Connor Bedard snaps back at haters: “I couldn't really care less. I don't care.”

Chicago Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard took some heat last night from Paul Bissonnette and the TNT panel who criticized him for "playing pond hockey."

From Bissonnette and the TNT panel:

"Sometimes I see him continue to try things that aren't going to work at the NHL level. Like soft plays that are just going to get picked off and go the other way. There are so many little details to his game that are lacking right now. They are going to continue to lose hockey games if that is how he's playing. That is pond hockey.

- Paul Bissonnette

That's a heavy criticism for a player who has arguably been the Blackhawks' best, most consistent contributor.

Well... Bedard ain't having it.

He responded to the criticism today, saying essentially that he doesn't give a damn.

"I'm not watching broadcasts or anything. I'm playing hockey. ... I couldn't really care less, to be honest, what people on the outside think of me or us," Bedard said, according to TSN. "I'm not going to be butthurt if someone says I make a bad play or whatever. I don't care. It's their job to say what they feel and I'm not going to take anything personally."

"Puck management is a big part of the game, but we'll keep those conversations between me and (Bedard)," interim head coach Anders Sorensen said, per WGN Radio's Charlie Roumeliotis. "He knows if he makes a mistake. We talk during the game. He's a smart player, but he's aware."

Look, this is a story as old as time. Young player comes into the league with an offensive flair and the old fuddy duddy's on TV want him to turn into a Selke Trophy candidate. I think Connor's gonna be just fine...