"He's a hell of a player," Bedard said simply with regard to the Capitals' 2023 second-rounder.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — For months — no, years — now, Connor Bedard has been asked about himself and the expectations that await him as he prepares to take the NHL by storm. Most questions are nothing new, often generating the same answers he's had prepared repeatedly. However, last week was different as he fielded a question not about himself but Washington Capitals prospect Andrew Cristall — and he couldn't have been happier to answer.
Bedard has played with Cristall since he was five years old. Though the two are foes when it comes to their time in the WHL — Bedard captained the Regina Pats, while Cristall starred for the Kelowna Rockets — they've been linemates before, and they still play roller hockey together in the summers.
Inline and ice hockey have their fair share of differences, but through it all, Bedard sees a constant in his longtime friend: pure talent that makes him one of the steals of the draft.
"Washington should be very excited about him. He's a hell of a player," Bedard said simply.
NHL Central Scouting had Cristall ranked No. 15 among North American skaters going into the draft, and the Capitals were ultimately surprised to see that he was still available as they were on the clock at No. 40. Without any hesitation, Washington locked him in as their second-round pick, and a month later, he was under contract after impressing at development camp.
It was a slam-dunk pick then, and as Cristall prepares for his first training camp and takes part in informal skates with his new club, that selection adds another big spark to the Capitals' future.
The 18-year-old is known for his creativity and playmaking skill on the ice, and his hockey IQ is unparalleled. Follow that with an evolving, strong shot and quick hands, and you have a strong two-way player with upside. His skating needs some improvement, but skating coach Wendy Marco and time will work wonders there.
"I'm a highly-skilled offensive player; I can produce at a high rate. I like to bring people out of their seats and, most importantly, win hockey games."
Bedard easily agreed with Cristall's scouting report.
"I've just seen his development, and there was never a time where he wasn't producing," Bedard said, adding, "He just finds a way to do it and playing on a line with him is so fun."
The next few years will be interesting for Washington as the team transitions toward a likely rebuild with the core aging and Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie nearing the end of their contracts.
But in the end, having a player like Cristall in the mix, who joins Ryan Leonard, Alexander Suzdalev and more rising forwards, packs promise for the District while taking the team more in the direction of a retool rather than a longer rebuild.