Despite standing at 5 feet, 10 inches and 185 pounds, Connor Bedard defies those who claimed he doesn’t have the maturity needed to quickly establish himself in the NHL.
After just 20 games of experience, his name appears among the top 10 NHL forwards in a variety of categories.
Among other things, with regard to advanced statistics.
Photo Getty Images via AFP
A little help from the company Sportlogiq helps to understand the extent to which Bedard is capable of handling things on his own in a weak team. Whether it’s zone entries in control, successful feints or opportunities when entering territory, his name is among the best on the circuit.
A little help certainly wouldn’t hurt. However, we better understand how his speed, his fluidity with the puck and his understanding of the opponent’s defense lead him to initiate the attack that allows him to hit the target a few seconds later.
Faster than Crosby
Last week, the Blackhawks’ young star silenced some of his critics by scoring his 10th goal in his first 17 games. Among 18-year-old players, only Patrik Laine (14) and Steve Yzerman (15) scored their first ten goals faster.
Alex Ovechkin (14) and Mike Bossy (16) both reached this plateau earlier, but entered the NHL at age 20. For comparison: Sidney Crosby (21), Wayne Gretzky (22), Connor McDavid (22) and Auston Matthews (22 to 19) took longer.
If he had to be well accompanied, it would be hell. Let’s assume that the acquisitions of Taylor Hall, Corey Perry and Nick Foligno were more about laying the foundation for a winning culture than supporting great teammates on offense. Additionally, the Hawks announced on Tuesday the end of their relationship with Perry. Last week, Taylor Hall’s season ended due to a knee injury…
Mitten, upper net
That loneliness largely explains why he scored nearly a fifth of the Hawks’ goals (10 of 53). In addition, he managed to score nine of his ten goals at even strength. That’s double the total of all his teammates except Jason Dickinson (7) and Tyler Johnson (5).
He is in good company in this category, as Kyle Connor, Filip Forsberg and Sidney Crosby (11 each) as well as Brandon Hagel and Bryan Rust (10) are the only players in the entire circuit who are more efficient than Bettmann at the same strength.
His frail size, according to some, would prevent him from finding his place near the opposition net in heavy traffic. However, he fires most of his shots from here. So far he has 17, while the NHL average is 10.
Add to this lightness the speed and precision of his shot, as well as the speed of his quickdraw, and you’ll understand why he doesn’t have to be 6 feet tall and weigh 220 pounds to be successful.
Additionally, opposing goalies need to sharpen their reflexes on the glove side as this is his favorite target.
