DRAFT: Get to Know Connor Bedard

Connor Bedard continues to turn heads after setting new milestones and adding new awards to his growing pre-Draft reputation.

The widely-projected top prospect in this year's NHL Draft took part in the 2023 NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo last week for fitness tests and meetings with different teams for interview process. For him, it was an important event to gain new knowledge about the league and prepare for a different stage in his hockey career.

"I think you got to kind of be a sponge with some things and [get] as much knowledge as you can get on the league would help your training and kind of your preparation to try to make it and try to play in that league. So, I think asking questions is great and trying to figure some stuff out and they can definitely give you some little tips."

In his third season with the WHL's Regina Pats, the 5-foot-9 forward produced 143 points (71G, 72A) in 57 games played this season. It also marks his second straight year where he produced 100 points or more. Following his high offensive production, Bedard also became the first ever CHL player to claim Player of the Year, Top Prospect and Top Scorer awards in one season.

On top of his CHL accolades, Bedard captured his second straight gold medal with Team Canada at the 2023 World Junior Championship. By the end of the competition, the Vancouver native led all skaters with 23 points (9G, 14A) and named MVP of the tournament along with the Best Forward title. He put up the most offensive scoring by any player since Sweden's Peter Forsberg (1993) with 31 points.

With some comparisons made to Edmonton Oilers' forward Connor McDavid, Bedard noted that he tries to play his own style of play but would want to have similar traits in their speed skating abilities. As he continues to prep throughout the offseason, his focus will be with adjusting to the high-speed game but also being a well-rounded player.

"I think the game is so fast, and if I want to be at that next level, then skating is huge," Bedard said. "Just the way the game is going and then [I also want to work on] some small things like on my one time a bit and maybe scoring a few more goals kind of around the net, but those are a few things. For me, I always want to work on everything."

The Chicago Blackhawks currently hold the first overall selection after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, and as such have the sole right to draft any of the projected top prospects in this year's draft. As for the projected first overall pick, Bedard admitted that should his name be called by Kyle Davidson on June 28, he would be honored to be selected by the Original Six franchise.

"It would be awesome," Bedard said. "I mean, that the history with that organization and that city with sports would be unbelievable. We'll see what happens but, if they do select me, that would be a huge honor."