NHL Specials: Connor Bedard Sweepstakes
Connor Bedard is a newer, younger and hotter Connor than Connor McDavid.
Connor Bedard is the consensus first-overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He impressed at the World Juniors and is now the subject of a lot of hype. NHL teams are trying to win the lottery to get him.
Connor Bedard has 5 points and a hat trick in his first game since the World Championship.
Chicago Blackhawks are the favorites to land Connor Bedard. Chicago has a 30.8 percent chance of finishing last in the NHL. Getting Bedards could pair him with the last No. 1 overall pick, current franchise star Patrick Kane.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are two points behind Chicago in the standings. Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine are promising young players.
Anaheim Ducks have never had the first overall pick. They are currently third on the online gambling odds.
The San Jose Sharks are unlikely to finish in the bottom three of the NHL unless Chicago, Columbus or Anaheim goes on a winning streak and San Diego continues to tank. Erik Karlsson is playing well for San José.
The Arizona Coyotes were the favorites to finish last but they have been winning more lately. The NHL would like Bedard to land here so he can resurrect the moribund franchise.
The Montreal Canadiens are a team that is tanking hard and has a 2-10-1 record since Dec. 14. They have two picks in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes. Florida is struggling and could miss the playoffs. Montreal has an 11 percent chance of drafting Connor.
The Vancouver Canucks are seventh in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes. The team is a dumpster fire and could blow up within the next few weeks.
Philadelphia Flyers are 8 points out of the bottom five and have a 6% chance of landing the first overall pick. John Tortorella's team is 5-1-0 since the Christmas break.
