BLOG: Bedard, McDavid Go Head-to-Head in First Matchup Together on Tuesday Night

Like most young hockey players, Bedard idolized McDavid with the way he played with Leon Draisaitl and his speed but also the excitement he brought to every shift. 

“I wish I could implement it, but I don’t think I can move that fast or anything,” Bedard said. “He’s the best player in the world and he’s so fun to watch and just the stuff he does every shift, it’s crazy. He’s someone I love to watch in those games with him and Leon.” 

The two Canadian forwards met each other over the summer at the 2023 BioSteel NHL camp where Bedard worked out with McDavid and some other Oilers players. There Bedard learned how McDavid trained for the NHL but also asked him questions about life as an NHL player. 

After he watched some of Bedard’s games throughout the year, McDavid became impressed with the skills he presented early on with his puck movement, but the one thing that stuck out to him was Bedard’s shot. 

“His shot is what really jumps out,” McDavid told EdmontonOilers.com. “I was just impressed with how smart he is, how skilled he is and how good he is with the puck. Any time you’re a player of his stature, you’re going to have a lot of different skills and he’s got all the tools in the toolbox.”