Winners of the 2022 draft lottery, the Montréal Canadiens surprised most experts by choosing winger Juraj Slafkovsky over center Shane Wright. They would also ensure Bedard wouldn't have to carry the Sharks offense on his own in his formative NHL years. Both can mentor the promising youngster, with one of them perhaps skating on the same line by shifting to his wing. The Sharks also have long-time forwards Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl to ease Bedard's transition into the big league. He and Bedard could one day form the core of a resurgent club. The 20-year-old has already had a brief taste of NHL action over the past two years. He'd be joining a club that is bringing in younger talent but also has some reliable veterans to guide him.īedard could be arriving at the same time as promising forward William Eklund, who was chosen seventh overall in 2020. With franchise greats Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau long gone, they must make big changes after missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year.īedard could become the next big franchise star who helps them regain their former glory as a dominant team in the Western Conference. The San Jose Sharks appear to be shifting toward rebuilding under first-year general manager Mike Grier. The incoming rookie would benefit from having skilled wingers such as Travis Konecny, Cam Atkinson, Joel Farabee or Scott Laughton on his line. Assuming Sean Couturier returns from the back injury that sidelined him this season, he would make a fine mentor for the young center.īedard could skate as the Flyers' second-line pivot if they end up trading Kevin Hayes this summer. Still, luck could smile on them in the lottery.īedard would join a club that already has several quality veterans to help him adjust to the NHL. Sitting with the league's seventh-worst record, they have the lowest odds compared to the others on our list at 6.5 percent. The last time the Flyers had the first pick was in 1975 when they chose Mel Bridgman. Winning the draft lottery and landing Bedard would be a great start. Daniel Briere indicated as much in March following his hiring as interim general manager. Here's a look at our choices of the seven best landing spots for Bedard based on need, roster makeup and potential role.ĭo you agree or disagree with our choices? Let us know in our app's comments section.Īfter several mediocre seasons, the Philadelphia Flyers are poised to engage in a rebuild.
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There could also be those that provide him with a better chance to reach his full potential.
Other rebuilding teams could have a greater need for Bedard. Only the 11 worst teams in the standings have an opportunity to move into the top spot, and the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks have the best odds of winning it.īut that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best fit for him. He was also named MVP of the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship after leading Canada to a gold medal. A highly skilled center, he was the WHL's leading scorer this season with 71 goals and 143 points in 57 games. Scouts consider him to be a potential generational talent. The prize for the winner is the opportunity to select the top prospect in this year's draft class, Connor Bedard, a 17-year-old center with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. The NHL's annual draft lottery will be held Monday at 8 p.m. Regina Pats center Connor Bedard Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images
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