The Chicago Blackhawks came out as big winners on Monday night in the NHL Draft lottery, landing the top overall pick and earning the golden opportunity to select hockey phenom Connor Bedard.
Bedard, 17, is considered a generational talent by many draft experts and is widely considered to be the best franchise building block since the Edmonton Oilers selected Connor McDavid with the 1st overall pick back in the 2015 NHL Draft.
The last time Chicago earned the rights to the first overall pick was back in 2007 when they drafted winger Patrick Kane, which turned out pretty well for the Blackhawks. Chicago had the third best odds to win the top pick this year at 11.5%.
“I’m a little bit speechless to be honest, but really, really excited,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said, according to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski. “Anytime you can add elite talent like we’ll be able to add in this draft with the first overall selection, it’s a monumental thing. I’m really excited for the fan base and the city. But in the end, it’s one piece. It’s a big piece, but it’s one piece that will go into building this team.”
Chicago beat out the Anaheim Ducks, who had the best odds at 18.5% and landed the second overall pick. The Columbus Blue Jackets had a 13.5% to land the #1 pick but ended up with the third overall picks.
“You never want to move down in the draft and not retain the first spot, but the top players this year give us an opportunity to select an elite player with the second overall pick,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said. “We are now in the unique position to draft one of the best players available and add to the exciting young players already in our organization.”
Bedard, who was the first Western Hockey League player granted “exceptional status” by Hockey Canada, headlines what is considered one of the deepest drafts in years.
