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Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard faces harsh criticism from NHL analyst
Photo credit: NHL.com
NHL Analyst Mike DiStefano would levy some harsh criticisms towards Connor Bedard, the face of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise, after he heard comparisons between Bedard and the San Jose Sharks' Macklin Celebrini.
Hockey Canada released a list of players invited to their orientation camp on August 26th in Calgary.
Two of those players invited were Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard, both 1st overall round picks in consecutive years.
They will both be battling it out in Calgary for a spot on Team Canada in Calgary.
The Chicago Blackhawks have a generational talent in Connor Bedard, but will he have a difficult time beating out Celebrini?
Connor Bedard is a Calder Trophy winner and a 60-point forward, but he isn't "dependable"?
According to DiStefano, he feels that Macklin Celebrini is a shoo-in for the spot he and Bedard will be competing for this summer.
DiStefano would also take exception to those making comparisons of Bedard and Celebrini as lofty ideals and would characterize the Sharks forward as "dependable."
I think he's going to put on a show out there in San Jose. And they're going to want a little bit of young youth, I think, on this team. I think Celebrini will be the guy who really stands out. I think he's more dependable in more situations than a guy like Bedard, we'll say. So, if they're going to bring one of those young talents, I think Celebrini has a chance to make his way onto this roster."
It seems as if DiStefano has a certain axe to grind with the Blackhawks and Bedard, who has posted consecutive 60-point seasons and has explicitly stated year in and year out that he wants to improve his game.
We all know the kind of dedication he has, so this comment seems a little pointed in the wrong direction.
Celebrini only has a year of service in the NHL under his belt and, unlike Bedard, has yet to be proven.
Can he replicate last season? Then we'll truly know what he's capable of.
This season, Bedard scored 67 points (23-44), and only a year after winning the Calder Trophy, something Celebrini couldn't even accomplish.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 10 | 482 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard faces harsh criticism from NHL analyst Will center Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks make Team Canada over center Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks? | ||
| Yes | 258 | 53.5 % |
| No | 224 | 46.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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