Photo by Christopher Lenney

Fantasy Summary

A strong, gritty, natural center with a decent playmaking touch. Still raw, but a safe bet.


Observations

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March 2025 – Bednarik has had a bit of an underwhelming season this year with Boston University from a points perspective, posting only 16 points through 35 games this season. However, he has received some tough matchups and has shown some strong defensive ability against bigger opponents. He likely does not develop into a high scoring NHL player, but he could eventually work his way into a depth position as a third or fourth line defensive forward. He will not become an exciting producer for fantasy managers but NHL GMs should still have some excitement for his prospect. William Langstaff

 

November 2024 – Bednarik has had a sleepy start to his first college season with Boston University. Through his first 11 games this season, Bednarik has yet to find the back of the net for his first collegiate goal. He has five assists so far and has been very good at creating chaos by driving the net. This season he has been called upon to be a defensive staple for the Terriers, playing on the penalty kill and seemingly always in good position. Though the offense has not yet come for Bednarik, this season has been pretty positive, especially for playing on the third line. William Langstaff

 

June 2024 – The Islanders selected Bednarik 61st overall. Pat Quinn

 

April 2024 – Bednarik at this point in the year is a rare case of “same as we left him”. We did get to see his power game start to take over though. Bednarik has this great understanding of creating space for his teammates to operate and making smart effective plays while never being afraid to get greasy. What really sells me on Bednarik is the little things: he goes to net, he chases rebounds, he causes turnovers, he creates breakouts (primarily for Cole Eiserman). Bednarik is not the fastest player, but he’s got a strong engine, and the push to get those second chances he wouldn’t otherwise get if he wasn’t as athletic or smart as he is. I don’t know whether he’s a skilled grinder (currently leaning here) or a grinding skill player but I’d bet it lands him an NHL job in some capacity. David Saad

April Ranking: 58th

February 2024 – Bednarik oozes confidence and boasts a remarkable power game with his considerable strength and a good dosage of pro habits. He’s raw at the moment, but has been trending in the right direction and looks to be a great “draft-low/high floor” option. He needs some time in the oven, but whether it be as a power forward-esque skill player or as a physically imposing, oppressive grinder, it’s hard not to see him in the NHL at some capacity in the future. – David Saad

February Rankings: 58th

Attributes
Fantasy Upside 6.0
NHL Certainty 8.0
Country USA
Position C
Roster Type NCAA
Shoot/Glove Left
Date of Birth May 26, 2006
Height 6‘0”
Weight 185 lbs
Drafted 2024 Round 2; Overall: 61
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Stats – Frozen Tools – Profile on FT

SeasonLeagueTeamGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2024-2025NCAABoston Univ.4021719281
2023-2024WJC-18USA U187246103
2023-2024USHLUSNTDP Juniors27111930321
2023-2024NTDPU.S. National U18 Team612639655821
2022-2023WHC-17USA U17732520
2022-2023USHLUSNTDP Juniors3913173026-1
2022-2023NTDPU.S. National U17 Team61202444320
2021-2022USA-S15Team Black442620
2021-2022NEPACK 16UNew Jersey Rockets 16U AAA16941320
2021-202216U AAANew Jersey Rockets 16U AAA76444892026
2020-2021WYC U15Midwest Prime U15834700
2018-2019WSI U13Midwest Selects U13945900
2017-2018WSI U12Midwest Selects U12720200

Highlights