Paddock not surprised by Connor Bedard’s early NHL success

Hockey phenom Connor Bedard is making a big entrance into the National Hockey League.

The 18-year-old rookie recorded a hat trick in the first game of the league’s Prospects Tournament on Saturday.

🚨HAT TRICK CONNOR BEDARD🚨 pic.twitter.com/ltdmshwdPp

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 17, 2023

John Paddock, former head coach and general manager of the Regina Pats, now a senior advisor to the team, joined CKOM and CJME’s John Gormley on Tuesday to share his thoughts on the former Pat’s entry into the NHL.

Paddock said it was like watching the same old Bedard play.

“It certainly wasn’t surprising. It was like watching him last year for us,” said Paddock.

“To take nothing away from Connor and the excitement that created, he was playing against other junior hockey players for the most part … He was the best player in the world in junior hockey, so to do that isn’t surprising.”

Bedard was drafted first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks back in June, following his second consecutive 100-point season in the Western Hockey League.

Some have wondered if Bedard’s size will hold him back in the National Hockey League, but Paddock said Bedard will likely find success despite his smaller stature.

“It’s going to be a big change for sure. You’re going to be playing against some 225-pound defencemen, but I saw that when (Sidney) Crosby came up,” said Paddock.

“He’s not going to be the tallest in the league by any means, but he’s built like Crosby.”

Paddock said he believes that Bedard will play on the top line for the Blackhawks this season.

“I think they are looking at him as first line centre,” said Paddock. “It seems hard to believe it at times, but he’s crossed every one of these bridges with flying colours, from exceptional player, to us, to being the best player in the league before he was ever drafted.”

The Blackhawks begin their preseason Sept. 28 against the St. Louis Blues.