Sidney Crosby Gives Crucial Wisdom with Connor Bedard

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Dawson Mckenzie
October 1, 2023 (4:45 PM)

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In a recent interview, Sidney Crosby gave Connor Bedard some major advice for his rookie season.

Crosby Tells Bedard To Enjoy the Ride as Much As Possible

Crosby is no stranger to the spotlight, and when the former first-overall pick in the NHL came into the league, he remembers just how excited he was. Looking back after so many seasons, he hopes Bedard can have a similar experience.

«Just enjoy it,» said Crosby as per Molinari. «I still remember so much of my first year, all these years later. Going into buildings for the first time, cities. Playing against guys every night that you were watching the year before. You get up for that challenge, but also, you want to enjoy it, because you only have that first year once, and there's so much that's so cool about it. He's going to want to do well, but (he should) try to enjoy it as much as he can.»

Crosby is right, it can be hard to live in the moment, and you can only imagine how hard it can be for a first-overall draft pick, with the immense pressure to perform every night.

Crosby Tells Bedard it is Okay to Say No

Another unique piece of advice that Crosby had for Bedard is to encourage him to say no to optional off-ice things like interviews with the media. Doing so many things, being in the spotlight can add pressure Crosby says. However, it's not more than the pressure that Bedard likely puts on himself.

«Maybe I would have said �No,' a little bit more,» Crosby said. «There were a lot of demands, as far as interviews. You become pretty busy, not just on the ice, but off the ice. You put a lot of pressure on yourself, as it is. He's got a lot of pressure, but I'm sure he puts a lot on himself. That's probably the pressure that he feels the most."

Bedard will certainly be a talent, just how talented is to be seen. Hopefully, he can take the advice from someone who has been there.

As seen on Hockey Feed - "Sidney Crosby shares important advice with Connor Bedard."