For the most part, Connor Bedard has more than lived up to the hype as one of the best draft prospects in NHL history.
Despite being stuck on an atrocious Chicago Blackhawks team, Bedard still regularly displays the rare skill that sees people draw comparisons to Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, and that made him this summer’s No. 1 overall draft pick. Oh, and he’s averaging nearly a point per game at 18 years old. Ho hum.
During Tuesday night’s matchup with the Edmonton Oilers, Bedard gave us another glimpse of his legitimately generational talent. After catching a stretch pass, Bedard quickly put himself into scoring position and launched one of the filthier shots we’ll see this entire NHL season:
Connor Bedard wastes no time‼️
📺: @espn ➡️ https://t.co/FmPv8M6v1l pic.twitter.com/akUN5kPvCf
— NHL (@NHL) December 13, 2023
I’m still unsure when he releases the puck from his stick. It’s almost as if it just leaves his general vicinity and hits the back of the net anyway. What a bonkers play all around.
After the game, when asked about the goal, Bedard seemed unmoved. It was almost as if he expected that kind of shot to go in because he understands that’s his job and that he makes these kinds of plays seem routine:
Connor Bedard unimpressed by his goal: "Just had a shot and went in."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) December 13, 2023
Phew. If Bedard really thinks that was an ordinary shot, I would be extremely terrified if I were the rest of the NHL.
