Central Scouting, the NHL’s official scouting service, has released its 2023 North American ranking, and it’s no surprise that Connor Bedard tops the list.
Bedard, the 17-year-old Canadian forward, has been making waves in the hockey world since he was granted exceptional player status to enter the Western Hockey League (WHL) as a 15-year-old. He has since been drafted first overall in the 2022 WHL Bantam Draft by the Regina Pats.
Let’s take a closer look at Bedard’s impressive skills and what this ranking means for his future.
Exceptional Talent
Bedard has been touted as a generational talent, with comparisons to NHL greats such as Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. He possesses a rare combination of speed, skill, and hockey sense that sets him apart from his peers.
In his first season with the WHL’s Regina Pats, Bedard put up impressive numbers, scoring 28 goals and 34 assists for 62 points in just 50 games. He was also named WHL Rookie of the Year.
Top of the Class
Central Scouting’s North American ranking is an important indicator of a player’s potential to succeed at the NHL level. Bedard’s top ranking puts him in good company, with past top-ranked players such as Crosby, McDavid, and Auston Matthews going on to have successful NHL careers.
While nothing is guaranteed in the world of sports, Bedard’s talent and work ethic suggest that he has a bright future ahead of him.
Looking Ahead
As Bedard continues to develop his game, all eyes will be on him to see if he lives up to his potential. His top ranking in Central Scouting’s North American ranking is just the latest indication that he has what it takes to become a star in the NHL.
Whether he makes the jump to the NHL right away or spends some time developing in the minor leagues, there’s no doubt that Bedard will be a player to watch in the coming years.
