Connor Bedard Remains Humble Ahead of Highly Anticipated NHL Draft

Photo credit: NHL.com

Connor Bedard, the projected first overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft, spoke to the media about the possibility of being selected first overall. Despite being the clear favorite, Bedard displayed a humble attitude, emphasizing that nothing is guaranteed. “I’ve said 100 times, no one knows who’s going No. 1,” he remarked.

“I think, for the lottery, I’ll watch it as a fan. If I am fortunate enough to go No. 1, that’s awesome. But there are so many great players in the draft and I’m sure the team that gets that spot or the top pick will be looking at a bunch of guys and have a tough decision with this talent in the draft.”

Bedard also said, “It’d be awesome if I went No. 1, but I think whether you get drafted first or whatever round, it’s a dream come true, and if I get that honor it’d be unreal. I’d be super grateful to the people who have helped me with that. But for me, it’s just kind of focusing on what I can do now to improve myself as a player. It’d be unbelievable to go No. 1, but we’ll see what happens obviously.”

The 17-year-old phenom played for the Regina Pats during the 2022-2023 season, tallying 71 goals and 72 assists for an astounding 143 points in just 57 regular-season games. Bedard was the highest scorer by 36 points, and 45 points ahead of the third-highest point scorer. Despite his team’s early exit in the WHL playoffs, Bedard managed to score 20 points in 10 games.

At the U20 World Junior Championship, Bedard represented Team Canada, putting up an impressive 23 points in 7 games. Many fans and analysts have compared the young forward to generational talents such as Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby.

The NHL draft lottery will be hosted tonight, May 8th. The Top 5 teams that have the best odds of landing the #1 overall pick are the Anaheim Ducks (18.5%), Columbus Blue Jackets (13.5%), Chicago Blackhawks (11.5%), San Jose Sharks (9.5%) , and the Montreal Canadiens (8.5%). Connor Bedard NHL draft