Monday night marks the first time Connor Bedard will play against the Coyotes which is a matchup coach André Tourigny says will not be easy to plan for.
The Arizona Coyotes are set to play the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday which marks the first time rookie phenom Connor Bedard will play in the Valley.
Bedard was drafted by the Blackhawks with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft as he is widely considered to be a can’t miss type of prospect with the potential to be a superstar.
Coach André Tourigny has seen Bedard play up close and is very familiar with his game.
“I saw him a lot at the last two World Juniors and everything,” Tourigny said. “It’s not just those eight games, I've followed him quite a bit. Those type of players, I hate when people ask, 'what do you do to stop them.’ You don’t stop them. You try to contain them. He is a great player, he is a young player. He’s doing really good so far…”
Through his first eight games, Bedard has three goals, two assists and five points while playing 19:54 minutes a game.
Bedard really has it all. He is an excellent skater with a lethal shot and puck handling abilities that rival the very best in the NHL.
Even prior to being drafted, Bedard’s name was being talked about in the same breath with players such as Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid.
While the Coyotes have some speed, being able to contain Bedard as Tourigny said will not be easy. The 18-year-old is on a roll scoring two goals in his last three games and it seems he is quickly adjusting to NHL play.
The Bedard show continues and the Valley is just his next stop of many more to come.