Connor McDavid gives Connor Bedard advice on managing the pressures of NHL fame

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Finnegan Frost
November 11, 2024 (5:40 PM)

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The Atheltic recently published an intriguing Q&A article regarding an interview they did with Chicago Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard.

Connor Bedard is widely regarded as the most prolific talent to bless the NHL since Connor McDavid's draft class back in 2015.

With that being said, when you're a young superstar, it often comes with some unwanted attention. Commercials, promotions, sponsorships -- it all comes with the territory when you're in the spotlight.

Recently, Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard concluded the NHL media tour in Las Vegas, teaming up with the likes of Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Sidney Crosby for a television commercial.

When asked about his thoughts on all the media exposure, Connor Bedard's answer came across as somewhat bitter.

"It's not fun, really. But it's part of it. It's not what I love to do. If I did, I'd be an actor. But I'm a hockey player. It's not my No. 1 thing, but it's fine."

Of course, being on television isn't exactly what Bedard necessarily wants to be doing with his extra time. Although Connor Bedard can't hide from the future television exposure, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid relayed some words of wisdom to the young superstar.

REPORTER: Do you talk to some of those older guys, like Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid, about that part of the life? About how to handle that and balance that and what's the right amount to do?

BEDARD: Not really. I talked to McDavid briefly about it. He just said keep the hours to a minimum because it can get dragged out. But not too much, really. I haven't spent a crazy amount of time with those guys, maybe McDavid a little bit more than any of them.

I think so. It's a little overwhelming coming into a national spotlight. Not when we're playing. When we're playing hockey, we're just playing the game.

Obviously he's been in the league nine or 10 years now (McDavid), so he's pretty comfortable with everything and with the success he's had. So it is cool to see that he's doing that stuff.

Although Bedard admits that his time with McDavid has been relatively restricted, it's nice to see a level of respect between the older and future generations of hockey. Connor McDavid has the experience of being stuck in the spotlight, and any mentorship is probably appreciated on Bedard's front.

I think it's pretty safe to say that Connor Bedard will be following McDavid's advice by keeping the media fluff to the minimum, and staying focused on the game of hockey instead.