The 2023 NHL draft begins Wednesday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., and the Chicago Blackhawks are on the clock.
The Hawks, who completed final season with the league’s third-worst report, defied the 11.5% lottery odds and secured the No. 1 choose for the second time in franchise historical past. And it’s no secret: They’re anticipated to pick Connor Bedard, extensively thought-about a generational expertise.
In 2007 the Hawks gained the lottery regardless of having the fifth-best odds and spent the No. 1 choose on Patrick Kane, winner of three Stanley Cups in Chicago. They traded him to the New York Rangers on Feb. 28 after practically 16 seasons in a Hawks sweater.
Here’s what to know in regards to the draft.
When is the draft, and the way can I watch?
The first spherical begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday on ESPN. Rounds 2-7 begin at 10 a.m. Thursday on NHL Network.
How many picks do the Blackhawks have?
Kyle Davidson, who took over as normal supervisor on March 1, 2022, has lined up a formidable draft haul. The Hawks have 11 picks, together with six within the first 55 alternatives and 9 within the high 99.
- Round 1, No. 1 total
- Round 1, No. 19
- Round 2, No. 35
- Round 2, No. 44
- Round 2, No. 51
- Round 2, No. 55
- Round 3, No. 67
- Round 3, No. 93
- Round 4, No. 99
- Round 5, No. 131
- Round 7, No. 195
What’s so particular about Connor Bedard?
Bedard, 17, had 143 factors (71 objectives, 72 assists) in 57 video games final season for the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. He added 10 objectives and 10 assists in a seven-game first-round playoff loss to Saskatoon.
Bedard on June 19 was honored because the International Ice Hockey Federation’s first male participant of the 12 months. He helped Canada win the final two world junior championships and was MVP of the latest event after main all gamers in scoring.
Bedard, who will flip 18 on July 17, grew to become the primary participant in Canadian Hockey League historical past to comb the Player of the Year, Top Prospect and Top Scorer awards.
He additionally made a splash on the worldwide stage. Bedard led Canada with 9 objectives and 23 factors on the world juniors final winter, and his mixed manufacturing of 17 objectives and 36 factors in simply 16 video games ranks fourth on the profession event checklist.
“Yeah, it’d be awesome,” Bedard mentioned of the potential of the Blackhawks choosing him at No. 1. “The history of that organization, that city with sports would be unbelievable. We’ll see what happens, but to be selected, that would be a huge honor.”
Who are the opposite high prospects?
University of Michigan’s Adam Fantilli is second amongst North American skaters on Central Scouting’s ultimate checklist, adopted by high American prospect William Smith, who performed for USA Hockey’s developmental program.
The high two European skaters are additionally thought-about within the combine: Sweden’s Leo Carlsson and Russia’s Matvei Michkov.
The Anaheim Ducks are scheduled to choose at No. 2, adopted by the Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens. Check out the complete draft order right here.
Have the Blackhawks had the No. 1 choose earlier than?
Only one different time because the crew was based in May 1926 have the Hawks had the primary choose within the draft. In 2007, they chose ahead Kane at No. 1, and he helped the Hawks win Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
Kane scored 446 objectives and had 1,225 factors in 1,161 video games over practically 16 seasons in Chicago earlier than being traded to the Rangers in February. He ranks second on the franchise assists and factors lists and third in objectives and video games performed.
Who was the Hawks’ first choose final 12 months?
The Hawks took defenseman Kevin Korchinski with the No. 7 choose within the 2022 draft, the primary of three first-round alternatives. They picked Frank Nazar at No. 13 and Sam Rinzel at No. 25. They selected two facilities — Paul Ludwinski and Ryan Greene — within the second spherical.
Keep in thoughts: Unlike the NBA, by which first-round picks sometimes play instantly, most NHL draft picks want time to develop. Of the Hawks’ 19 alternatives over the past two years, not one has performed in an NHL sport. Their 2020 first-round choose, Lukas Reichel, has seven objectives and 9 assists in 34 video games with the Hawks.
How did the Hawks find yourself with No. 1 choose?
After ending with the third-worst report in 2022-23, the Hawks had an 11.5% likelihood on the No. 1 choose and defied the chances, successful the draft lottery.
Still, even with the anticipated choose of Bedard, they face an uphill climb to relevance after ridding themselves of elite expertise over the previous few years. In addition to dealing Kane, they knowledgeable longtime captain Jonathan Toews — the No. 3 choose within the 2006 draft who additionally gained three Cups — that they’d not be re-signing him.
“Tonight will be the final game in a Blackhawks jersey for Jonathan Toews because we will not be re-signing him in the summer,” Davidson instructed reporters April 13 at Fifth Third Arena.
For the primary time since 2007-08, neither Toews nor Kane might be carrying a Blackhawks sweater.
Bedard possible will take over because the face of the franchise.
Watch events
The Blackhawks are holding watch events in Chicago and Nashville on the evening of the draft.
A free occasion on the Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave., begins at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Former Hawks gamers and present and former broadcasters — together with Bryan Bickell, Adam Burish, Ben Eager, Steve Larmer, Denis Savard, Caley Chelios, Pat Foley, Darren Pang and Chris Vosters — might be readily available signing autographs.
According to the Hawks web site, all free tickets for the occasion have been claimed, although a restricted variety of walk-up tickets is likely to be obtainable if capability permits. The day will embody stay performances from Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press, DJ Oreo and Jim Cornelison.
The crew is also internet hosting a predraft gathering and after-party in Nashville on the Skydeck at Assembly Food Hall rooftop, that includes giveaways, appearances from crew alumni and stay leisure.
Associated Press and Tribune information companies contributed.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com