Prospect Info: Connor Bedard - 2023 1st - C, Regina

[CallMeShaft]

Watching Crosby's draft video on Youtube to see how he was talked at his draft and saw, at the bottom of the screen, his height and weight at the time of his draft. 5ft10, 180lbs.

Bedard is pretty much the exact same size right now, as Crosby was back then.

 

[Toews2Bickell]

Watching Crosby's draft video on Youtube to see how he was talked at his draft and saw, at the bottom of the screen, his height and weight at the time of his draft. 5ft10, 180lbs.

Bedard is pretty much the exact same size right now, as Crosby was back then.

Bedard seems like he's small but strong, he's such a gym rat that there should be no concern he doesn't figure out whats needed to deal with nhl players in the long run, maybe its not an issue right away tbh

 

[Kurtosis]

The kid is still only 17. It’s not out of the question that he can still grow and he’ll obviously put on more weight/muscle with an NHL strength and conditioning staff.

 

[EddieTheEagle]

The kid is still only 17. It’s not out of the question that he can still grow and he’ll obviously put on more weight/muscle with an NHL strength and conditioning staff.

I am so amped up with the fact we are even able to debate if OUR Connor Bedard is going to put on more weight/muscle. Unreal.

Remembering back to when I met Kaner a few times, there was no way he was as tall or as heavy as stated. NHL is very generous when it comes to heights/weights. Also, the same concerns about physicality were expressed when PK88 joined the league and he was MORE than fine, and I'd argue that the league is softer than ever now.

 

[Drumman44]

I was listening to the Blackhawks Talk podcast (NBC Sports Chicago) and they had Corey Pronman from the Athletic on earlier in the week with a look at some of the top 10 prospects.

He kind of casually mentioned that there is some whispers among scouts that Bedard will move to wing in the NHL and not stick as a center. Is that really that likely?

 

[Toews2Bickell]

I was listening to the Blackhawks Talk podcast (NBC Sports Chicago) and they had Corey Pronman from the Athletic on earlier in the week with a look at some of the top 10 prospects.

He kind of casually mentioned that there is some whispers among scouts that Bedard will move to wing in the NHL and not stick as a center. Is that really that likely?

wouldn't even mind if it allows him to stay healthier and utilize his offensive skills more efficiently, Auston Matthews will be our 1C

 

[TLEH]

Center and wing has changed over the years. Plenty of guys are centers but just don't take draws. Any talk about him being a C or a W is all speculation. Plenty of guys his size have been successful centers in the league, and those guys had 1/4 of his talent and drive.

 

[OhCaptainMyCaptain]

My favorite thing to do right now is wake up and watch a different highlight reel for Bedard. Incredible stuff.

 

[Kevin Musto]

I was listening to the Blackhawks Talk podcast (NBC Sports Chicago) and they had Corey Pronman from the Athletic on earlier in the week with a look at some of the top 10 prospects.

He kind of casually mentioned that there is some whispers among scouts that Bedard will move to wing in the NHL and not stick as a center. Is that really that likely?

At the end of the day, who cares if he's a center or wing? He's going to be a top 5 player in the league either way.

 

[Toews2Bickell]

At the end of the day, who cares if he's a center or wing? He's going to be a top 5 player in the league either way.

Correct, a more important issue for this team moving forward is that we find a truly elite norris caliber 1D that will be an absolute horse in a cup run because almost every single cup team has that guy, we know what Bedard will be offensively but thats just one piece of the puzzle...we still need our Hedman, Makar...Keith, etc

 

[Kevin Musto]

Correct, a more important issue for this team moving forward is that we find a truly elite norris caliber 1D that will be an absolute horse in a cup run because almost every single cup team has that guy, we know what Bedard will be offensively but thats just one piece of the puzzle...we still need our Hedman, Makar...Keith, etc

I agree. That's the more pressing issue going forward.

There are some good D in the system but I don't foresee any of them being that guy. I think we're still waiting to draft him.

 

[Toews2Bickell]

I agree. That's the more pressing issue going forward.

There are some good D in the system but I don't foresee any of them being that guy. I think we're still waiting to draft him.

Yup, exactly why its really important they do not speed up the rebuild too quickly because almost all of them are drafted top 3, and they do not become available unless its some bizarre reason like Fox and/or you trade an absolute haul for them because they want out, also unusual. KD needs to be accumulating chips methodically for the next 2-3 years and then its go time, ideally they land 2 more top 3-5 picks and Bedard has young talent around him to go compete with, you go after Matthews if he hits the market next year in a Hossa type splash, and then the primary focus is that 1D

 

[clydesdale line]

Bedard has improved his faceoff percentage every year in juniors. Just finished with a 54% faceoff percentage for the year at Regina. Knowing his work ethic, that will continue in the NHL as well as his 2 way game. Kid is just the goods in so many ways.

 

[AmericanDream]

I sooooooooooooooooooo can't wait for our top 20 prospects list to start and getting to vote for our #1 overall player as HF Boards continues to melt in terror

 

[Kevin Musto]

Connor Bedard's great-great uncle, Jim, wore #21 for the Blackhawks.

No way for Connor to take up that mantle

 

[EbonyRaptor]

Watching Crosby's draft video on Youtube to see how he was talked at his draft and saw, at the bottom of the screen, his height and weight at the time of his draft. 5ft10, 180lbs.

Bedard is pretty much the exact same size right now, as Crosby was back then.

And like Crosby he has a strong lower body - tree trunk legs give his that solid base and burst. Very similar body types. And like Crosby he is a workout fiend and very dedicated - hockey is his life.

 

[dreadpirateroberts]

When will his jerseys go on sale? As soon as the pick is announced?

 

[CallMeShaft]

And like Crosby he has a strong lower body - tree trunk legs give his that solid base and burst. Very similar body types. And like Crosby he is a workout fiend and very dedicated - hockey is his life.

Yep, exactly.

He might not stick at center due to his size, but at the same time, he shares a lot of physical traits with Crosby, who seemed to handle that role relatively fine; especially after a few years of adding more and more mass.

Hell, Point is a few lbs lighter than Bedard right now (according to EP), is the same height, and is a 1C on a contender. And Brayden Point is not the same caliber player that Bedard is expected to be.

 

[EddieTheEagle]

When will his jerseys go on sale? As soon as the pick is announced?

Already bought one, bruv. Get on it. Just do a custom name/number.

 

[dreadpirateroberts]

Already bought one, bruv. Get on it. Just do a custom name/number.

Just tried and it looks like they’ve blocked it.

 

[ClydeLee]

Already bought one, bruv. Get on it. Just do a custom name/number.

Is he confirmed 98 because he's also worn 16

 

[EddieTheEagle]

Is he confirmed 98 because he's also worn 16

Definitely not confirmed, I’m just stupid and impatient.

 

[AmericanDream]

Bedard is not going to play wing in the NHL.

 

[ColbyChaos]

Just tried and it looks like they’ve blocked it.

Where are you seeing that?

 

[clydesdale line]

He's wearing 98. Most of the time players who wear numbers in juniors wear them in the NHL (unless it's not available or retired... 98 is available). WJC they always wear low numbers.