It appears one of the top-projected picks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft is a huge fan of Connor Bedard.

Ivan Demidov who has made his way to Florida in order to meet with teams in the NHL, and could still be a 2nd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

He has seen Connor Bedard play apparently, as he mentioned the skillful play of Bedard and is a fan of his stick-handling skills.

Specifically mentioning how good his toe-drag release is, which we all know is a deadly shot of Bedard’s.

Not to mention of his best tools in his varied toolbag.

Ivan Demidov on watching Connor Bedard:

Demidov could still end up as one of the Blackhawks’ picks, as they have moved on from Lindstrom due to his injury history.

For now, he enjoys his time in Florida, as he gets to watch the Stanley Cup Finals in Florida until the draft rolls around.

“He has lived up to everything we expected from last year,” said one scout. “He has those silky hands in tight, the ability to finish around the net and that heaviness on his stick. You see a lot of his goals where he’s heavily contested by defenders and he still scores because he’s a natural in tight.”

It appears his draft stock may not have tanked as much as we had thought and could be an interesting linemate for someone like Bedard, if not Adam Fantilli or Nick Suzuki should the Blackhawks select Artyom Levshunov.