2023 Upper Deck NHLPA Rookie Showcase: Connor Bedard

by | Sep 15, 2023 | Future Watch, Future Watch - Hockey, Hockey, Sports, Upper Deck

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Bedard Chl Auto2023 Upper Deck NHLPA Rookie Showcase: Connor Bedard – Connor Bedard just attended the 2023 NHLPA Rookie Showcase. Upper Deck was there shooting, and the access gave me insight into some of the company’s plans and how they might market this budding star.

I’ve covered the hobby for a long time and have been a collector for even longer. The amount of buzz that surrounds Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks exceeds Connor McDavid. That doesn’t mean he’s going to be a better player, because that’s a massive mountain to climb. What it does mean is that the amount of attention that he receives from fans and media on social media and in person is immense.

“It’s great to be here and I know a lot of the players, so it’s a fun event,” said Bedard, as he tried to tamp down some of the excitement that fans were showing him at the hotel looking for autographs.

Bedard’s favorite player growing up was Sidney Crosby, and he could potentially face him the first game of the season in Pittsburgh.

“I’m trying to focus on having a good camp. If that’s what happens that would be awesome. Playing in this league is a dream of everyone who plays as a kid. Of course, Crosby is my favorite player, and that would be pretty special, but I’m just focusing on having a good camp,” Bedard reiterated.

Players who have played against Bedard were asked about his play.

“I think the way he’s able to change the angle of his release. He’s always able to change the angle and get the puck through. He’s so dangerous with the speed he carries and how he possesses the puck,” said Buffalo Sabres prospect, Matt Savoie, who said he used to trade cards with kids on the bus in grammar school.  

Bedard has a special wrist shot. The way he uses deception and then just the speed at which it comes off his stick is impressive. It’s a weapon for a player of any size, and that’s not lost on his competition.

“Just the way he releases. He’s super quick and can release it from anywhere,” said Flyer’s prospect Tyson Foerster.

Upper Deck has big plans for Bedard. The 1 of 1 Young Guns that are on the horizon will bode well for this strong rookie class that’s hitting cardboard this year, but the Bedard chase will be epic.

Bedard will be in Series 2 hockey. That will be a release that could sell out based on the supply.

Bedard was doing a lot of shooting. He also spent some time on the ice with his former Regina Pats teammate and Blue Jackets prospect, Stanislav Svozil. I would expect to see a card of them together, in some fashion.

A lot goes into winning the Calder Award. I think Bedard can get 60 or more points in his first season, but so could Arizona’s Logan Cooley. A lot more goes into it, and as the season draws near, I’ll pick my five who can win the award. He will be one of them for sure.

Collect anything you can of his.

2023 Upper Deck NHLPA Rookie Showcase: Connor Bedard – More Resources

2023 Upper Deck NHLPA Rookie Showcase: Connor Bedard – Image Gallery

 

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Russ Cohen
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