The Chicago Blackhawks have won the 2023 NHL draft lottery, securing the number one pick, which could potentially transform the team and pave the way for a bright future.
This is the second time that the Blackhawks have secured the first overall pick in the draft lottery. The last time was in 2007, where they chose Patrick Kane, who helped them to win the Stanley Cup three times in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
The Blackhawks' winning the lottery has provided them with the opportunity to pick up Connor Bedard, who is considered to be the most anticipated draft since Connor McDavid in 2015. The Canadian forward has been compared to both McDavid and Sidney Crosby, who he idolized when he was growing up. The team will be looking to return to the pinnacle of the sport, and Bedard is considered the perfect player to replace the departed stars like Patrick Kane.
The Anaheim Ducks, who had the league's worst record and best odds for the lottery, won the second pick, while the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have continued their run of lottery losses, won the third pick. For Anaheim, this is the first time they have ever been awarded a top-two pick in the draft.
Bedard is considered a generational talent, with many analysts expecting him to have a significant impact on the NHL. He led all junior players in Canada with 72 goals and 143 points while playing for the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. He will not turn 18 until July and has been considered the top pick in the 2023 draft for several years.
Bedard a Major Catalyst for Blackhawks' Comeback
Chicago General Manager Kyle Davidson was thrilled with the team's win and the opportunity to pick up a player of Bedard's caliber. He emphasized the importance of the draft pick, stating that it could "change a franchise, it can change a city and it can change an era in a team’s history”.
The Blackhawks has struggled in recent years and has missed the playoffs for the past four seasons. Last year, the team decided to commit to a full-scale rebuild, trading away young forwards Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach, despite each being under 25. The strategy worked, and the team lost 56 of their 82 games, setting them up with an opportunity to win the draft lottery and pick Bedard.
The team's reputation took a hit in 2021, following an investigation that found some of the organization's top leaders mishandled allegations that an assistant coach sexually assaulted a player during the team’s title run in 2010. This led to a $2 million fine and the resignation of then-GM Stan Bowman. It was instantly debated that the 1st round pick should not have been awarded to them after this scandal and deliberate cover up.
Results of the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery:
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Anaheim Ducks
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- San Jose Sharks
- Montreal Canadiens
- Arizona Coyotes
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Washington Capitals
- Detroit Red Wings
- St. Louis Blues
- Vancouver Canucks
- Arizona Coyotes (orig. Ottawa)
- Buffalo Sabres
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Nashville Predators
- Calgary Flames
Chicago Blackhawks Secure First Pick in the 2023 NHL Draft
The Chicago Blackhawks have won the 2023 NHL draft lottery, securing the number one pick, which could potentially transform the team and pave the way for a bright future.
This is the second time that the Blackhawks have secured the first overall pick in the draft lottery. The last time was in 2007, where they chose Patrick Kane, who helped them to win the Stanley Cup three times in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
The Blackhawks' winning the lottery has provided them with the opportunity to pick up Connor Bedard, who is considered to be the most anticipated draft since Connor McDavid in 2015. The Canadian forward has been compared to both McDavid and Sidney Crosby, who he idolized when he was growing up. The team will be looking to return to the pinnacle of the sport, and Bedard is considered the perfect player to replace the departed stars like Patrick Kane.
The Anaheim Ducks, who had the league's worst record and best odds for the lottery, won the second pick, while the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have continued their run of lottery losses, won the third pick. For Anaheim, this is the first time they have ever been awarded a top-two pick in the draft.
Bedard is considered a generational talent, with many analysts expecting him to have a significant impact on the NHL. He led all junior players in Canada with 72 goals and 143 points while playing for the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. He will not turn 18 until July and has been considered the top pick in the 2023 draft for several years.
Bedard a Major Catalyst for Blackhawks' Comeback
Chicago General Manager Kyle Davidson was thrilled with the team's win and the opportunity to pick up a player of Bedard's caliber. He emphasized the importance of the draft pick, stating that it could "change a franchise, it can change a city and it can change an era in a team’s history”.
The Blackhawks has struggled in recent years and has missed the playoffs for the past four seasons. Last year, the team decided to commit to a full-scale rebuild, trading away young forwards Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach, despite each being under 25. The strategy worked, and the team lost 56 of their 82 games, setting them up with an opportunity to win the draft lottery and pick Bedard.
The team's reputation took a hit in 2021, following an investigation that found some of the organization's top leaders mishandled allegations that an assistant coach sexually assaulted a player during the team’s title run in 2010. This led to a $2 million fine and the resignation of then-GM Stan Bowman. It was instantly debated that the 1st round pick should not have been awarded to them after this scandal and deliberate cover up.
Results of the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery: