BUFFALO, N.Y. – Connor Bedard was under the bright lights again as the 2023 NHL Scouting Combine reaches its final stages with Saturday's physical testing ending the week's festivities. As he has done countless times this season, the projected No. 1 pick addressed a room full of reporters with his understated approach. 

As the presumed No. 1 pick for the last three years, Bedard has faced more scrutiny, more attention and probably more praise than most players will receive in the entirety of their careers. So how has he handled it all?

“I think you take things day by day,” Bedard demurred after being asked by FloHockey. “I’m focused on what’s important and what I can control with my own play. There’s extra interviews and attention, but I’m just staying focused on becoming a better player and a better person.”

While he has nothing left to prove in the eyes of many as the Chicago Blackhawks are expected to take him first overall at the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard said he will participate in all of the physical testing at the Scouting Combine. 

He has already done the first portion which includes the dreaded VO2Max bike test, and will do all activities in Saturday that includes things like pull-ups, standing long jump, bench press and more.

Bedard also said he interviewed with multiple NHL teams, but did not want to reveal the number. 

As far as his meetings with the Blackhawks, Bedard wouldn’t give much away but has certainly had a positive experience with the team that is expected to provide his new home for the foreseeable future.

“I met them last summer once and to see them again here was good,” Bedard said. “We had some conversations of course. It was just getting to know them.”

While it is all but a certainty Chicago will select him, Bedard still wouldn’t act as though it is a foregone conclusion when asked how he would feel about being taken by the Blackhawks.

“It would be awesome,” Bedard said. “There’s great history with that organization and that city with sports. If they do select me, that would be a huge honor.”

Bedard is scheduled to begin his testing cycle at 10 a.m. ET at the LECOM HarborCenter.

 FloHockey will have more coverage from the 2023 NHL Scouting Combine and be sure to check out FloHockey's Instagram page for exclusive video content from Buffalo.