LATEST | Connor Bedard responds to being compared to McDavid

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Cooper Godin
September 2, 2023 (3:10 PM)

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They may share the same first name, but North Vancouver native Connor Bedard is not comparing himself to Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid as he prepares for his rookie season in the National Hockey League.

"You never want to be like, 'Oh, I can't do this.' I don't really think that mindset is great. But I'm not him. I'm my own person and my own player. I think he's kind of the pinnacle right now. And you're like, 'This guy is the best, or one of the best, (so) how can I get closer to him?'" Bedard said according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.

Bedard went on to add, "I think that's such a great thing in sport. You're always competing against guys. For me to get to spend some time with him on the ice and just try to compete with him ... he's obviously unbelievable. You can barely talk about his stats because they're so ridiculous. But for me, it's just trying to be my own player. Be the best I can be,"

It's understandable to see why many in the hockey world are comparing Connor Bedard to Connor McDavid. Both had plenty of hype and expectation surrounding them in their respective junior hockey careers and given the "generational talent" label. Bedard certainly proved that he is rare breed last season in the Western Hockey League by putting up 143 points in 57 games, as well as 20 points in seven playoff games. He also broke several Canadian World Junior records after tallying 23 points in seven games earlier this year in Halifax.

Bedard's rookie campaign is set to begin in just over a month as he'll be facing off against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on opening night of the 2023-24 season. It's going to be interesting to watch throughout the year to see how Bedard does at this level, but there's no doubt that he has the potential to be one of the best players in league in short order.

Do you think Connor Bedard will win the Calder Trophy this season? Let us know your thoughts in the poll below!

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2 SEPTEMBRE \| 542 ANSWERS LATEST \| Connor Bedard responds to being compared to McDavid Do you think Connor Bedard will win the Calder Trophy this season?
Yes	352	64.9 %
No	141	26 %
See Results	49	9 %
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