Connor Bedard has eyes on the playoffs in 2027

Connor Bedard continues his offseason training in Vancouver, and as the intensity of the skates ramp up, the focus is on trying to manufacture a game-like pace.

Bedard's biggest improvement from last offseason's training was his speed. He made a significant jump in the 2025-2026 season and hopes to build on that for October.

Next season is already on Connor's mind

When asked about what he is working on this summer, Connor said, "I'd say the biggest thing [is] kind of always getting a step, uh, for most people [...] just kind of attacking every skate, uh, trying to feel like you're in a game as much as you can [...] Obviously, its only June, but be ready for the start of the year."

Through the first two weeks of Justin Rai's Kaivo Hockey camp, Bedard has been skating with other BC-born pros in light drills, followed by condensed ice three-on-three.

An update on Bedard's shoulder injury

Last December, Bedard suffered a right shoulder injury that sidelined him for over a month, and likely played a role in his not getting selected for Team Canada at the 2026 Olympics.

His play on the ice indicates his shoulder is fine, taking slapshots, faceoffs, and using his body. When asked, Bedard had this to say. "Good. Feels good. I think, I mean, it felt good for the year. It's just kind of [...] trying to rehab it the best I can, but it's felt good for a while."

Bedard has his eyes on the playoffs in 2027

I asked Bedard about what he has learned from watching the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and what he can take into next season to try to push his club into the Playoff picture.

"I think the whole playoffs, honestly, I haven't really watched a crazy amount. It kind of pisses me off. [...] I think just, obviously, how intense the games are, but also kind of, you just got to get in."

When elaborating, he said, "You see some teams that won [a] series where they probably shouldn't have, and uh, it's about getting in and anything, anything can really happen."