Bedard continues to demonstrate his humility and professionalism.
As I write this article, I can't help but notice how humble and calm Connor Bedard is, especially after being selected first overall in the 2023 entry draft.
As a player who was recognized well before his time with the Regina Pats, it's incredible to see how he has conducted himself, particularly when coming to one of the hottest hockey markets in the United States.
On numerous occasions after being drafted, he has mentioned the fact that he feels the need to prove himself and earn a roster spot before placing himself above the expectations of others. This point was emphasized in the Empire Sports Talk podcast, where they discussed Bedard's demeanour since he was drafted.
As all NHL pundits and fans feel, Bedard should be a shoo-in for a roster spot and will likely be the favourite to contend for the Calder Trophy at the end of this season. The numbers he produced with the Regina Pats are incredibly impressive.
After observing his performances during the World Junior Championship for Canada and witnessing his ability to control the puck and showcase his exceptional skill set, there's no doubt in my mind that he will become the new face of the NHL in the coming years.
The challenge ahead will be for the Blackhawks to find players who complement him well, especially on the younger side, and to establish a new core that can sustain the team for years to come. During the past season, he played 57 games, scoring 71 goals with 72 assists for a total of 143 points, while also accumulating 62 penalty minutes.
His playoff performance was equally remarkable, as he played seven games, scoring ten goals and providing ten assists for a total of 20 points.
This kid is a gem, and Blackhawks fans are poised to embrace the impact he will bring to the team.
| POLL | ||
Will Bedard win the Calder trophy this year? | ||
| Yes | 94 | 77 % |
| No | 28 | 23 % |
| List of polls | ||
