Fallen Johnny Gaudreau shaped Blackhawks' Connor Bedard's path to the NHL
Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the best wingers in the NHL but was a revolutionary player for his size and skill. His passing left an amount of pain in the NHL felt across the league that many will never quantify.
However, in the discussion of size, Johnny Gaudreau was a leader in the NHL. The 31-year-old was a seven-time All-Star in the NHL and his impact on the league won't be the statistics alone.
He was listed at 5-9, 163 pounds last season, and 5-6, 137 lbs when he was drafted by the Flames.
His size and ability have given the NHL a reason to take a look at players who wouldn't usually be considered for an NHL roster spot.
Thanks to Johnny Hockey, guys like Connor Bedard who now is the top-line center for the Blackhawks got a shot in the league.
He helped pave the way for "undersize" guys to get a chance to build a career in the NHL.
Gaudreau punched above his weight, being a 4th-round, 104th-overall pick in the 2011 Draft.
It was his play that gave NHL owners and GMs a reason to give them a chance in the 1st round.
Connor Bedard, like Gaudreau punched above his weight, scoring 61 points( 22 G, 39 A) in his first NHL season, and would win the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Bedard should pay his respects to Johnny Hockey.
| POLL | ||
Did Johnny Gaudreau "wow" you with his skills and abilities? | ||
| Yes | 66 | 85.7 % |
| No | 11 | 14.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
