Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard isn’t one of those players who would be offended if we didn’t choose his stylish look for The Athletic’s NHL style power rankings. The 18-year-old went as far as to say he previously didn’t know the rankings even existed.
Bedard then went on to answer a question about how he chooses what to wear, because whether or not he knows it, there are people following the hockey world who have noticed his taste.
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“I kind of just throw whatever on,” Bedard said. “It’s good if someone says it’s nice, I guess. … I got some suits and stuff, but nothing crazy or anything. I don’t have a stylist or anything.”
Dressing up is nothing new to Bedard. He recalled being 12 or 13 years old when he and his teammates wore suits to games.
While Bedard may say he doesn’t take full stock in what he’s wearing, there is something unique about him putting on a suit and going to the rink. Particularly at 18 years old.
“I like wearing a suit to games,” he said. “I put it on, (and) I feel like it helps you get in the right mindset of you’re going into a game. I enjoy that. I think everyone’s different with that. I think that’s the part of it I like.”
Bedard has been a regular in the style rankings all season. He didn’t disappoint this week, but there were other players who were equally stylish — as well as an iconic singer who made a visit to Boston.
Connor Bedard
Powers: We’ve seen flashier outfits from Bedard this season, but the black from head to toe is always a strong look. The loafers work well here, too. I have noticed he’s not much of a tie guy.
McKenzie: Bedard and I have something in common: We don’t care for ties, and if we can do without wearing them, so be it. I like the all-black look with the loafers. He also does something that many other NHLers neglects: He wears a belt with his suits! It’s the details, man.
Evander Kane
Powers: The print and color on Kane’s jacket obviously make this stand out. It might pop even more if he had gone more formal with a tie. That watch gives the look added flair.
McKenzie: I don’t think Kane needed a tie for this outfit to be stronger. I think the print on the suit is great, as well as its darkened copper color. The only thing I’d adjust is the shirt color. A white shirt would work, maybe even a black shirt. The light blue isn’t bad, though.
T.J. Oshie
Powers: Oshie wore this on the day of his 1,000th NHL game. We’ve seen a few players bring out something special. I was torn on whether that tie helped or hurt the look, but I’ve come around.
McKenzie: I love the dark-blue, three-piece suit. I also liked Oshie’s tie selection and how it goes with his shoes. A special outfit on a special day for a special player.
David Pastrňák
McKenzie: This will go down as one of my favorite outfits this season from Pastrňák. I love the black-and-white theme and the spotted lapels on the blazer. The only thing that bugs me is the tie — and I don’t mean how the knot is done. It’s the tail hanging low. Tuck it in! Again, it’s the details.
Powers: You can always count on Pastrňák for something a little different. You don’t see a lot of people take risks with lapels like this. I’m not crazy about it, but it’s definitely unique — and at this time of year, unique is good..
Jason Zucker
McKenzie: This is a strong outfit from Zucker (right). I dig the pattern, the white pocket square and the black loafers. Tyson Barrie (left) looks solid, too, but I bet he also checked out Zucker’s drip.
Powers: I think this may be Zucker’s first apperance on the list this season. This suit looks so cool with the color and pattern. I’m curious if it might look even cooler in person.
Matthew Tkachuk
McKenzie: You know, it’s kind of funny that we don’t see Tkachuk pop up more on these style rankings considering his rise in stardom. I think this color of blue looks great on him.
Powers: Tkachuk came in hot with the icy blue. Florida players definitely seem to have this type of look down.
Martin Nečas
Powers: Doing these rankings this year, I’ve learned that Nečas is one of the league’s best-dressed players. I didn’t know that coming into the season. This pinstriped suit is the latest example of that.
McKenzie: I can’t explain it, but Nečas’ quiet confidence always seems to come through when he wears an outfit like this one. And yeah, I also had no idea that his fashion game was this strong entering the season.
Anthony Duclair
Powers: We knew Duclair had style, but we didn’t see much of his fits when he was with the San Jose Sharks. The Lightning post more photos, so it’s not as much of a surprise for us anymore. Funny enough, this fit gives a lot of Sharks vibes.
McKenzie: Duclair has delivered some strong outfits, this one being the latest: a teal suit with a corresponding tie to match. I’m sure Steven Stamkos or Victor Hedman would be more than happy to help him add more Lightning blue to his wardrobe, but Duclair’s fashion sense suggests he’s already thought of that.
Jack Eichel
McKenzie: I love the red from Eichel this week. He had another strong outfit we considered where he wore a green suit, turtleneck and flat clap, but the red is a bolder, stronger choice.
Powers: Eichel now has brought it a few weeks in a row. You’ve got to respect the boldness. I don’t think everyone can pull this off, but Eichel does.
Linus Ullmark
Powers: Ullmark has put together so many stylish looks this season, but this might just be my favorite. Just perfection from head to toe. Standing beside Céline Dion never hurts, either, but he even gives her a run for the money here.
McKenzie: OK, I’ll ask a question: Why was Céline Dion at a Bruins game? Another question: What were her thoughts on Ullmark’s incredible outfit? Another winner for the Bruins goaltender this year.
(Top photo of Linus Ullmark: Len Redkoles / NHLI via Getty Images)