Former NHL scout makes a crazy prediction about Connor Bedard's NHL Draft status

PUBLICATION

Josh tupper
August 8, 2022 (3:18 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Stop me if you've heard this before, but Connor Bedard is predicted to be the consensus 1st overall draft pick. The conversation is already beginning to sound a lot like the conversation that surrounded Shane Wright this past year. But while Shane Wright is insanely talented, Bedard has been viewed as the next line of generational talents to enter the NHL.

No player has been as highly touted before playing an NHL game since Auston Matthews. As a 16-year-old in the Western Hockey League, Bedard scored 51 goals and added 49 points for a 100 point season. Bedard accomplished this feat in just 62 games for the Regina Pats.

While almost everyone in the business feels the Bedard is the next big star at least one former scout doesn't think that's the case. Former Montreal Canadiens scout, Grant McCagg joined The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro and shared his thoughts on Bedard.

This is August. There were several guys, like Nolan Patrick, Angelo Esposito or Shane Wright, who were described as consensus picks in August, but didn't get selected first. No recruiter has already made their decision this early in the year. It's mostly something you see on social media.

There has never been a winger measuring 5'9 who was chosen first overall. As talented as he is, Bedard is still very small. With Canada, he always plays on the wing. If he's such a good center, why doesn't he play that position with the national team like Sidney Crosby did? Probably because that's where he's going to play in the NHL!

While McCagg has built his reputation on being somewhat of a contrarian there may definitely be a method to his madness. Only time will tell, but do you think someone will unseat Bedard as the number 1 pick?