Connor Bedard gives clear response on the topic of living up to the first overall pick hype
Photo credit: NHL.com
Former Chicago Blackhawks first overall pick, Connor Bedard, responds to failing to live up to expectations.
Bedard, who was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round (1st overall) in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, has not had an easy run thus far into his professional hockey career.
Although this 20-year-old forward has accumulated some incredible numbers since becoming a member of the Blackhawks, the hockey world consistently expects more from him, despite Chicago still undergoing a rebuild.
And it's evident this star refuses to get comfortable with losing.
In an interview last month, Bedard told a small group of reporters how he felt regarding the organization's position.
«I think you've just got to play,» Bedard stated. «We've been playing since we were four or five years old. I've always loved the game, and I don't think that should change once you get to the NHL. Obviously, it's more attention and I guess pressure, but it's still just hockey. So you're living your dream and enjoy it and do your best.»
Bedard also noted that plenty of successful franchises and players today had to endure difficult years in order to become what they are today.
For example, the Edmonton Oilers' former first-round pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft missed the playoffs in three of his first four years, and now, his team has fought back-to-back years defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard responds on failing to live up to expectations
Recently, Connor Bedard expressed his perspective regarding him failing to live up to his current expectations:
«Not everyone's winning the Hart Trophy at 19, like Crosby, McDavid,» Bedard told Daily Faceoff. «That's hard to do. [MacKinnon] is someone, Jack Hughes, most guys at 18, 19, when I came into the league at 18, I thought, 'I'm going to be the best,' and then last year, 'I'm going to be the best,' and that's the mentality I have to have. I don't really want to compare my path to another guy's path. There's been a lot of guys that maybe at 18, 19 didn't light the league on fire and then did eventually.»
Due to the fact that Bedard is now out of his teen years, do you think this 2025/26 NHL season will be his breakout year?
While it is uncertain, Chicago Blackhawks fans are hopeful.
Previously on Hawks Insider
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