Meet Connor Bedard: The NHL’s next potential superstar | NHL on ESPN

On Monday, the NHL will host its annual draft lottery to determine the position in which each team will pick in this year's draft. This year - all 11 lottery teams are holding their breath, in hopes of landing the top prize, Connor Bedard. At just 17-years-old, Bedard being compared to the likes of Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and even "The Great One", Wayne Gretzky. Here's Emily Kaplan to introduce you to the NHL's next potential superstar.
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#NHL

[@bobbybill8323]

this kid isn't just passionate, he's practically addicted to hockey lol, that combination of obsession and skill is beyond rare

[@MAGA_Randy_Marsh]

That’s what I was thinking too. I’m in Chicago so I was beyond excited hearing the draft lottery news. They interviewed him and the lady asked, “So what’s something outside of hockey that we don’t know about you.” And he goes, “uhhhh well I like to play roller hockey in the summer.” Hahaha. Fuckin 100% dedicated and I love it.

[@miketitus2002]

And that's what separates the elite athlete from the rest of us haha

[@kevinmorrice]

its like shohei with baseball, its more than a job, its there life

[@OutlierConcepts]

"Wayne Gretzky is a pretty good player" -Connor Bedard, 2023

[@eSentrik]

I died at that part lmao

[@wyattjeffers7885]

Imagine if it really was some Gretzky imposter though. haha

[@Max_m]

Kind of disrespectful in my book

[@wyattjeffers7885]

@@Max_m I mean Gretzky was in fact pretty good since if he never even scored a goal he’s still have more points than anyone, not to mention he does also have more goals than anyone. He literally was in fact pretty fuckin good. I think CB was being facetious about it instead of disrespectful…

[@elusivelectron]

Beat me to it.

[@893263007]

Such a difficult life. He had to go a week without hockey because he was forced to go on a vacation to Hawaii. But in all seriousness, he's remarkably humble for someone in his position.

[@jackgray8776]

lmao it’s a lie to normal people, to a top athlete in the world, it’s different. jordan wouldve said the same. more than likely mot a lie from a hockey addicted 8 year old

[@jackgray8776]

I missed a baseball game as a kid because my family had a vacation planned and I cried about having to miss it. I sucked at baseball. if i was good I wouldn’t have left 🤣

[@pierrebertrand3716]

@@talbotd27 Bedard has already a lot of sponsors $ so money to buy a car is not an issue

[@wulfW]

Yea he should've told his parents to quit their jobs and work at McDonalds instead.

[@thunderbuddy88]

But he didn't go a week, he brought roller blades and a stick.

[@at7915]

During the draft order reveal, the interviewer asked Connor: "what are your hobbies off the ice?" Connor seemed unable to think of anything, then said: "well I used to spend a lot of time playing roller hockey" This kid is a maniac I love him

[@darrenpittman2576]

His hobby off the ice will be shopping for Winter jackets living in Shitcago

[@maxknebel9926]

@@darrenpittman2576 wtf. He’s from Canada, I think he’s set for winter coats.

[@andrewd433]

I mean, that's the difference between good and great right. Prioritizing what's most important vs spending time on other things. Should make for a very exciting season.

[@afromanftw]

chicago's winter well be soft for him lol, he'll be wearing shorts lol

[@at7915]

@@darrenpittman2576 He’s been playing in the prairies!

[@AFT3RxLiFE]

Bedard, McDavid, Crosby.. you see why they separate themselves from everyone else. THEY ARE OBSESSED. From childhood they’re playing every single day, putting in numerous hours because it’s fun to them. Can’t wait to see what Bedard is gonna do!

[@stuartrubenstein6624]

And they all come from Canada

[@romanborris7919]

they are all centerman from Canada and are generational talents… of course they’ll be talked about exclusively.

[@Clash4life22]

@@romanborris7919 ya its also not like theyre the best players in the league as well

[@romanborris7919]

@@Clash4life22 exactly my point.

[@StonedSpagooter]

@@romanborris7919 Bedard is already a top 50 NHL player man

[@terryglobal88]

Appears to be a fine young man with a tremendous attitude and an extremely talented and dedicated hockey player. His parents deserve a huge amount of credit for raising him with a real sense of values and the sacrifices they have made along the way. Thanks, Mom and Dad for your contribution to society and hockey.

[@blaynestaleypro]

I wish hockey players were better spoken with the charisma of The Rock. It would make hockey way more fun to watch. 😄

[@bangyahead1]

Mom and dad are about to get an early retirement.

[@CarlWinslow346]

71 goals and 143 points in 57 games this season. Unheard of in the W

[@vgkstone9692]

Sounds made up 😂 kids doing pretty good I’d say 😅

[@giovannidibravato5576]

here are the actual records in the WHL Most goals in a season: 108, Ray Ferraro, 1983-84 Most assists in a season: 136, Rob Brown, 1986-87 Most points in a season: 212, Rob Brown, 1986-87

[@JHockeyFan]

The Dub

[@mikegrant826]

He has the 53rd best scoring season, not so unheard of...

[@jeffvanderwerf3391]

It's not unheard of, but why it is so exceptional is his age. He is three years younger than many of the players he's going against, which is a big gap when you're talking 17 to 20 years old.

[@mathieuferlandkozicz1335]

Anyone who doesn’t know about just know he doubled McDavid’s point output for Canada at the WJC

[@Dave-oz9qh]

no idea what you just said but OK

[@osomoisty]

​@Dave that this kid, statistically is twice as good as McDavid in that league

[@polardyy]

i really respect it but it won’t mean anything in the nhl.

[@johnjohnston3879]

Fun fact Peter Forsberg still holds the all time record for that tournament, and all though he is an all time great, he’s no mcjesus.

[@johnjohnston3879]

Fun fact Peter Forsberg still holds the all time record for that tournament, and all though he is an all time great, he’s no mcjesus.

[@lalitdatta4912]

On Wayne F***ing Gretzky calling him: "I couldn't really speak...you know, he's a pretty good player." LOL love that.

[@my3dviews]

Ya, it sounded like. He's a slightly over average player. LOL

[@Bronf]

Good kid with a good head on his shoulders. Congrats to the Chicago Blackhawks in getting the next NHL generational player.

[@derekgiesbrecht-xp5yc]

Boo, buried in the states

[@Bronf]

Chicago is a big market and an Original 6 Team. He'll be far from buried.

[@derekgiesbrecht-xp5yc]

@@Bronf i meant, far away from canada is all

[@glennhankins6927]

Honestly if I was the Blackhawks GM, I would draft Adam Fantilli.

[@petealvarez1476]

@@glennhankins6927 suuuuure…😂

[@DrAyguenSahin]

I am so happy to see him rise up the ladder and still staying so down to earth, and keep working hard. My favorite boi! Wishing you all the best in your amazing career ahead of you! 🤗💪👌👏🙏❤️❤️

[@willkeating461]

I feel like he saw and learned from the Shane wright upset, nobody wants a know it all, humility is the way to go

[@DrAyguenSahin]

@@willkeating461 Ha! Yes, I thought about the same thing last year that no one wants to have a "know-it-all" in the team and that humility always wins. 💪👌 He'll have so many jealous people around him (he was already attacked many times during the world cup), but he puts down his head and keeps working hard and does the best job he can. We should raise more kids like this!! BRAVO to his family! 👌🙏❤️

[@benchapp151]

What an awesome time for hockey, this kid will be a great addition to the nhl

[@jimbobbilly7653]

Pretty crazy how someone is able to take something that could've destroyed his potential, and used it in a way to improve himself that he couldn't before. You hear so many stories of injuries ruining people's careers in sports and then this guy just man's up and makes his shot even better from a potentially permanent injury. We could all learn from that mentality tbh. Looking forward to what he has to bring.

[@troykall3939]

Never heard of this kid but from what I can see his talent is beyond Talent he is going to make a huge impact for a team in the NHL good luck Connor can't wait to see you play in the NHL

[@Jaymsie.]

You must live WAY down south, lol!

[@CarlWinslow346]

Thats crazy to me. But im jealous, go down his rabbit hole on youtube

[@Dimensionalize]

Having you been living under a rock? lol

[@dacrosber]

@@Jaymsie. haha that’s what I’m saying

[@MuhammadZegras]

@@Jaymsie. I’ve met non hockey fans in SoCal that have heard of him lol. This guys just under the rock hard

[@StonedSpagooter]

1st exceptional status in WHL history. A notoriously difficult league that prides its self on fighters, hitters and strong D men.

[@SnapshotMC94]

He scored 71 goals in 57 games. Absolutely insane to be able to do that in the Dub

[@valr852]

Good luck Connor,hope all goes well for you,stay humble,🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@M83333]

can't wait to see which team Connor goes to!

[@yalksen]

Tomorrow we'll know :D

[@JesusChrist2000BC]

​@Andy Smith Ducks deserve nothing after they got rid of their classic uniform colors and logo. Hope they continue to fail.

[@17kevo17]

@Andy Smith Anaheim's got Regenda, they don't need Bedard😂🔥

[@franksmith541]

Fortunately for him it will be a US team, and one with such history. He will get the Cup with Chicago within four years. If he was drafted by a Canadian team, like McDavid, he would never have gotten the Cup - unless traded to a US team, of course. Poor McDavid.

[@joemarooni4580]

Blackhawks - I travelled to the future seen it happen now I am back, place your bets it’s 100% sure profit!

[@FrankTheDoomriderJohansen]

Doing the Patrick Kane celly was DESTINY!!!!

[@diegojuarez8041]

Emily Kaplan always does a really good job creating special stories like this one

[@719sikora]

The girl who did the interview? She did a fine job of asking questions, but I don’t think she created anything. Did she edit the video? Is she Connor’s mother? If she did one of those things, then I would agree with you. :)

[@tiffaniterris2886]

She called the Saskatchewan prairies "Tundra". She is a dolt.

[@Feurmc_]

She’s overhated imo

[@moquavius1179]

@@Feurmc_ she's absolutely terrible. talks to the players and coaches like theyre mites in between periods.

[@719sikora]

@Taylor Imagine being so lame that you are defending either interview girl, or comment guy?

[@headsuphockeypodcast2707]

He reminds me of a Canadian Ilya Kovalchuk. Very darn good skater, the way he can shoot is very lethal, and will be a big PP guy.

[@HunterMagunter]

Gonna be even better than kovy

[@aservant1284]

Yes its the skating style and the shot

[@jeffvanderwerf3391]

That is a really interesting comparison. Kovy is much bigger, but their games are similar. I think some of Kovy's career decisions weren't the greatest, and he was on some pretty bad teams, otherwise he would have had a much bigger impact.

[@mikeraeburn190]

Mike Bossy #22 was my childhood hero & has now passed...R.I.P. but I see something in this kid Bedard that puts a twinkle in my eye!

[@r3tr0actiongamer24]

Bossy was damn special, exceptional talent cut down by a back problems.

[@Forte_Pachino]

I’m here after my Blackhawks landed the 1st overall pick👀

[@ace2585]

You gonna go the BEACH to celebrate?

[@ryansmith522]

Love the Original 6 matchups. Hopefully you guys can properly rebuild and have some more exciting games soon.

[@tayonjones2230]

He won’t go there

[@maxknebel9926]

@@tayonjones2230 for sure. Definitely won’t go to the 3rd biggest sports market in hockey and take advantage of all that sponsorship $$ 🙄

[@Forte_Pachino]

@@tayonjones2230 someone salty lol

[@nightmarefuel3870]

Imagine seeing Berdard, mcdavid and crosby on the same Olympic team 😢

[@tylergady2019]

And MacKinnon and Makar

[@berryscott3590]

Assuming they ever have a Best on Best, Men's OG Hockey Tourney again.. By the time Bedard makes it, Crosby won't... Youth must be served...

[@Axeom]

Just a huge hockey fan (not Canadian obvs hah) but always makes me happy to see someone with such passion and hard work put into something pay off. Wish him the best of luck - Hope to see him in Boston one day ;)

[@flormorena3778]

Chicago is honored & excited to have you join ! We’re rooting for you,kiddo ! 😊 ❤️🏒 🖤

[@kittycatcat6962]

Hes definitely a future superstar, hopefully he stays healthy best wishes bedard

[@ryanmcpherson8433]

This kid was born to play hockey ..it's all he wants to do ..and does a great job along the way .Goodluck kid 💯

[@tawnyavandamme5471]

So happy he’s a Canadian ! We are watching each step buddy! Go get em 🇨🇦

[@cheapdutchman7696]

Can we please let Crosby, McDavid and Bedard go to the Olympics Bettman. We literally don't need any other players, just them

[@michelfroggy56]

My Most memorable moment isn't about his play. After winning the gold in the WJC a reporter started asking him about his play and he simply said, No No , this isn't about me, this about the team. Humility and Grace all in one sentence.

[@RevanX]

"Frozen tundra of the Canadian prairie" is like saying "wet rainforest of the Brazilian desert" .. two entirely different ecosystems

[@nikshill8767]

it's for amercian consumption. did you see the video of peyton manning, pk subban talking about the Cup? same drivel.

[@souleater0815]

First goal last night! 🏒

[@krakenhawkstratdude204]

He’s a fantastic talent. It will be fun to watch him in the league unless he’s going against your team.

[@FatLikeKessel]

Seems like he’s got a great head on his shoulders to go along with that constant want to improve his game . Would have loved to see him here in Anaheim with some of his former teammates and young prospects.

[@windycityrosin]

Welcome to Chicago

[@SkyliCyrus]

My gosh i missed hockey! Been away for a little back now!

[@donalddees5503]

Mr Bedard wins the award for most Canadian Dad.

[@stupidas9466]

His wife looks more like a puck bunny than a hockey mom.

[@sheltongoodswimmer4975]

They should've showed his interview at the world juniors.. pure class

[@MrPaglissi]

Some folks are gifted with raw talent. Some are gifted with unparalleled work ethic and commitment. When some one has both…. You get the Jordans, the Gretskys and the Rices of an era. It’s always a sight to see.

[@toddpearson9061]

Awesome to Johnny paddock again haven't seen him since he played here in Portland for the maine mariners and I was a stick boy for them and then I went to the flyers

[@TheTeisings]

He’s seems humble. That’s awesome

[@johnnygaudreau2928]

Wish I could Play in Philadelphia with Connor Bedard 😢😢😢

[@ianwelch2888]

He’ll be the next great Blackhawk

[@justincohen4823]

Crazy to see the Nats gear. Represent 💯

[@BassPro2]

To have parents that support you is priceless.

[@kruofud]

09:43 what blade holders are those? They appear different than the lightspeed Edge...

[@KertoBrand]

Impressive piece on the kid. Wish him the best at the next level

[@audrey3155]

with all the hype, i'm soooo excited to see him in the nhl next season!!

[@aw7614]

his into to world juniors was a year prior when the league played only a few games before ending for covid. in which he scored 4 goals in the one game

[@wayneparr7571]

Chicago welcomes you Connor! You will be embraced here!

[@davidrobins4025]

He is going to be fun to watch throughout his NHL career.

[@deserttrailscout]

It’s crazy seeing in in Hana at black sand beach and rollerblading through kihei because there’s a roller rink there now we’re kids have a roller hockey league

[@theshizon]

Excited to see him next season but Juniors and the big show are 2 completely different beasts. I'll believe when I see it.

[@acerothstein4755]

Exactly

[@stephanfischer8239]

Congrats to the blackhawks for that ladd he is in this young age far outstanding Player saw him playing in the juniors WC. He can be the next remarkable player in the league for sure.

[@Senriam]

So happy to have a talent like him after so many years of awful salary cap finagling

[@user-ww7iy7vz6h]

Great piece about Canada's next one. Though over the top on the Canadian frozen tundra intro. Could have used some context of Bedard's adopted hometown's embrace of this generational talent over a sterotypical desolate winter moonscape image. Wishing Connor great success and sustaining his down to earth humility in pursuing his potential in the NHL.

[@my3dviews]

Ya, Regina is far from the Canadian Tundra. 🙄

[@berryscott3590]

@@my3dviews Average winter day time temperature 12 degrees F... Brutal winds...It sure ain't Miami Beach...

[@my3dviews]

@@berryscott3590 The tundra refers to a region in the arctic. Regina is no where near the arctic.

[@random3003]

Next season is gonna be 🔥

[@martinthomas2520]

I like how they added “potential” in there. Feels like too often we crown guys coming out of college as the next great thing. Let them earn it by putting in the time and work to become great, then we’ll see!

[@tjayk9127]

As a Chicago/Florida native this year of Hockey has been good for me so far.

[@johnlarocco3348]

Welcome Connor and the Bedard family 👪 to Chicago. We're going to have a great relationship together . We've been waiting for you and we can't wait to get started. Americans love their hockey. Go Blackhawks. Ooo Rah !

[@itocarloschitown1089]

I'm excited about being a Blackhawks fan again we got the number one pick or this year NHL draft I'm hopefully back to the top yes let's go Blackhawks Chicago

[@aservant1284]

I hope he succeeds in the NHL.. I wish him the best

[@bassfischer4273]

It'll be SO interesting to see what his presence does for the Blackhawks. Will they become elite again and how soon. And to have a chance to see him on the same ice with McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby and others.. fun time to be a hockey fan.

[@whadthefriggincrud]

Can't wait to see him in Chicago!!!

[@PatrickMcMahon1]

He’s got the Hyperlite 2 skates already. Nice.

[@dondash8921]

Seems pretty grounded too. No big league ego. I'd love to see the 2 Connors on the ice.

[@kradz5172]

As a Devils fan I'm happy that he'll be in the West (same for Fantilli) but i wish he wasn't going to Chicago. I was pulling for Arizona, San Jose, Anaheim or Vancouver.

[@Clash4life22]

Im hoping that somehow and someway the Canucks can win the lottery and draft him. Would be amazing to have a huge talent like Bedard to play for his hometown team. If we do somehow land him, we might finally have an actual chance of winning the Cup

[@moneyman8772]

They ruined a good chance of it happening by deciding to start win when it did not matter at all. Just Canucks things.

[@Clash4life22]

@@moneyman8772 ya I know…

[@vincesegafredo2438]

@@KMVS8686 please season tics have been sold out for a long time. At least good ones. Who wants to go to every game anyways. Pic the ones u like and buy them aftermarket

[@mattronan7427]

Damn i really wanted him in Anaheim, Chicago got their patty Kane replacement

[@drewnorth8985]

He broke his wrist and still found a way to improve his game...thats amazing.

[@jacques5869]

I don't watch hockey at all, just come here after seeing a post by ESPN making comparisons to Vic Wembanyama... Can't lie I might have to become a Hockey fan! 😂 It's impressive how both young stars come across as very bright and very grounded! I can totally see the hype!

[@TampaTec]

Canadian Teams that haven't won this century and hopefully he lands: #1 Montreal Canadians, #2 Ottawa, #3 Vancouver #4 Toronto

[@SAINTxSZN]

lol

[@MicBergsma]

Clips of Hawaii was right by in-line hockey rink where we play, it would be sick if he comes back and join us for pickup haha

[@anthonyriche552]

There's a rink in Hawaii? Where??

[@MicBergsma]

@@anthonyriche552 Kihei, HI

[@MicBergsma]

At Kalama park

[@anthonyriche552]

@@MicBergsma Ahhh in Kihei on Maui. Cool to know. Thanks, bud. I'm on Oahu and I didn't think there was a rink out here.

[@MicBergsma]

@@anthonyriche552 Oh yes Oahu have both! Ice and inline! I am jealous :)

[@tylerletendre218]

This guy was probably in Kamloops BC for the memorial cup this week 😮😮

[@AdventuresofaGeek]

Let's Gooo Chicagooo!! ❤🖤❤️🖤

[@matthewlooby3708]

Wow, I never knew about his wrist injury. What an impressive human to work through it.

[@alexnolfi3730]

I love how he chose #98 - sandwiched himself between #99 and #97. These three might go down as the best ever (at least best Canadian trio) ever when it's all said and done.

[@RafaJack90]

Chicago so lucky to get this boy.

[@WhatIsaysGoes]

My Flyers needed him! Damn

[@TheOGHoopByTheBook]

Seen him last year against the Winnipeg Ice and he finished with like 0 points and -2…. I still was in awe of him, I’ve never said or even thought that was possible for a person to have a off night but yet be so damn impressive. Skating is unreal and he’s not a chicken sh*t by any means. If anyone tries to mess with him in the NHL he will stand his ground which isn’t necessarily normal for stars as someone else does but he won’t have others fight his battle.

[@davo1093]

When people down here in Australia, (we have zero ice lol) know who Connor Bedard is… must be pretty bloody good!!! Best wishes and Good luck young fella.

[@lostvlog6857]

Chicago is going to love him!

[@cartermoog9635]

Kids gonna change hockey, what a class act, congrats chi-town

[@mrwaltermathews]

My favorite movie as a kid was "Rookie of the Year" this kid is the real life version, arm break and all.

[@wyattjeffers7885]

Funky butt lovin

[@GreenNugz4]

WELCOME TO CHICAGO!!

[@dafunk4431]

Out of the entire juniors the Slovakian goalie pretty signed himself a contract. Even though they lost the game still he had 52 shots on net

[@my3dviews]

Watching the World Juniors, he did remind me of McDavid. Same first name, same skills. Whoever gets him will be a much improved team.

[@SMC01ful]

Next level puck handling, and that bullet shot is only going to get better. He's not particularly quick, but quick enough and he'll be working on it. He looks strong as well, solid, more in the Crosby than McDavid mold. Certainly saw enough here to see why there's hype. I'm a McDavid fan-boy, but I have no bones with folks who prefer Crosby, his achievements have been incredible and as much as I like McDavid and the oilers, hell I dunno if he'll ever top Sid in terms of pots and trophies, but hey, he'll give it a poke. So, yeah best of luck to this latest Connor anyhow!

[@zyx777zyx]

Can't wait to see which NHL team wins the draft lottery

[@J-M-E]

Bedard is going to be a STAR!! Original six?!?!? LFG!!!! Blackhawks are winning another 5 cups

[@bufnyfan1]

I remember the same attention being given to Eric Lindros in 1991 (and how he refused to go to the then-Quebec Nordiques when they drafted him first overall). Although Lindros had a good (but certainly not great career) he never lived up to his full potential due to injury (especially multiple concussions he suffered). Lindros now has donated and raised millions of dollars for the Department of neurology/sports medicine at the U of Western Ontario which is doing groundbreaking work on concussion injuries. Lindros has admitted that he was a "marked" man when he played which contributed to his multiple concussions. Let's just hope that doesn't happen to Connor Bedard.

[@rowhouse6029]

Connor I will be disappointed if he is not rookie of the year this year, and just an immediate superstar. He has all the intangibles. Strength, work ethics, maturity. My only fear is if he has a good enough team around him to help him thrive.

[@georgemoscahlades7473]

He reminds me of Nail Yakupov. Just foolin’.

[@INova-eo1xd]

Maybe I’m reaching but when they show the teams who can get him Vancouver is the only one with a person (bedard) standing in back😂

[@woodsy3495]

It's nice to be excited about hockey again in Chicago! This kid can really shoot that pick. Give him an opening and you can put it in the bank.

[@Tbass-yy8uc]

Welcome to Chicago kiddo!!!

[@natthaphonnoble7946]

Might wanna bulk alittle for the nhl but yeah great skill maybe another jack Hughes type player idk

[@charlesmigneault7918]

isn't that great to have talent like this. For some, dreams comes true, way to go.

[@dumoncer]

“Frozen tundra” 😂. There is no frozen tundra in Regina, ESPN. It’d be pretty hard to farm on frozen tundra. That’s about 1000km north.

[@sluis0x688]

"Sauce, 5 hole" and then puts it in the top right bugged the shit out of me LMAO.