Bedard skating as Canada's 13th forward in practice

After becoming just the eighth player in history to make Canada’s world juniors team as a 16-year-old, Connor Bedard will now have to work his way into a bigger role when the tournament kicks off in 10 days.

As of now, the projected first overall pick in 2023 is skating as the team's 13th forward in practice.

Head coach Dave Cameron's message to the youngster is to stay the course.

"Trust the process," Cameron said to reporters, according to TSN. "There's no pressure from within, other than to be who you are. You're on this team for a reason, play to that. Any of the pressure that goes beyond that is coming from the outside and (it's) a great experience to learn to deal with that."

For Bedard's part, the British Columbia product is just excited to be there.

"Whatever role they give me, I'm happy to play. Getting to play at the world juniors has always been a dream," he said. "Whether you're a first-liner or 13th forward, I think you're just happy to be out there and obviously want to contribute in any way you can."

World juniors teammate Cole Perfetti likes what he sees so far from his teammate.

"I think the first thing that stands out is his shot. He's got an elite shot, a pro shot already. You can see that he's picking corners on goalies and beating them with just how heavy it is," the Winnipeg Jets prospect said. "Then obviously his skill set and his speed and brain kind of follows that up.

"There's a reason he's on this team. He's a really good player. It's fun to watch him every day and see that shot in person."

Bedard dazzled with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League during the 2020-21 season, putting up 28 points in just 15 games as a rookie.

He has 14 goals and 10 assists in 24 contests so far this campaign.

Team Canada boasts the next two projected first overall draft picks, with Shane Wright expected to be selected first in 2022.

The Canadians open their 2022 tournament on Boxing Day against the Czech Republic.