Connor Bedard Responds To Negative Criticism From NHL Coaches And Veterans
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Tom Banks
Dec 28, 2023 (7:56 PM)
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Photo credit: NHL.com
The NHL know they have a top new star on their hands in Connor Bedard, and through the first few months of his rookie campaign, that attention has brought plenty of negativity towards the young star.
Plenty of negative criticism for Connor Bedard and the NHL
While it's something Bedard can't help, he's been at the centre of all the attention thus far in his rookie campaign, and it's reportedly not gone down well in some camps.
According to Emily Kaplan, there's been many veteran players and coaches that have complained about the NHL's coverage of Bedard this season, with many believing it's been too much of a spotlight on the 18-year old.
"Earlier in the season, some veteran NHL coaches & players were quietly complaining about how much media coverage Connor Bedard was getting.
But the rookie has just delivered for Chicago, again and again. Haven't heard those comments in weeks." Kaplan said.
But the rookie has just delivered for Chicago, again and again. Haven't heard those comments in weeks." Kaplan said.
An incredible rookie campaign
We've seen this in other sports, and while it doesn't always pay off with the player living up to expectation, the OT winner and stunning Michigan goal from Bedard in the past week has shown he's more than ready for the spotlight.
Since his play has picked up, with 32 points in 34 games, the criticism has slowly gone away, and while this adds a pressure that won't leave the young star for his entire career, it appears he's answering those critics on the ice, and doing a great job of it thus far.
As Read on Blade of Steel - Veterans and coaches around league reportedly complained about NHL's coverage of Connor Bedard
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