The Chicago Blackhawks have won the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery, and with it, the chance to select the top prospect in the draft, Connor Bedard. This win has significant implications for the Blackhawks’ rebuild, as they look to rebuild their roster and become Stanley Cup contenders once again. In this article, we will take a closer look at what this draft lottery win means for the Blackhawks and their future.
Blackhawks’ Chance at the No. 1 Pick
The Blackhawks entered the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery with an 11.5 percent chance of winning the No. 1 pick, after finishing the regular season in third to last. Despite the low odds, the Blackhawks came out on top, giving them a valuable opportunity to add a top-tier talent to their roster.
Top Five Picks in the 2023 NHL Draft
The Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, and Montreal Canadiens round out the top five picks in the 2023 NHL Draft order. While all five teams will have the opportunity to add talented prospects to their rosters, the Blackhawks’ selection of Bedard at No. 1 is expected to have the biggest impact on the league.
Who is Connor Bedard?
Connor Bedard is a 17-year-old Canadian forward who is widely regarded as the top prospect in The Athletic’s NHL Draft consensus ranking. Bedard has been touted as a generational talent, drawing comparisons to the likes of Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. He has dominated the junior leagues in Canada, putting up impressive numbers and showing off his elite skillset.
What Does This Mean for the Blackhawks’ Rebuild?
The Blackhawks have been in the midst of a rebuild for the past few seasons, as they have looked to add young talent to their roster and build for the future. The addition of Connor Bedard gives the team a potential superstar to build around, as they look to compete for the Stanley Cup once again.
Bedard is not a miracle cure for all of the Blackhawks’ issues, but he certainly accelerates their rebuild plan. The team will now shift their focus to building a strong supporting cast around Bedard, as they look to maximize his potential and turn the Blackhawks into contenders.
General manager Kyle Davidson will be thinking differently about the coming years. He’ll immediately begin looking to put more talent around Bedard come next season. They’ll want him to play with high-end players, and the Blackhawks will likely be aggressive in free agency and the trade market to accomplish that goal.
Conclusion
The Chicago Blackhawks’ win in the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery has given them a valuable opportunity to add a potential superstar to their roster in Connor Bedard. This win is a significant step in the team’s rebuild, as they look to compete for the Stanley Cup once again. While Bedard is not a cure-all for the Blackhawks’ issues, he certainly accelerates their rebuild plan and gives them a valuable asset to build around.