This Weekly Prospect Report looks at the Maple Leafs' Nick Robertson, Oilers' Philip Broberg, 2023 NHL Draft-eligible Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli and more. NEWS | BC Hockey is proud to announce that North Vancouver’s Connor Bedard is the first player to gain exceptional player status for eligibility in Connor Bedard is a 5′-8″, 165 pound forward from North Vancouver, British Columbia.
Needless to say, the 14-year-old Bedard has never lived on his own before and given that his hometown Vancouver Giants don’t pick until 10th overall, he’s not going to be living at home next year.“It’ll be a lot different,” he said.
More from Sportsnet Exceptional Connor Bedard's play leaves no …
WHL Bantam Draft 1st Round Candidates “On the rush, putting the puck through sticks; I use that a lot. We break down each of the 24 teams with analysis, predictions, projected line combos and fantasy player rankings. “Connor is an exceptional person and a great player; we look forward to seeing him in a Pats uniform next season.”Bedard joins the like of NHLers Connor McDavid, John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, among others, to be given exceptional status in Canadian Hockey League history.Although it’s too early to know exactly where Bedard slots into the lineup, Pats head coach Dave Struch said he plans on putting him in situations to succeed.“He’s going to get lots of opportunity to have a lot of success and to make mistakes. Where will he sign? Most recently in the WHL with Regina Pats. “Throughout the evaluation process, Connor has displayed the tremendous potential he has both mentally and physically to be able to be granted exceptional status.”The WHL draft lottery will take place online this year thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the draft lottery may as well have been dubbed the Connor Bedard lottery. In the OHL this past season, Shane Wright tallied a whopping 29 goals and 66 points in 58 games for a brutal Kingston squad. We’re a very professional team. Bedard, along with Russian, Matvei Michkov are the frontrunners to go first overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Bedard is just the seventh player to ever receive exceptional player status in the CHL. The worst teams are the Swift Current Broncos, Moose Jaw Warriors, Tri-City Americans, Prince George Cougars, Regina Pats, and Red Deer Rebels. It’s one of the most game-like systems, so it has really helped.”During the quarantine, Bedard has tried to keep as busy as possible, shooting pucks, working out and rollerblading. “For the past two years it’s been a dream of mine, so I’m super-honored they decided to give it to me.”The Vancouver native was in the car when he found out about his successful application, with agent Greg Landry of Newport Sports delivering the good news. Also, we've got features on Tyler Seguin, Carey Price, Jordan Binnington, Shea Theodore and much more.As a member of The Hockey News family, we first want to wish you, your family and friends the very best of health during this COVID-19 virus pandemic. Last year, it seemed as if that would change with Matthew Savoie, but he was turned down. And with these young guys, no matter what age they are, they get chances to fail and learn from their failures,” Struch said.“As excited as we are as an organization, we’re excited for Connor as well because he’s coming into a great situation.”No matter the role, Bedard said he’s ready to live up to the hype and help get the organization back to its winning ways of the past.“I mean, obviously I’m just going to work my hardest every practice, every day and every game,” Bedard said.“I do think I can make an impact if I’m playing at my best. Bedard Granted Exceptional Status.