The Blackhawks selected Canadian center Connor Bedard with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL draft Wednesday night.
The 17-year-old is widely considered to be the one of the best draft prospects to enter the NHL since Connor McDavid was taken No. 1 by the Oilers in 2015.
This is the second time that the Blackhawks have owned the top pick. The only other time the club possessed the No. 1 selection was back in 2007, when it selected Patrick Kane. The star forward would dominate during his time in Chicago, helping to lead the franchise to three Stanley Cups (2010, ’13, ’15) in his 16 seasons.
Playing for Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League this past season, Bedard recorded 71 goals and 72 assists. The standout notched 271 points in just 134 career games in the WHL.
The Blackhawks make it official and select Connor Bedard with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft 🔥
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 28, 2023
(via @Sportsnet)pic.twitter.com/UDqIuCjiFF
The Blackhawks, who finished last season tied for the second-worst record in the NHL (26-49-7; 59 points), are hoping Bedard can help the franchise become formidable once again.
After qualifying for the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons, the Blackhawks have made the postseason only once (2019–20) in the past six seasons.
