You’ve likely heard the name Connor Bedard before.

If you haven’t, you’d better get used to it, because this kid can flat out play.

The early favourite to go first overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Bedard is the first player in WHL and seventh on the list of total CHL players to have been granted exceptional status. That list includes the likes of Connor McDavid, John Tavares, and Aaron Ekblad, who have all gone on to star in the NHL. The most recent exceptional player prior to Bedard is forward Shane Wright, the consensus first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Bedard, a native of North Vancouver, grew up a Canucks fan and said in a recent interview that his favourite Canuck is Tyler Motte.

“Can’t go wrong with the Sedins,” Bedard said when asked who is favourite Canuck of all time was. “Growing up, when I was eight or nine, we were really good. I was at the game where Bieksa sent them to the Stanley Cup Final against San Jose. But my favourite Canuck right now is probably Motte.”

Bedard channelled his inner Tyler Motte and scored this ridiculously nice goal yesterday in a game against the Calgary Hitmen.

A reminder — this kid is just 16 years old, folks.

After seeing the goal, Motte posted the highlight to his Instagram story with the “sick” emoji — the same reaction Bedard posted to his Instagram story back when Motte scored his between-the-legs goal.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Detroit Lions dominate PFF's top-25 players under 25
Hall of Famer, legendary Raiders offensive lineman dead at 86
Report: Cavs owner 'would never' trade Donovan Mitchell to this team
Kim Mulkey adds legendary LSU alum to coaching staff
Insider details LeBron James' role in Lakers' head-coaching search
Cardinals switch up offensive line, move 2023 first-rounder to new position
Commanders poach another key overseer of Lions rebuild
Commanders to hire veteran executive as player personnel director
Guardians designate outfielder for assignment
Patriots' Drake Maye starts OTAs in surprising position
Bettors are buying Bronny James hype before the 2024 NBA Draft
Mets release veteran infielder
Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen will finish off their trilogy in a boxing ring
Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren highlight 2023-24 All-Rookie team
Jaguars' Doug Pederson discusses Trevor Lawrence contract extension
Saints, star CB 'moving forward' following trade chatter
Pacers ride historic shooting performance to Game 7 blowout of Knicks
Timberwolves mount incredible second-half comeback to stun Nuggets in Game 7
Xander Schauffele proves doubters wrong with historic win at 2024 PGA Championship
Four things we learned from Joey Logano's All-Star Race win at North Wilkesboro

Want more Canucks news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.