Connor Bedard is selected first in the NHL Draft by Chicago Blackhawks
As expected, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Connor Bedard as the first pick in the NHL Draft on Wednesday night.
The highly talented offensive forward, who has been compared to stars Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, is the second No. 1 pick in the team’s history. Bedard joined Patrick Kane, who placed first overall in 2007 and formed the core of a team that won three Stanley Cups from 2010 to 2015.
The franchise hopes the 17-year-old can usher in a new era.
Although Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson declined to reveal who he would pick first since winning the draft lottery in May, Bedard was all along considered Chicago’s target in a class of would-be forwards.
‘It’s unbelievable. I couldn’t be happier,” said Bedard.
Connor Bedard raises an index finger after being selected first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks
Bedard embraces those around him after being selected first in the NHL Draft on Wednesday
His debut could be on opening night of the NHL on October 10, when Chicago is scheduled to play in Pittsburgh, meaning he could face Crosby.
“I have to get it first, but that would be unreal. He’s a big idol of mine,’ Bedard said.
The intrigue of the Draft began when the Anaheim Ducks selected Swedish forward Leo Carlsson, who was considered the best European skater.
With the third pick, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected Michigan forward Adam Fantilli, who became the third freshman to win college hockey’s highest award, the Hobey Baker Trophy.
The first American player off the board placed fourth, when the San Jose Sharks selected USA Hockey Development Program forward Will Smith, who is from Boston and has committed to play at Boston College next season.
The Montreal Canadiens round out the top five selections. One of the questions is when will a team select Matvei Michkov, who is under contract to play in his native Russia through the 2025-26 season.
A large contingent of Blackhawks fans were in attendance, with an exceptionally loud cheer during the teams’ pre-Draft roll call when it was Chicago’s turn. They cheered even louder, followed by chants of “Let’s go Hawks!” when Bedard took the stage and donned a No. 98 jersey, which he has worn for much of his career.
‘We will see. We’ll let him figure that out,” Davidson said, when asked about his expectations for Bedard. “He’s a pretty special player, a very special person. We let him determine how special that first season is.’
Bedard took the stage and donned a No. 98 jersey, which he has worn for much of his career
Bedard is on the podium with the Blackhawks team staff after being selected first overall
The Anaheim Ducks selected Swedish forward Leo Carlsson with the second overall pick
Bedard shared a message to fans of his new team on their official Twitter account after appearing on stage.
He said, “I can’t wait to be a Blackhawk. I’ve heard so many good things about the fans and the city. Let’s go to Chicago!’
Weeks before his 18th birthday, Bedard has spent much of the past two years projected as this year’s top Draft prospect.
A native of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Bedard has done nothing to halt the high projections after consecutive 100-point seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Regina Pats.
His 71 goals in 57 games last year were the most by a WHL player in 24 years, and his 143 points were the most since 1995-96.
With the third pick, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected Michigan forward Adam Fantilli
Standing just under five feet tall and weighing 185 pounds, Bedard is considered a generation contender, as is McDavid, who was selected first in 2015 and was named league MVP for the third time this week.
The Blackhawks have already started adjusting their roster to help Bedard’s development by acquiring veterans Taylor Hall (the first pick in the 2010 Draft) and Nick Foligno in a trade with Boston this week.
Davidson spent much of last year breaking down his roster, dating back to last year’s Draft, when the Blackhawks stockpiled picks by trading Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach on back-to-back days.
The overhaul continued when Chicago traded Kane to the New York Rangers in February and ended the year by parting ways with longtime captain Jonathan Toews.