Wayne Gretzky in awe after Connor Bedard's 'Michigan goal'

Field Level Media|published: Sun 24th December, 11:33 2023

Dec 23, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) controls the puck against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at Enterprise Center. credits: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard has provided several highlight-reel moments during his rookie season, however his "Michigan goal" on Saturday left quite the impression on Hockey Hall of Fame member Wayne Gretzky.

The term "Michigan goal" was coined after a move by former Wolverines winger Mike Legg in a 1996 NCAA Tournament game against Minnesota. It occurs when a player lifts the puck onto his stick from behind the net and executes a lacrosse-style shot in the air that beats the goaltender.

Bedard replicated the goal by slipping the puck past the left shoulder of Jordan Binnington at 3:49 of the first period in the Blackhawks' 7-5 loss to the host St. Louis Blues.

?? CONNOR BEDARD MICHIGAN GOAL?? THIS IS NOT A DRILL. ?? pic.twitter.com/KPWcsVGzo0
— NHL (@NHL) December 24, 2023

Gretzky, who was in attendance at the Enterprise Center, admitted to being impressed by both the 18-year-old's goal and his season at large thus far.

"He's been fun to watch. He's been better than we probably anticipated," Gretzky said on the ESPN-plus broadcast. "... I couldn't do what he did tonight. This wasn't in my repertoire."

Bedard leads the Blackhawks in goals (13), assists (17) and points (30) in 33 games since being selected by Chicago with the first overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft.

—Field Level Media