Connor Bedard Officially Has a Meeting With The Chicago Blackhawks

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Sam Walker
June 10, 2023 (0:16)

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During Friday's press conference at the NHL Scouting Combine, Connor Bedard once again displayed remarkable maturity beyond his years.

When asked about the increasing attention surrounding him, the 17-year-old phenom emphasized the importance of staying focused on his own game and personal growth.

"I think just kind of taking things day by day," Bedard said. "I'm focused on what's important and what I can control with my own team and my own play, of course. You don't really think about that stuff. There's some extra interviews and attention and what not, but for me, I'm just staying focused on what I need to be focused on and trying to become a better player and person, so that's kind of how I handle it."

Bedard, who met with the Chicago Blackhawks, the team holding the No. 1 overall pick, expressed his admiration for the organization and the city's rich sports history.

"It'd be awesome," Bedard said. "The history with that organization and that city with sports would be unbelievable. We'll see what happens."

"It's always the goal ever since you're a kid and you first touch a hockey stick," Bedard said. "That's the best players in the world, best league in the world. You watch it and grow up kind of being a fan of it.

"For me, I think all the guys here, if they ask them, they've all dreamed of playing in the NHL. It's always been the main goal. As young as I can remember, that's always been kind of the dream, for sure."

With his NHL dream about to become a reality, Bedard reflected on the lifelong goal he has held since first picking up a hockey stick. Playing in the NHL has always been his ultimate aspiration, and soon enough, he will have the opportunity to fulfill it.