this year who at times leaves you wanting more on the ice and has been questioned about his attitude and mental approach.

Bedard seems to be much more willing to force the matter and drive play himself rather than defer which takes a ton of confidence when you are pretty much always the youngest player on your team and are playing with future NHL players. We’ll see what happens in the Remaining WJC games but to this point Bedard seems to have a second gear when the games matter more and he has played more hockey, we’ve seen this in his first U-18 and his limited WJ play as a 16/17 year old so far not to mention him practically silencing all the criticism for his pedestrian first half of his WHL season last year with his stellar play in the second half.

Lol my bad. Just thought it was cool to see the influence that Matthews has already had on the next group of players and someone so highly touted like Bedard. I assume we will be seeing more of the drag shot much more in the future from younger players. Unfortunately, anytime a Leafs player is mentioned it usually turns into a complete shit show and pissing contest from both sides. Unfortunate that some people can't separate their personal feelings towards a player while discussing them.

 

[Tufted Titmouse]

f***in Gretz, man

 

[grentthealien]

During his 15 year old WHL season, I made the stylistic comparison of a Caufield / McDavid hybrid. I think that is a bit more fitting that talking about him like he's Auston Matthews because besides his shot, they really aren't that similar.

That’s actually really interesting, I never thought of the Caufield comparison but a smaller player with a fast electric shot is very applicable I think Bedard is even more dynamic than Cole though which I guess is where the McDavid part of your hybrid comes in .

Lol my bad. Just thought it was cool to see the influence that Matthews has already had on the next group of players and someone so highly touted like Bedard. I assume we will be seeing more of the drag shot much more in the future from younger players. Unfortunately, anytime a Leafs player is mentioned it usually turns into a complete shit show and pissing contest from both sides. Unfortunate that some people can't separate their personal feelings towards a player while discussing them.

Lol np , no shame needs to felt hahaha. You just made a general comment how people choose to react to it is beyond your control.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

That’s actually really interesting, I never thought of the Caufield comparison but a smaller player with a fast electric shot is very applicable I think Bedard is even more dynamic than Cole though which I guess is where the McDavid part of your hybrid comes in .


Lol np , no shame needs to felt hahaha. You just made a general comment how people choose to react to it is beyond your control.

Bedard is a much more hughly touted prospect but one thing Caufield proves is an undersized player can absolutely rip it at the NHL level.

 

[Kennerback]

Kind of regretting who ever initially compared Bedard’s shot to Matthews , I get why they did it but inevitably that is what this thread has derailed into as anything Leafs related will become polarized lol

We’ll see how Bedard performs in his draft year but a few things I feel almost certain of at this point with him and what he’s already accomplished 1. He is going be a consistent 40+ goal scorer in this league and 2. Even if his high insane goal scoring rate doesn’t translate to a exact Matthews or Ovechkin rate in the NHL he has enough creativity and playmaking to more than make up for it, both parts of his game I think are underated. Bedard’s shot is talked about so much that much like McDavid’s speed it overshadows almost everything else that makes him unique and hard to deny when he starts producing.

Another thing that is much harder to judge but someone I think you? Lol mentioned he has the “It” factor? While I’m not sure what that is or how to properly define it I feel like mentality and mental strength are a part of it, both things that at this point Bedard seems to have in Comparison to say Shane Wright this year who at times leaves you wanting more on the ice and has been questioned about his attitude and mental approach.

Bedard seems to be much more willing to force the matter and drive play himself rather than defer which takes a ton of confidence when you are pretty much always the youngest player on your team and are playing with future NHL players. We’ll see what happens in the Remaining WJC games but to this point Bedard seems to have a second gear when the games matter more and he has played more hockey, we’ve seen this in his first U-18 and his limited WJ play as a 16/17 year old so far not to mention him practically silencing all the criticism for his pedestrian first half of his WHL season last year with his stellar play in the second half.

All the flack Wright received for his pace or intensity is moot for Bedard as the motor’s always running. Stamina is not an issue as he’s often the guy that takes the longest shift to see if he can get that last opportunity to score. He doesn’t shirk from physical contact either despite being undersized for a center.

 

[Rengorlex]

Bedard is a much more hughly touted prospect but one thing Caufield proves is an undersized player can absolutely rip it at the NHL level.

Caufield hasn't even scored 30 goals or 50 points in the NHL, maybe calm down a little with the "absolutely rip it" comments.

 

[TheGreenTBer]

He’s better than Matthews was. Eichel is closer but I’d still go with Bedard.

At this time Matthews is obviously very far ahead but I do think Matthews and Eichel were of very similar tiers as prospects. I could see a debate for either one, both were a tier below #97, #8 and #87 in terms of pre-draft rankings.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Caufield hasn't even scored 30 goals or 50 points in the NHL, maybe calm down a little with the "absolutely rip it" comments.

HF is so exhausting sometimes. You do acknowledge that Caufield can fire the puck-right? That he can beat goalies outright with his shot?

 

[Rengorlex]

HF is so exhausting sometimes. You do acknowledge that Caufield can fire the puck-right? That he can beat goalies outright with his shot?

Yeah but you do realize that if Bedard becomes Cole Caufield that's the biggest bust relative to draft hype since Daigle?

 

[VictorLustig]

Yeah but you do realize that if Bedard becomes Cole Caufield that's the biggest bust relative to draft hype since Daigle?

Draft hype is stupid. Never listen to it.

 

[Lavar Ball]

Caufield hasn't even scored 30 goals or 50 points in the NHL, maybe calm down a little with the "absolutely rip it" comments.

If you can't acknowledge that Caufield has an absolute rocket of a shot you simply aren't watching.

Yeah but you do realize that if Bedard becomes Cole Caufield that's the biggest bust relative to draft hype since Daigle?

Also just a ridiculous and unrelated response. Nobody said they expect Bedard to be Caufield at the NHL level. All they said was Caufield is a gifted shooter of the puck

 

[Rengorlex]

If you can't acknowledge that Caufield has an absolute rocket of a shot you simply aren't watching.



Also just a ridiculous and unrelated response. Nobody said they expect Bedard to be Caufield at the NHL level. All they said was Caufield is a gifted shooter of the puck

Nobody doubted Bedard's ability to shoot the puck and nobody doubts his ability to be as good as Caufield has been in the NHL (which is insignificant, to put it nicely).

 

[Lavar Ball]

Nobody doubted Bedard's ability to shoot the puck and nobody doubts his ability to be as good as Caufield has been in the NHL (which is insignificant, to put it nicely).

Can someone please explain what this person is trying to say

 

[ijuka]

If you can't acknowledge that Caufield has an absolute rocket of a shot you simply aren't watching.



Also just a ridiculous and unrelated response. Nobody said they expect Bedard to be Caufield at the NHL level. All they said was Caufield is a gifted shooter of the puck

Caufield has 12.4 shooting%, that hardly is anything to write home about. Matthews's for example is around 17%.

 

[Rengorlex]

Can someone please explain what this person is trying to say

The discourse here has rather obviously been comparing Bedard and Matthews as prospects and in terms of NHL projection, with size being a major factor

Someone uses Cole Caufield as an example that Bedard will be able to "absolutely rip it" in NHL despite his size. This makes very little sense to me, because

Caufield is a 20 goal scorer, not a 60 goal scorer like Matthews
So, either
a) Caufield is massively inferior to Matthews in shooting ability
or,
b) Caufields size or other abilities prevent him from getting to the scoring positions required to score like Matthews

Which leaves us with absolutely no evidence through Caufield example that size is not a concern in terms of being "absolutely able to rip it" at the NHL level, so long as Matthews or any other relevant goalscorer really is the standard being compared to.

 

[SlafySZN]

During his 15 year old WHL season, I made the stylistic comparison of a Caufield / McDavid hybrid. I think that is a bit more fitting that talking about him like he's Auston Matthews because besides his shot, they really aren't that similar.

I see it. I was thinking the same thing while watching him this tournament.

 

[SlafySZN]

The discourse here has rather obviously been comparing Bedard and Matthews as prospects and in terms of NHL projection, with size being a major factor

Someone uses Cole Caufield as an example that Bedard will be able to "absolutely rip it" in NHL despite his size. This makes very little sense to me, because

Caufield is a 20 goal scorer, not a 60 goal scorer like Matthews
So, either
a) Caufield is massively inferior to Matthews in shooting ability
or,
b) Caufields size or other abilities prevent him from getting to the scoring positions required to score like Matthews

Which leaves us with absolutely no evidence through Caufield example that size is not a concern in terms of being "absolutely able to rip it" at the NHL level, so long as Matthews is the standard being compared to.

Maybe let him play more than one season before thinking you’ve seen the most of him lol.

And by the way, he had basically no help other than Suzuki last season. His goal scoring will evolve when he’ll be able to play with other talented player who can actually make a pass.

All the poster wanted to say is that Bedard is a shooter that makes you think of Caufield because he’s on the smaller side and how they shoot the puck and has McDavid vibe. Which both of those are true.

 

[Ippenator]

Anyone get a bit of a Datsyuk vibe from Bedard?

Nope. Not a bit. A very different kind of player in my opinion. What really makes you think like that?