Connor Bedard is a 17-year-old phenom who is widely considered to be the best prospect in the 2023 NHL Draft. He plays for the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he has scored 41 goals and 87 points in 54 games this season. He is also the captain of Team Canada at the U-18 World Championship, where he has four goals and six points in seven games.
Bedard is a rare combination of skill, speed, vision, and creativity. He can score from anywhere on the ice using his accurate and powerful shot, his quick release and wrist shot, his ability to change lanes and tempo using his crossover and acceleration, and his knack for finding open spaces and making smart plays. He is also a leader on and off the ice, who inspires his teammates with his work ethic, passion, and humility.
Bedard has been projected to be the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft by most experts and analysts. However, there are some factors that could affect his draft position or destination. For example:
- The Chicago Blackhawks won the draft lottery on May 8, 2023, which gave them the first overall pick in the draft¹. They are expected to select Bedard as their franchise player and rebuild their team around him.
- The Detroit Red Wings have been linked to Bedard as a potential trade partner for their star center Dylan Larkin². The Red Wings have two first-round picks in this year's draft (Nos. 7 and 23), as well as several young prospects who could be involved in a deal.
- The Montreal Canadiens have been rumored to be interested in Bedard as a potential replacement for their aging captain Shea Weber³. The Canadiens have one first-round pick in this year's draft (No. 28), as well as several high-end prospects who could be part of a package.
- The New York Rangers have been seen as another possible destination for Bedard if they decide to move on from their star center Artemi Panarin⁴. The Rangers have one first-round pick in this year's draft (No. 29), as well as several promising prospects who could be included.
- The Edmonton Oilers have been speculated to be looking for a franchise player after missing out on Connor McDavid last year⁵. The Oilers have one first-round pick in this year's draft (No. 30), as well as several talented prospects who could be part of an offer.
These are just some of the scenarios that could happen at the 2023 NHL Draft. Of course, anything can happen between now and June 28, when the event takes place in Nashville. Bedard will likely hear his name called by one of these teams or another one that emerges from the pack.
I hope this answer helps you learn more about Connor Bedard and his draft prospects. If you want to read more details about each scenario or see some rankings of other top prospects for next year's draft, you can check out these links:
Source:
(1) 2023 NHL Draft rankings: Who's going after Connor Bedard? - Yahoo Sports.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl-draft-preseason-rankings-who-going-after-connor-bedard-141542427.html.
(2) 6 Dream Trades Teams Should Make for Connor Bedard at the 2023 NHL Draft.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10078064-6-dream-trades-teams-should-make-for-connor-bedard-at-the-2023-nhl-draft.
(3) Connor Bedard NHL Draft 2023: Scouting report, age, draft ... - Sportskeeda.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/ice-hockey/connor-bedard-nhl-draft-2023-scouting-report-age-draft-entry.
(4) Meet the New Blackhawks: Connor Bedard - The Hockey Writers.
https://thehockeywriters.com/meet-the-new-blackhawks-connor-bedard-nhl-draft-2023/.
(5) Blackhawks take 17-year-old Connor Bedard No. 1 in 2023 NHL Draft.
https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NHL/2023/06/29/Blackhawks-Connor-Bedard-NHL-Draft/3441688038289/.
(6) 6 Dream Trades Teams Should Make for Connor Bedard at the 2023 NHL Draft.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10078064-6-dream-trades-teams-should-make-for-connor-bedard-at-the-2023-nhl-draft.
(7) Connor Bedard NHL Draft 2023: Scouting report, age, draft ... - Sportskeeda.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/ice-hockey/connor-bedard-nhl-draft-2023-scouting-report-age-draft-entry.
(8) Meet the New Blackhawks: Connor Bedard - The Hockey Writers.
https://thehockeywriters.com/meet-the-new-blackhawks-connor-bedard-nhl-draft-2023/.
(9) Blackhawks take 17-year-old Connor Bedard No. 1 in 2023 NHL Draft.
https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NHL/2023/06/29/Blackhawks-Connor-Bedard-NHL-Draft/3441688038289/.
(10) Getty Images.
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/forward-connor-bedard-of-the-r
