2023 consensus 1st overall pick Connor Bedard reveals that a Leafs superstar is one of his biggest influences

For 17-year-old Connor Bedard, I'm sure the 2023 NHL Entry Draft can't come fast enough. Until then, we'll focus on putting together the strongest performances that he can between now, the next two World Juniors tournaments and the draft. Recently, The Athletic's Thomas Drance caught up with Bedard to discuss a wide variety of subjects - including who some of his biggest influences are.

In terms of how Bedard has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the world, he attributes a trick that he learned from Leafs superstar center Auston Matthews with allowing him to beat goalies clean. Bedard admitted that Matthews' "drag shot" has become his new favourite shot and he uses it more than any other shot in his arsenal.

"Even now, I'll just search up videos on shooting, or just watch his goals. I think I've seen all of his goals. It's something I enjoy doing and I use it a lot. He obviously created it, and it's become the shot I use the most."

Greatness recognizes greatness, as they say.


You can read Bedard's full interview with Drance below: