Unsurprisingly, Regina Pats forward Connor Bedard is among 28 players approached by National Hockey League (NHL) Central Scouting for selection in the first round of the 2023 draft.
It released its tentative listing in anticipation of the amateur auction scheduled for June 28-29 in Nashville. Bedard therefore received the grade A, which Centrale says will be awarded to those likely to be named in the first round. The 17-year-old has accumulated 21 points in 12 games since the start of the campaign and earned himself Junior League West outstanding player status in 2020.
“It seems like every time he makes an offensive push, even if he starts in his territory, he poses a threat, especially if he gets to the opponent’s blue line,” praised David Gregory, director in charge of headquarters’ senior recruitment the NHL. com. He relies on elite level puck handling and shooting skills. However, when combined with his hockey intelligence quotient and way of thinking about everything, it becomes difficult to contain and stop him.
Also, only one hockey player from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is among the A-rated holders: it’s Sherbrooke Phoenix winger Ethan Gauthier. Gabriel Perreault, son of former player Yanic Perreault and member of the USA U18 national team, is also one of the brightest talents.