A look back on Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard's draft combine
Photo credit: AP
The 2023 NHL Draft saw the Chicago Blackhawks pick Connor Bedard 1st overall, but before all that took place, Kyle Davidson had to evaluate him at the combine, where we take a look back, from 2 years ago.
Two years ago, the Chicago Blackhawks met their destiny in future 1st overall pick, Connor Bedard. Kyle Davidson had to do his due diligence, of course, in order to make sure he was the right pick.
The NHL combine is a way to discern a player's abilities, strength, and attitude. Bedard was subject to this, no different than anyone else, prior to being 1OA in 2023, in Nashville.
The 2023 Combine took place on June 10th in Buffalo, New York. While we know Bedard's star is on the rise in the NHL, it wasn't a given back in 2023.
Unlike future competitors Adam Fantilli (Columbus Blue Jackets), and Leo Carlsson ( Anaheim Ducks), he opted to show his stuff and work out in front of GMs and the media.
Bedard's Strength and Athleticism
Bedard did nothing that negatively impacted his perception as a 1st OA consensus pick. He measured in at a height of 5'10" at the start of his drills on Saturday.
Bedard's proven size hasn't been an issue, as he's cut through defenses like butter and won a Calder Trophy in his first year in the league. Like players who are leading scorers in the NHL, i.e., Nikita Kucherov, he was under six feet. It certainly wasn't an issue in the WHL with the Regina St. Pats, scoring 143 points in 57 games in his last season of his junior career.
He'd follow the measure-in, with an impressive 14 pull-ups. This was the most of any prospect at the combine that day.
Bedard's showcase of his endurance and stamina continued with the VO2 Max/Wingate exercise, and continued to impress GMs and media folk alike.
He'd follow up with what seemed like a full-body exercise for the day. Completing the bench-press, horizontal jump, and agility drills. His athleticism isn't questioned, as we've seen what he's capable of on the ice.
Bedard has proven to be a humble and competitive player in the NHL. And as a 1st-round pick has always had a great work ethic that he maintains till this day.
Let's not forget, Bedard was excited about the prospect of being selected by the Hawks.
"It would be awesome. I mean, the history of that organization and that city with sports would be unbelievable. We'll see what happens, but to select me ... that would be a huge honor."
Bedard's now 150 games into his NHL career, and scored 128 points (45-83), and his determination to make the Hawks a better team continues to this day.
His never ending effort was on display this day, and hasn't let us down since.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 441 ANSWERS A look back on Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard's draft combine Do you think Center Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks will hit 100 points this season or next? | ||
| 2025 | 125 | 28.3 % |
| 2026 | 316 | 71.7 % |
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