After breaking multiple records at the world juniors — and going home with his second goal medal in back-to-back tournaments — we shouldn't expect Connor Bedard to be slowing down any time soon.
The 17-year-old returned to the Regina Pats lineup on Sunday night, collecting six points in a 6-2 victory over the Calgary Hitmen.
With four goals and two assists, the projected first-overall pick for the upcoming 2023 NHL Draft had a hand in each of Regina's goals. The six-point effort was Bedard's first in 106 games as a Pat, since beginning his junior career in 2021.
Two of his four goals on the Hitmen were scored shorthanded, and he tied a personal career-high by recording 13 shots on net.
With 70 points (31 goals and 39 assists) in 29 games this season, Bedard is on pace to surpass the 100 points he recorded in the WHL last season.
Further showcasing his talent at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, Bedard is now Canada's all-time goal leader (16) and points leader (36). He also holds the Canadian record for single-tournament points (23) and assists (14). To cap it off, Bedard passed the likes of Jaromir Jagr, Wayne Gretzky and Eric Lindros with the most points at a single world juniors tournament by a U18 player, across all teams.
Despite missing 11 WHL games to play with the national squad, Bedard remains at the top of the league's scoring race. Sunday's contest marked his ninth multi-goal game with the Pats this season.
As Bedard continues his tear through junior hockey, it's safe to assume we'll start seeing some serious tanking efforts begin across the NHL.
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