If ever there was a perfect year to perform badly in the NHL, world class draft prospect Connor Bedard has ushered its arrival.
Bedard has been making waves in the hockey world with his exceptional talent for years and is now just months away from making his debut at the professional level.
The Canadian is viewed as the consensus number one pick ahead of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, with enough talent to become a franchise-altering player on the world stage.
Consequentially, teams that finish toward the bottom of the table will have the chance to draft him and quickly rise back into playoff contention.
Knowing Bedard is available, several teams have tanked to improve their chances of winning the draft lottery.
With the highly anticipated draft approaching, the hockey world is buzzing to find out where Bedard will land. As teams jockey for position at the foot of the table, British Ice Hockey lists the three teams most likely to secure the coveted young star.
1. Columbus Blue Jackets lead race for Connor Bedard
The Columbus Blue Jackets, with a record of 22-41-7, find themselves bottom of the table and therefore in pole position to land Bedard.
General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen made his intent to secure the 17-year-old superstar very clear when he traded defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to the Los Angeles Kings on 1 March.
However, the future isn’t as bleak as it may seem in Columbus.
The Blue Jackets have drafted impressively in recent years and have stockpiled an impressive collection of talent as a result.
Per Scott Wheeler of The Athletic, Columbus holds the third-best prospect pool in the NHL, with forward Jent Johnson and defenceman David Jiricek projected to become world-class talents.
The Blue Jackets also have Johnny Gaudreau – an elite winger who is ready to win now.
Johnny Gaudreau formerly of the Calgary Flames, sliding to thwart the Washington Capitals’ Nicklas Backstrom (Image: All-Pro Reels)
If Bedard lands in Columbus, and there is a substantial chance he will, the franchise would be well-placed for a quick rebound.
2. San Jose Sharks serious players in race to land Connor Bedard
The San Jose Sharks are also keen to improve their draft lottery odds in the final weeks of the season.
Mike Grier has endured a dismal first season as San Jose’s GM, with his squad plummeting toward the bottom of the table with a record of 19-38-15.
The Sharks were major players at the latest trade deadline, with star forward Timo Meier moved to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for top defensive prospect Shakir Mukhamadullin, numerous draft picks, and a couple of roster players.
Timo Meier, San Jose Sharks (Image: NHL)
San Jose have suffered since the departure of Meier, winning just once in their last ten games to sink to the bottom of the Pacific Division.
The Sharks really need Bedard (their prospect pool is relatively thin); time will tell if they are lucky enough to land him.
3. Chicago Blackhawks bolster Connor Bedard chances after Patrick Kane trade
The Chicago Blackhawks find themselves in a precarious position as the season winds down.
With a record of 24-41-6 on the season (and only one win in their last ten games), the Blackhawks are heading towards another disastrous finish and added to their woes by trading away legendary forward Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers.
Patrick Kane, New York Rangers (Image: NHL)
GM Kyle Davidson has made no secret of his plan to rebuild the Blackhawks from scratch – and there is no better way to achieve his goal than drafting Bedard.
The addition of Bedard could provide a much-needed boost to their rebuilding efforts, potentially helping to turn their fortunes around in the years to come. As the draft approaches, it will be interesting to see if the Blackhawks are able to find form or continue to be pulled down by poor goaltending.
Where would you like to see Connor Bedard land? Join the conversation in the replies!
