2023 consensus 1st overall pick Connor Bedard reveals that a Leafs superstar is one of his biggest influences
For 17-year-old Connor Bedard, I'm sure the 2023 NHL Entry Draft can't come fast enough. Until then, we'll focus on putting together the strongest performances that he can between now, the next two World Juniors tournaments and the draft. Recently, The Athletic's Thomas Drance caught up with Bedard to discuss a wide variety of subjects - including who some of his biggest influences are.
In terms of how Bedard has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the world, he attributes a trick that he learned from Leafs superstar center Auston Matthews with allowing him to beat goalies clean. Bedard admitted that Matthews' "drag shot" has become his new favourite shot and he uses it more than any other shot in his arsenal.
"Even now, I'll just search up videos on shooting, or just watch his goals. I think I've seen all of his goals. It's something I enjoy doing and I use it a lot. He obviously created it, and it's become the shot I use the most."
Greatness recognizes greatness, as they say.
You can read Bedard's full interview with Drance below:
POLL |
AOUT 8 | 356 ANSWERS 2023 consensus 1st overall pick Connor Bedard reveals that a Leafs superstar is one of his biggest influences Will Connor Bedard be the NHL's next generational talent? |
Yes | 150 | 42.1 % |
No, he's overrated | 55 | 15.4 % |
He'll be excellent, but not generational | 151 | 42.4 % |
List of polls |
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12 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry Ex-Leafs Enforcer Turned Podcaster Shares Strong Opinion on Auston Matthews Situation |
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17 hours ago | By Mike Armenti Ex-NHLer Accuses Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs of Being Dishonest with the Public |
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Dec 24 | By Dean Chaudhry Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews Believed to Have Reached an Understanding Surrounding His Health |
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Dec 24 | By Mike Armenti Spittin' Chiclets Co-Host Has a Special Message for Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews |
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Dec 24 | By Ryan Smitheram Maple Leafs' Update on Chris Tanev Not Enough to Satiate Fans |
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Dec 24 | By Ryan Smitheram Insider Reveals Power Struggle Between Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs |
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Dec 24 | By Dean Chaudhry Legendary Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen Shares Special Moment with His Son on Live Telecast |
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Dec 24 | By Nick Matthews TSN Analyst Preps Maple Leafs Fans on Potential Recovery Plan for Auston Matthews |
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily