From McDavid to Bedard--A veteran to rookie example in leadership

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Joshua Deeds
September 3, 2023 (0:09)

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There are a few things in common between Connor Bedard and Connor McDavid, one being that they both are centermen and the other being that they both attended BioSteel NHL Camps.

In addition to learning on ice, Bedard got to pick the brains of many NHL players.

«He says a lot of good stuff someone that I've been able to kind of be a sponge with and ask some questions.»

"Connor has given me lots of good advice," Bedard said of McDavid. "There are some things he's said about what to expect. It's obviously not easy. It's the best league in the world. It's about just preparing yourself the best you can, and I feel like I've done that this summer. I've worked really hard."

He stuck around, however, to get advice from McDavid about how to deal with himself in the NHL.

Connor McDavid, who recorded 850 games in 569 games, provides Bedard with a wealth of information. McDavid has set the standard for all emerging talent who want to become superstars, and Bedard is no different.

Bedard, a young center who just finished a career season with the Regina Pats in the WHL, has been compared to McDavid a lot.

When McDavid was drafted by the Oilers, he also talked about getting "stronger and faster" in the summer before his first NHL season. When it comes to the pressure of being a phenom, McDavid said on his draft day, "my expectations on myself exceed any of those put on me."

As Bedard begins his first NHL season soon, he acknowledges that he will ultimately be compared to McDavid, but for now, he is focusing on other things. Ultimately, he plans on being his own player in the NHL, and he has the ability to win a Calder Trophy in his first year.

A testament to his dedication to the game and its fans is Bedard's determination to perform to his own standards.

As Seen On: nhltradetalk.com