Johnny Gaudreau shaped Chicago Blackhawks prospect Connor Bedard's path to the NHL
PUBLICATION
Will BloggsSeptember 3, 2024 (9:00)
Photo credit: NHL
Johnny Gaudreau was more than just one of the NHL's elite wingers; he was a trailblazer for smaller players, like Connor Bedard, in a league often dominated by size.
His recent passing left an indelible mark on the sport, with an impact that transcends his impressive statistics.
Standing at 5-9 and weighing 163 pounds last season, Gaudreau was listed at a mere 5-6, 137 pounds when drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 4th round, 104th overall, in 2011. Despite these physical limitations, he became a seven-time NHL All-Star, proving that skill and heart can outweigh traditional measures of an athlete's potential.
Gaudreau's success in the NHL challenged the league's long-standing biases against smaller players, paving the way for others like Bedard, who is now the top-line center for the Chicago Blackhawks. After a stellar rookie season, Bedard also defied expectations by winning the Calder Memorial Trophy and owes part of his journey to the path Gaudreau carved.
Johnny Hockey's influence gave NHL owners and GMs the confidence to draft and invest in "undersized" players, recognizing that talent comes in all shapes and sizes. His legacy will forever be linked to those who defied the odds to achieve greatness like him.
| POLL | ||
3 SEPTEMBRE | 22 ANSWERS Johnny Gaudreau shaped Chicago Blackhawks prospect Connor Bedard's path to the NHL Do you think Connor Bedard will also push smaller players to come play in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 90.9 % |
| No | 2 | 9.1 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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