Connor Bedard, a highly skilled offensive forward, was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks as the first overall pick in the NHL draft. Bedard, who has drawn comparisons to superstars Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, expressed his excitement about joining the Blackhawks and mentioned how he grew up watching the team’s successful runs and the passionate support of the fans. Bedard’s selection marks the second time in Blackhawks history that they have had the first overall pick, with Patrick Kane being the first in 2007.
Bedard had been avoiding talking about the Blackhawks in the past few months, but now he can fully appreciate the opportunity to play for them. Standing at just under 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, Bedard is considered a generational talent and is expected to make a significant impact in the league.
The draft’s first round had a few surprises but no trades. Leo Carlsson from Sweden was chosen second overall by the Anaheim Ducks, and Michigan freshman Adam Fantilli was not far behind, going third to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The San Jose Sharks selected Will Smith, an American forward from the USA Hockey Development Program, as the first American player off the board at fourth overall.
The Philadelphia Flyers made an interesting selection at seventh overall by choosing Matvei Michkov, a highly skilled Russian forward who is currently under contract in Russia but expressed his desire to play in the NHL. Flyers general manager Danny Briere called it a “gift” to have Michkov fall to them at No. 7 and acknowledged the risk involved in selecting him.
Overall, the lack of trades during the draft reflects the high regard in which scouts and executives held the talent in this year’s draft class. Bedard, who has been envisioning this moment since he was a child, is eager to make his mark in the NHL after his impressive performances in the Western Hockey League. The Blackhawks, who have been in a rebuilding phase, are excited to have Bedard on board and also added Oliver Moore from the U.S. developmental program as the 19th overall pick in the draft.
