Regina Pats center Connor Bedard talks participation in CHL/NHL showcase game

Regina Pats center Connor Bedard has confirmed his participation in the CHL/NHL Top Prospect Game. As the projected No. 1 pick in the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, Bedard will visit the Langley Events Centre on Wednesday night with 39 other players.

The other players that will participate in the game include Moose Jaw center Brayden Yager, Winnipeg Ice left wing Zach Benson, Owen Sound left-wing Colby Barlow, Tri-City Americans defenseman Lukas Dragicevic, Brandon Wheat Kings center Nate Danielson, Sherbrooke Phoenix right-wing Ethan Gauthier, and Oshawa Generals center Calum Ritchie.

That said, reports have confirmed that several invited players will miss the game due to injuries, including two WHL players — Vancouver Giants forward Samuel Honzek and the Kelowna Rockets’ Andrew Cristall.

When asked about his upcoming game, Bedard said that he did not think much about it and just wanted to prove himself as a player.

“I don’t really look much at all because there’s so much more time until then,” Bedard said. “Honestly, I’ve got to keep playing well and keep proving myself every game.”

Representing Canada on the international stage, Bedard was the most valuable player at The 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship. The achievement mirrors his stellar performance while playing for the Pats in the Western Hockey League (WHL), leading the team to a 32-game win streak with 39 goals and 42 assists.

Experts noticing Bedard’s potential

Dan Marr, vice president of NHL Central Scouting, shared his thoughts on Bedard’s potential. He described Bedard as having “flashes of brilliance,” similar to Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid.

“When you look, you can see his similarities with his quickness, offensive smarts, that go up to the Connor McDavid level but then just the pure substance and overall makeup of his game is reminiscent of Sidney Crosby,” Marr said.

“He’s right up there with those players that are going to be all stars and win a lot of hardware moving forward.”