The first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft is prepared to compete in training camp for a position on the Blackhawks squad.
The excitement surrounding Connor Bedard in Chicago and the hockey community is continuing to rise as rookie camp and training camp preparations come together.
While he is grateful for the support from the community, he is still focused on scoring his first goal to secure a roster position with the Blackhawks when training camp begins in late September.
“I’m focused on hockey and trying to get better and win games, but I think the best part is just the fanbase,” said Bedard. Simply put, “I’m just really looking forward to seeing that support and everything we have [going into] this year, and hopefully I’m playing, but that’d be awesome.”
Oliver Moore, a fellow prospect, met Bedard for the first time and commented on how modest he seemed despite being selected as the first pick in this year’s draft. Moore also noted how contagious Bedard’s work ethic can be due to how seriously he takes his training to improve as a player. For Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson, this was just the beginning of his efforts to improve the system’s motivation by changing the culture.
Luke Richardson, the head coach, worked with Bedard at this year’s development camp and observed the high bar that Bedard set for both himself and the other prospects in the room. Richardson observed that the Vancouver native is capable of handling the additional attention outside of the rink thanks to his excellent drive for skating and off-ice activities.
Richardson described him as a “high-end player” and an “obviously exceptional talent.” “I believe he has the character and motivation outside of the rink to handle all the additional attention he receives, and I believe he knows how to handle it and it doesn’t really change him,” the author said.
Nick Foligno, Corey Perry, and Taylor Hall, a former first-round choice in the 2010 draft, were brought in this offseason as veteran presences to help develop strong leadership for the younger players on the club. This was another way that Davidson helped to create a strong culture off the ice.
The most important piece of advice Hall, who was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers, could give is to enjoy every moment, whether he is on the ice competing or just beginning his career.
“With Connor, it’s just about letting him enjoy playing, and I think it’s going to be a really fun year on and off the ice,” Hall said. “I guess that’s what I wish that I had done a little bit more,” the person said, “to take it in and enjoy the moment a little bit more when I was young because there was a lot going on.”
Bedard is aware that he can rely on the newest Blackhawks forward as he makes his way through the NHL and ask questions to gain from his expertise.
“I think just the experiences he’s had in his career, and he was [once] in my shoes [trying to] make the NHL,” Bedard said. “Just getting to watch him, ask him questions and kind of feed off some of that stuff would be really good for me.”
Bedard is aware of the standards he needs to set for himself as he continues to get ready for the upcoming training camp in late September in an effort to secure a spot on the full-time roster. He does, however, also want to put his attention on how he can improve himself and not pay attention to what others on the outside might have to say.
His attention will remain on what he can manage from his exercises and what he deems significant in his future profession rather than what others have to say about him.
Bedard stated, “I just concentrate on what I can control and what is important in my life. Therefore, for me, it’s just a matter of keeping mindful of what I can control and what I value most.
With only a few weeks till the start of training camp, Richardson thinks the 18-year-old striker will be able to demonstrate his ability to handle difficulties as he competes against seasoned players on the strength of his ambition.
“[The drive he has,] I think that’s going to push him to be even better,” Richardson said. I’m not very concerned about what he’ll face, but he’ll need to make some adjustments.