Connor Bedard Scouting Reports

Continues to adapt to the NHL and the amount of responsibility he carries with the rebuilding Hawks.
Through 44GP he scored 17G - 22A - (2G - 8A on the power-play)
Average time on ice has come down a bit from the beginning of the season. Clocks in for 19:14 per game. All of his TOI comes at ES and PP#1.
Elite brain. Play driver. Equal parts shooter / play maker. Elusive in tight areas. Hard to defend in small areas. Directs pucks on goal from seemingly impossible areas in the offensive zone.
Fantastic release - one of the most accurate shooters in the entire NHL already.
Has directed 132 SOG.
Work to do in the fade-off circle - only wins 39% of his draws.
Elite / Franchise Player / Cornerstone piece for Chicago's on going rebuild.

Adapting to the NHL game and playing to his identity early on.
Gifted offensively. Playing quicker and faster.
Deceptive release. Almost 'hides' the puck / changes the angle of his release / directing pucks on goal from all angles.
The play goes through him on the Hawks first PP unit.
Averaging 21:12 TOI. Being deployed at ES and PP#1. Has yet to PK at the NHL level.
Franchise player. Only dusting the surface of his upside. Elite NHL scorer as he matures.
Has struggled, early on, winning face-offs. An area he will need to improve upon, especially with the amount of ice time he logs.

Bedard starts his pro career with exceptional play in pre-season with Chicago
Throughout rookie games, and now versus deeper / older rosters, he has not skipped a beat
He appears physically stronger than he was at the end of 2023 and has adapted to the speed of the pro game early on. Bedard is a generational talent that has a chance to carry the crown of the next NHL superstar. Franchise player - Super elite offensive talent - thinks the game one step ahead of his opponents - a threat off the rush - deceptive release - games will get harder come October but he appears ready - monitor face-off success and back check support - the puck will go through him on the PP

Nothing left to prove. Consensus first overall.
Generational talent.
7GP in WHL playoffs - 10G-10A
Doesn't have lighting fast speed but he's incredibly elusive due to his puck skill and ability to beat opponents under their hands and through their feet with the puck on his stick.
Incredible release
Could literally change the trajectory of an NHL franchise.

Has solidified his hold on the number one ranking for the 2023 NHL draft
Elite talent. Mature beyond his years.
Lethal release. Deceptive. Incredible accuracy.
Sees the ice like nobody else in his draft class
Has the IQ to be used on PK if required but not likely a role he will be deployed in as a pro
Picks opponents apart on the PP from the perimeter and top of zone. Franchise Player

Elite talent with potential to be a franchise player at the NHL level
A threat off the rush. Creative 1vs1.
Small area escapes / ability to take pucks to the net is on another level compared to his peers
Fantastic release. Deceptive. Accurate
Competes and wants to be a difference maker Average on the defensive side of the ledger. Offense wins out. Hockey IQ to be used in all situations if required.

A gifted player offensively. Elite potential to produce at the NHL level.
A threat off the rush
He can beat opponents 1vs1 or slip through more than one defender on his way to the net.
Deceptive release. Shoots the puck accurately. Has a plan.
Competitive. Wants to have an impact every time his number is called.
Could simplify at times. Defensive awareness has room for improvement.

An elite talent
Fantastic vision and playmaking ability
Can thread a puck through traffic
His feel for the game in the offensive zone is a skill that cannot be taught
He will only continue to get stronger and more elusive at the WHL level
The favorite to go #1 in 2023