Advice for Mack Celebrini? Connor Bedard Has Some For Sure

When Connor Bedard was asked about offering advice on dealing with expectations to presumed #1 pick Mack Celebrini, the Blackhawks star couldn’t help himself.  San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng asked Bedard specifically about advice he would give Celebrini. After all, Bedard has been offered his fair share of wisdom before he even stepped foot on the ice amidst intense scrutiny.

So Bedard couldn’t help but score one on the media.

“Don’t listen to you guys, I guess,” Bedard said to laughter.  “No, I mean, just play the game. Have fun. You know, that’s kind of the main thing. There’s so much that goes on outside that was great, but honestly some of it isn’t isn’t that much fun.

When you actually get on the ice and and you’re just just doing what you love, that’s, that’s the best part of your day.”

Bedard is currently in San Jose for a Blackhawks tilt agains the Sharks tonight. In the final “Celebrini Cup” match that pits the league’s two worst teams against one another, it’s a chance for the Sharks to get a stranglehold on the top spot in the lottery standings.

While the Blackhawks have won the first two matchups, including a St. Patrick’s Day clash that included five unanswered goals, the Sharks lead the race to get a 25% crack at securing the rights to draft Celebrini.

Of course the Blackhawks still were able to get the top odds last season when they had just an 11.5% chance of getting Connor Bedard.

But they still did.

Connor Bedard Talks Mack Celebrini, Expectations on Being the Top Pick

Bedard knows a thing or two about being the top pick and hounded by expectations. So what would he potentially advise? Bedard noted that Celebrini’s thoughts are likely on the Hockey East Title game tonight as his Terriers take on Boston College. But after that?

“Just kind of enjoy the moment,” Bedard said.  “You know, have fun and he’s a great player. He’s gonna do great things. So just kind of have fun with it, and you know, be confident in your game when you do start playing.”

But watching Celebrini, he knows just how good he’s been.

“He’s a special player and you know, what he’s doing this year is is remarkable,” Bedard said.

And possibly on being teammates next season?

“Like I said, we’re all focused on today,” Bedard answered. “So yeah, I’m not thinking about that too much right now.”

While he might not be, Blackhawks fans sure are. And if the Blackhawks somehow win the draft lottery again, Bedard will experience that media craze all over again.

But if it does happen, he can be the one doling out some advice instead of receiving it.

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