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Auston Matthews' Shocking Connor Bedard Prediction


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Pat Quinn
September 28, 2023  (11:28)
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When Auston Matthews was drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016, the expectations were sky high in regards to his ability.

When he was slated to begin his first NHL season in 2016-17, he was expected to win the Calder Trophy.
Auston Matthews finished his Calder winning season with 69 points in 82 games, with 40 of those being goals.

How do the two players match up

Connor Bedard is coming into the NHL with as much, or even more, hype than that of Auston Matthews. Many are predicting Connor Bedard to even out-score Matthews' rookie season, but can he beat his goal mark?
Both Connor Bedard and Auston Matthews have a key weapon in their hockey arsenal: a ridiculous shot that can beat a goalie from anywhere on the ice.
They obviously play different speed and style games, but goal scoring is where these two players will battle the most over the coming years.

What was Matthews' prediction for Connor Bedard

In Auston Matthews' first NHL game against the Ottawa Senators on October 12, 2016, he scored four goals in the game. An incredible feat, even with the Toronto Maple Leafs losing the game 5-4 in overtime.
In a recent interview, Auston Matthews was asked what advice he would give Connor Bedard on his first NHL game.
Auston Matthews said he did not really have any advice to give other than to soak up the experience.
When asked if Connor Bedard could emulate his four-goal game, Matthews responded with:
I'm sure he can get six

That is very high praise from the former first overall selection, as the hockey world clearly knows of Bedard's ability.

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