Connor Bedard opens up on the pressure of being an NHL superstar
The Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard opened up on the pressure of being a superstar in the NHL.
With the jaw injury that forced him to miss a part of the last season, Connor Bedard, after 12 games played this season, has officially played 80 games in the NHL. With 70 points scored in those 80 games, it's safe to say that Bedard has been able to manage the pressure that comes with being a first-overall pick with exceptional player status.
In a recent interview with Frank Seravalli, Bedard opened up about his reality of being a star in the League and how he deals with the pressure that comes with it at such a young age:
"Seravalli: You're a pretty reserved guy. Did anything about the first-year experience with all those eyeballs - did any of that overwhelm you at all?
Bedard: No, it's kind of a slow progression. But I think I'm not a guy that loves being in front of the camera or anything. I think there are guys that, you know, really thrive with being off the ice, showing their personality or whatever. But I'm pretty boring in front of a camera. So that's a different thing for me. You know, not something that I love. But it's part of it, and you got to learn to just deal with it, and it's all fine."
Bedard: No, it's kind of a slow progression. But I think I'm not a guy that loves being in front of the camera or anything. I think there are guys that, you know, really thrive with being off the ice, showing their personality or whatever. But I'm pretty boring in front of a camera. So that's a different thing for me. You know, not something that I love. But it's part of it, and you got to learn to just deal with it, and it's all fine."
He also talked about how he feels this year compared to the previous season. Now, with the Hawks having more experienced and talented players, things are quite different for Bedard and his teammates:
"Seravalli: Well, you're doing fine. This year, how different does it feel? A lot more support, more vets, more players - just the vibe around the team to start this year?
Bedard: It feels good. We want to win. I think last year was really disappointing for us. We all went into the summer with a lot of motivation. We brought in a lot of guys that have done really well individually, but have also won. I think we brought in three or four guys that have won a (Stanley) Cup, or multiple cups. That's hard to find. And just with them coming in, they don't want to be on a losing team. And we're really driven every day. Our practices have been really high-paced. And in the games, I feel like we've played really well so far. Obviously, we've got to get more wins, but it definitely feels like we're going in the right direction."
Bedard: It feels good. We want to win. I think last year was really disappointing for us. We all went into the summer with a lot of motivation. We brought in a lot of guys that have done really well individually, but have also won. I think we brought in three or four guys that have won a (Stanley) Cup, or multiple cups. That's hard to find. And just with them coming in, they don't want to be on a losing team. And we're really driven every day. Our practices have been really high-paced. And in the games, I feel like we've played really well so far. Obviously, we've got to get more wins, but it definitely feels like we're going in the right direction."
There's no debating that Bedard has the personality needed to be a superstar in the NHL. He manages to stay calm and keep his composure under the immense pressure he's constantly under.
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