(Nashville) Connor Bedard is getting used to the media attention.
Described in talks as the potential ‘next wonderkid’ since part of his youth, the 17-year-old’s career highlight is almost here.
Bedard is all but guaranteed to be selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday, which will represent the end of one chapter and the start of another that, if projections are accurate, could see him eventually alongside the greats of his sport.
“I don’t really know what to expect or how I think I’m going to feel,” the center, a native of Vancouver, BC, said of when his name will be named.
Bedard was still in elementary school when the first articles about his talent appeared.
“It happened gradually,” he said. It wasn’t intrusive, so it helps a bit to learn how to manage things. It’s a little bigger this year with the repechage. »
Some players have gone through the same thing as the young striker.
“I wouldn’t say it’s fair or unfair,” Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, the 2015 No. 1 pick, said of the pressure and excitement. That’s part of the thing. We want to play hockey, and in the NHL. We want to live our dream. When you’re really talented, those things come with it. »
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, the 2008 first draft pick, trains with McDavid in the summer. He met Bedard during one of their practices in the Toronto area.
“There’s a lot of pressure that comes with being selected first overall,” Stamkos said. I don’t think I was in the same category as him at the time, but he has a head on his shoulders. Also, from what I see, he also comes from a good family. »
Bedard’s father, Tom, said in an interview recently that he was impressed with how his son handled all the media attention from a young age.
“I am sometimes surprised with all the things that are happening here and there, explained Tom Bedard. However, he seems to be managing the situation well so far. »