NHL prospect Connor Bedard 1st recipient of the IIHF Men’s Player of the Year Award
Forward Connor Bedard, the expected top pick in the NHL draft on June 28, was named the inaugural winner of the International Ice Hockey Federation Male Player of the Year award on Monday.
“This is such a huge honor,” Bedard said, according to the IIHF. “I’m not sure how to compare it to others I’ve received, but it’s pretty incredible to receive this award with all the incredible players that have competed in the IIHF this season and the amazing players nominated for this award. “
The 17-year-old Bedard led Canada to the gold medal at the World Junior Championships with a career-best 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in January.
He picked up player of the year, best prospect and leading scorer in the Canadian Hockey League awards earlier this month after scoring 71 goals and 143 points in 52 games for the Regina Pats.
Bedard, of North Vancouver, BC, is widely expected to be the number 1 choice in Nashville by Chicago.
Hilary Knight was named the IIHF’s first female player of the year for leading the US to gold in this year’s Women’s World Championship.
LOOK | Bedard looks to the future:
On Monday, Chicago won the NHL draft lottery and will have a chance to select Connor Bedard as the first overall pick.
