Connor Bedard named IIHF’s inaugural male player of the year

The best prospect in the world keeps on picking up accolades.

In a year that saw him put on one of the greatest performances in World Junior Championship history, Canada’s Connor Bedard has snagged the IIHF’s first-ever male player of the year award.

The honor was voted on by media and other IIHF representatives, with players being selected out of major international tournaments this year. USA’s Hilary Knight won the women’s award earlier this month.

“This is such a huge honour,” Bedard told 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 unbelievable players that have competed in the IIHF this season and the amazing players that were nominated for this award.”

Bedard was one of seven players receiving votes, sitting comfortably in first at 31.8 per cent. Other finalists included Latvia’s Arturs Silovs (19.6); Switzerland’s Andres Ambuhl (19.2); Germany’s Moritz Seider (14.3); Canada’s Adam Fantilli (11.9); Germany’s JJ Peterka (2.1); and Czechia’s Dominik Kubalik (1.0).

Bedard led the world juniors with nine goals, 14 assists and 23 points, good for first in every category this year. He is just the second Canadian behind Brayden Schenn in 2011 to lead all three categories, and the fourth player ever to do so. With Bedard’s effort, he took home the MVP and the all-coveted gold medal, his second in a row with Canada. Bedard’s first gold in IIHF competition came back at the 2021 U-18 World Championship when Canada topped Matvei Michkov and Russia.

The expected No. 1 pick for the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard led the WHL in scoring with 71 goals and 143 points in 57 games. He became the first CHLer to win player of the year, top prospect and top scorer honors in one of the greatest seasons ever seen by a top prospect.

The Chicago Blackhawks hold the No. 1 pick for the 2023 draft, set to take place in Nashville from June 28-29.