Hosted by Pat Boyle and Caley Chelios, the “Blackhawks Class of ‘23” special will air the team’s live press conference from Fifth Third Arena as the Blackhawks officially introduce Connor Bedard, Oliver Moore and the rest of the 2023 Draft Class.

Fans will hear from coaches, front office executives and the new draft picks, including first-overall selection Connor Bedard, followed by in-depth analysis from Boyle and Chelios.

The show will be available on NBC Sports Chicago, but it will also be available on the NBC Chicago News streaming channel on Roku, as well as platforms like Peacock, Samsung V Plus, Xumo Play and Amazon Fire TV.

Information on how to find those streaming channels can be found here.

The show can also be viewed on the NBC Sports Chicago and NBC Chicago websites and mobile apps.

More content, including podcasts, can also be found on the station’s websites.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

The Blackhawks hope Bedard will be a points machine for years to come, but it’s far too early to tell what his legacy will be in Chicago. So now, we’re taking a look at Blackhawks first-round draft picks who have already cemented their spot in franchise history. And if the Blackhawks were to carve the faces of four first-rounders somewhere inside the United Center, here’s who would make the cut.

DOUG WILSON – 1977

New fans of the Blackhawks may know Duncan Keith as the best blue-liner in franchise history, but before Keith was hoisting Norris Trophies, there was Wilson. Bobby Orr is often credited with being the first offensive defenseman in the late 60s, but Wilson wasn’t far behind. Wilson score 50+ points in nine of his 14 seasons with the Blackhawks, including an incredible 85-point (39G, 46A) campaign in 1981. That was the year Wilson won his Norris Trophy. Wilson’s 779 points with the team rank most among all defensemen in franchise history. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

DENIS SAVARD – 1980

Before there was Showtime with Patrick Kane, there was the Spin-o-rama with Savard. Kane passed Savard on most Blackhawks leaderboards, but Savard still owns the record for most assists/game with an incredible 0.82 rate. He ranks third in total assists (719), fourth in points (1,096) and fifth in goals (377). Savard has another footnote in big Blackhawks history, since he was the man sent to Montreal in the trade that brought Chris Chelios to Chicago. After retirement, Savard returned to the Blackhawks as a coach, but his tenure didn’t last long. He only coached for 147 games before he was replaced by Joel Quenneville. Savard was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.

JONATHAN TOEWS – 2006

Toews began his career with a bang by scoring a goal on the first shot in his first game of his NHL career. That started a 10-game point streak to start his career, which was the second-longest in NHL history at the time. Captain Serious was never the prolific scorer as his counterpart, Kane, but he was the yin to Kane’s yang. While Kane was more of an offensive phenom, Toews was an incredible two-way player and was often tasked with shutting down an opponent’s top player on defense. Toews also saved some of his best magic for the playoffs, like his incredible five-point performance against the Canucks in Game 4 of the 2010 Western Conference Semi-Finals or his two goals in 72 seconds (including a ridiculous shot from the goal line) to force OT against the Ducks in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Toews won the Conn Smythe Award for the Blackhawks’ first Stanley Cup victory of their recent three-Cup run in 2010 and the Selke Trophy in 2013.

PATRICK KANE – 2007

For generations it seemed no one would come close to challenging Stan Mikita for the “Best Blackhawks Player of All-Time” honor, but Kane is that guy. Showtime was known for his incredible goal-scoring ability, but many consider him to be an even better passer and playmaker. Kane beat out Toews for the Calder Trophy in 2008, and he broke barriers as the first American player to win the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy in 2015. In 2020, he also became the youngest American player to hit the 1,000 point threshold at 31 years and 61 days old. Most importantly, Kane scored the magical goal that nobody saw to clinch the Blackhawks’ first Stanley Cup during their run in the 2010s. Kane won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2013.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

The widely-considered generational talent notched a whopping 143 points last season in the WHL. He scored 71 goals and assisted 72 of them in 57 games.

His undeniable talent begs the question — how much will he make from his rookie contract? The numbers might surprise you.

According to NHL CBA (collective bargaining agreement) rules, prospects between 18-21 will sign three-year deals. The maximum amount his base salary can be is $950,000, a figure Bedard will certainly sign for.

After that, his signing bonus can go as high as $95,000 with maximum player bonuses of $3.5 million. His average AAV (average annual value) could line up to $4.5 million, according to Cap Friendly.

The highest average annual value on the team is Seth Jones, who pulls in $9.5 million per year from his 8-year, $76 million contract. After him, Taylor Hall ($6 million) and Tyler Johnson ($5 million) represent the second and third-highest contract values, respectively.

Compared to the NHL, the highest-paid player in the league is Nathan McKinnon from the Colorado Avalanche. He makes $12.6 million per year, just ahead of Connor McDavid’s $12.5 million annual contract value.

Can Bedard earn one of those figures someday? He’ll start to answer that question in October.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

They stole away Oliver Moore with the No. 19 pick. Davidson admitted he attempted to trade up to capture Moore, but failed. Ultimately, Moore fell in the Hawks’ lap anyways.

Here’s a recap of what happened during the draft, including picks, trades and surprise moves:

Blackhawks select Janne Peltonen with their final pick in the draft

The Blackhawks picked their first defenseman of the draft, with their final pick in the draft (No. 195).

Janne Peltonen, 18, is a 6-foot-3 defenseman out of Finland. He played with Kärpät and the Finnish U17-18 teams.

Blackhawks select Milton Oscarson with the No. 167 pick

The Blackhawks selected Milton Oscarson, a 6-foot-6 center from Sweden, with the No. 167 pick — their penultimate pick in the 2023 NHL draft.

Oscarson has played with Orebro in the Swedish Hockey League since 2020. His best season came during the 2021-22 season, when he authored a 29-point season on 11 goals and 18 assists in 25 games.

He played for Sweden in the World Junior U-20 Championships, recording two goals in seven tournament games.

Blackhawks select Marcel Marcel with the No. 131 pick

Marcel, 19, played one season in the Czech league before moving to the QMJHL. He’s a 6-foot-4 left winger with left-handed shooting.

In the QMJHL with the Gatineau Olympiques last season, Marcel notched 32 points between 14 goals and 18 assists in 52 games played. He recorded six points in the World Junior U-20 Championships for the Czech Republic.

Blackhawks select Alex Pharand with the No. 99 pick

The Hawks used the No. 99 pick in the draft on Alex Pharand, a 6-foot-2 center from Canada.

Pharand, 18, played the last three seasons of his hockey career in the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves and Hamilton Bulldogs. He took off last season, recording 39 points via 18 goals and 21 assists from 67 games.

Blackhawks select Jiri Felcman with the No. 93 pick in the draft

The Blackhawks capped off the third round of their draft with a big-bodied center. Felcman, 18, is from Czechia. He is a 6-foot-4 center with left-handed shooting prowess.

In 40 games with Langnau U20, Felcman recorded 31 points on 10 goals and 21 assists.

Blackhawks acquire Corey Perry from Lightning in exchange for 2024 seventh-round pick

Corey Perry has played 19 seasons in the NHL — 15 of them with the Anaheim Ducks. He is a 6-foot-3 winger. He scored 25 points in 81 games last season with the Lightning

Blackhawks reportedly buyout Josh Bailey

The Blackhawks plan to buyout Josh Bailey, who they traded for before Day 2 of the NHL draft.

Buyout converts his 1 year, $5M cap hit into a $2.67M hit next season and $1.67M hit in 2024-25.

Blackhawks select Martin Misiak with the No. 55 overall pick

The Blackhawks selected Martin Misiak with the No. 55 pick in the NHL draft.

Misiak, 18, compiled 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 27 games last season for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, and added 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in nine postseason contests. He also registered 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 29 games for HC Nove Zamky in Slovakia.

Misiak is a 6-foot-2, 194-pound winger who can play wing or center. He played winger in Slovakia but center with Youngstown. He’s a bigger body up the middle for the Blackhawks, who could use some more of it.

Blackhawks select with the No. 93 pick in the draft

Blackhawks select Nick Lardis with the No. 67 pick in the draft

Lardis, 17, is a 5-foot-11 and 165-pound left winger from Ontario, Canada.

He played the last three seasons in the OHL with the Peterborough Petes and Hamilton Bulldogs. During the 2022-23 season, Lardis recorded 46 points in 33 games.

Blackhawks select Roman Kantserov with the No. 44 pick

The Chicago Blackhawks have selected forward Roman Kantserov in the second round (No. 44 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Kantserov, 18, registered 54 points (27 goals, 27 assists) in 45 games this past season for the Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk of the MHL. He also added one goal and two assists in three postseason contests.

Blackhawks trade No. 51 to the Flyers for No. 167, 2024 second-round pick

This is the Blackhawks’ first trade of the draft.

Blackhawks kick off Day 2 with a goalie

The Chicago Blackhawks have selected goaltender Adam Gajan with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Blackhawks have not drafted a goalie since 2020.

Gajan, 19, went 19-12-1 with a 2.57 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and one shutout in 34 appearances last season with the Chippewa Steel of the NAHL. He also, most notably, turned in a strong performance at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he went 2-2-0 with a 2.40 goals-against average, .936 save percentage and one shutout in four games for Team Slovakia.

Gajan is a 6-foot-3, 183-pound goaltender who went undrafted last season but performed so well this past season that he jumped back on everyone’s radar. He is committed to play at the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2023-24.

Blackhawks draft Connor Bedard, Oliver Moore in first round

The Chicago Blackhawks came into the first round of the NHL Draft with two picks, and despite some efforts to acquire another one that’s all they ended up using as they took forwards Connor Bedard and Oliver Moore.

The Bedard move was completely expected, but still generated quite the reaction from Blackhawks fans in Nashville and at The Salt Shed in Chicago.

Bedard scored 71 goals and dished out 72 assists in 57 games with Regina last season, and is expected to join the Blackhawks for the 2023-24 season.

He is one of the draft’s most highly-touted prospects in recent memories, drawing comparisons to the talent level of Auston Matthews during the pre-draft process.

With their second pick, the Blackhawks selected Moore at No. 19.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson told media on Wednesday that he did not anticipate Moore being available at the 19^th spot in the draft, but was thrilled that the team was able to secure one of the draft’s best skaters.

Moore, who will join 2022 Blackhawks first-round pick Sam Rinzel at Minnesota this fall, had eight goals and 17 assists for the U.S. National Development Team in the United States Hockey League last season.

First round wraps up with zero trades

The first round continued with a definite lack of drama, with zero draft-day trades consummated. Here were the final picks of the round:

Defenseman Tanner Molendyk – Nashville (No. 24)

Center Otto Stenberg – St. Louis (No. 25)

Left Wing Quentin Musty – San Jose (No. 26)

Center Calum Ritchie – Colorado (No. 27)

Right Wing Easton Cowan – Toronto (No. 28)

Defenseman Theo Lindstein – St. Louis (No. 29)

Left Wing Bradly Nadeau – Carolina (No. 30)

Defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev – Colorado (No. 31)

Center David Enstrom – Vegas (No. 32)

Blackhawks not done tonight?

According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, the Blackhawks are trying to get back into the first round of the draft, with seven picks left to go.

Otherwise, the Blackhawks will own the No. 35 overall pick in the second round, which begins on Thursday morning.

Gabriel Perreault goes to Rangers

The New York Rangers have selected USA U-18 forward Gabriel Perreault with the Non. 23 pick in the first round.

Perreault had 19 goals and 26 assists this season, and is one of the best power play weapons available in the draft class.

His father, Yanic Perreault, not only played for the Blackhawks, but currently works in the team’s front office.

No trades? First round continues with lack of drama

Defenseman Oliver Bonk was selected at No. 22 by the Flyers, with no draft-day trades having been made.

Before that, Eduard Sale went to the Seattle Kraken at No. 20, and American-born forward Charlie Stramel was selected by the Minnesota Wild.

Blackhawks take Oliver Moore with No. 19 pick

The Blackhawks likely grabbed the best skater in the draft at No. 19, selecting USA NTDP forward Oliver Moore.

Moore appeared in 23 games last season, with eight goals and 17 assists.

You can read more about Moore here.

Two potential Blackhawks options off the board

Vancouver Giants winger Samuel Honzek was taken at No. 16 by the Calgary Flames, just one pick after the Nashville Predators took Matthew Wood with the No. 15 pick.

Both players are tall, muscular forwards, and the Blackhawks can certainly use more of that physicality within their system.

Sabres, Penguins retain picks as lack of trades continues

Hockey fans hoping for a flurry of trades at the NHL Draft are surely disappointed, as Winnipeg Ice winger Zach Benson and Moose Jaw Warriors center Brayden Yager were taken by the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins, respectively.

The Blackhawks are five picks away from their second selection of the round.

Coyotes make second pick of first round

The Arizona Coyotes had two picks in the top-12 and have now made both, as they took Russian forward Daniil But.

But, playing for Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, scored two goals in 15 KHL games. He also had 15 goals and 11 assists in 26 games for the club’s junior squad.

Top 10 wraps up with zero trades

The top-10 picks in the NHL Draft are now in the books, and there were zero trades in that set of picks.

The Washington Capitals selected American winger Ryan Leonard with the No. 8 pick, while Canadian Nate Danielson went No. 9 to the Detroit Red Wings.

Slovakian center Dalibor Dvorsky, the sixth center taken in the top-10, was selected by the St. Louis Blues.

Defenseman Tom Willander then was selected at No. 11 by the Vancouver Canucks.

Connor Bedard followed Kane, Toews ‘super closely’ growing up

He won’t get a chance to be a teammate of either player, but you can bet that Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard knows plenty about Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews’ time in the Windy City.

Bedard, who joined Kane as one of only two players taken No. 1 overall in the NHL Draft by the Blackhawks, said that he followed the legendary winger’s career closely while he was growing up.

“I followed them super closely. How couldn’t you with all their success, and the Stanley Cups they won,” he told media on Wednesday night.

The statistics speak for themselves. Kane and Toews won three Stanley Cups in six seasons with the Blackhawks. Kane earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2013, while Toews earned the prize in 2010.

Matvei Michkov goes to the Flyers

Concerns about his KHL contract and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine led some to question just how far forward Matvei Michkov would fall, and it turns out he fell to the No. 7 spot in the draft, where he was picked by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Michkov, who was considered a top-end prospect in this year’s class, may not make it over to the NHL until 2026 as a result of that contract, but the skill is hard to miss. He had a total of nine goals and 11 assists in 30 games with St. Petersburg SKA and Sochi HC last season.

Canadiens, Coyotes make their picks

The Canadiens ended up keeping the No. 5 overall pick, selecting defenseman David Reinbacher, and the Coyotes also kept their pick in taking defenseman Dmitri Simashev.

Connor Bedard on starting his NHL career vs. ‘idol’ Sidney Crosby, Penguins

The Chicago Blackhawks will open their 2023-24 season with a lengthy road trip, but it’s the first game of that journey that stands out to No. 1 overall draft pick Connor Bedard.

Bedard, the 17-year-old phenom who was selected by the Blackhawks on Wednesday night, says that his goal is simply to make the team’s roster right now, but if he does, then he has the team’s opening game against the Pittsburgh Penguins circled on his calendar.

Why is that? Because it just so happens that his favorite player growing up was Sidney Crosby.

“I’ve got to make it first, but that’s unreal,” he said. “He’s been my favorite player growing up and an idol of mine. If that happens, you can’t script it any better.”

‘Can’t wait to get started:’ Connor Bedard reveals goals after Blackhawks’ pick

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard has been the subject of plenty of hype in his young life, but his short-term goals do not reflect the national narrative.

Bedard, taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft after an historic season with the WHL’s Regina Pats, told ESPN that his goals heading into the season are very simple: making the Blackhawks’ Opening Night roster.

“Right now, it’s focusing on having a good rest of the summer, and then going into camp and making the team,” he said. “Just keeping it short-term right now.”

Needless to say, Bedard shouldn’t have much of a challenge making the roster. He scored 71 goals and dished out 72 assists last season for Regina, and continued that strong play with 10 goals and 10 assists in the postseason.c

Columbus drafts Adam Fantilli No. 3 in the draft

Sports fans in Columbus are going to have to learn to root for a Wolverine, as the Blue Jackets took Adam Fantilli with the No. 3 pick on Wednesday night.

Fantilli won the Hobey Baker Award as the top collegiate player in his freshman season at Michigan, and is widely considered to be one of the top prospects in recent memory in the NHL

Aanheim swerves, takes Leo Carlsson over Adam Fantilli

Most NHL Draft experts figured that Michigan forward and Hobey Baker Award winner Adam Fantilli would be the second pick in the draft, but the Anaheim Ducks instead took Swedish forward Leo Carlsson.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are on the clock at No. 3.

The Pick Is In, and Connor Bedard is a Chicago Blackhawk

The least-well-kept secret in NHL history is finally out: the Chicago Blackhawks have taken Connor Bedard with the top pick in the NHL Draft.

Auston Matthews contract requests begin to filter out

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews is eligible to hit free agency in 2024, but it sounds like he wants less than the eight years he could get:

Jim Cornelison brings down the house with the National Anthem

The scene is RAUCOUS at the Salt Shed.

The Bedard family is in the house

No big deal, but Connor Bedard will probably be a Chicago Blackhawk in the next 20 minutes.

DeBrincat trade “not close,” per report

According to The Athletic’s Ian Mendes, Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion says the team is “not close” to a trade involving forward Alex DeBrincat.

They have not granted DeBrincat’s team an opportunity to discuss a new contract with other clubs, and will not do so unless they are drawing closer to a trade, according to the report.

Predators hoping to make “big splash,” report says

Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek echoes other reporting, indicating that the Nashville Predators are aiming to move up and make a splash.

“I can find you third line, fourth line guys, no problem,” Predators GM Barry Trotz reportedly told scouts. “Go get me some guys that can get people out of their seats.”

The Predators have a total of 10 picks in the first four rounds of the draft, and they could leverage some of those selections, as well as prospect goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, to move up, according to Jeff Marek.

Former Blackhawks winger Max Domi expected to hit market

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, it appears that Dallas Stars forward Max Domi will opt for free agency on July 1 rather than re-signing in Dallas.

Domi was traded to the Stars by the Blackhawks prior to the deadline, and scored two goals and five assists in 20 games. He also had three goals and 10 assists in 19 playoff games for Dallas.

The Blackhawks could conceivably bring him back on a new deal, but there is no word on which team he could pursue.

Could Canadiens trade down from No. 5?

According to multiple reports, the Montreal Canadiens could look to move out of the fifth-overall spot in the draft, and the host Nashville Predators could be looking to move up.

Frank Seravalli was one of the reporters, and he says the Predators could potentially offer up goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov in a trade.

The Predators could move up to No. 5, where the Canadians are. Frank Seravalli says the Preds could dangle goaltender Yaroslav Askarov there.

Golden Knights trade Reilly Smith to Pittsburgh

The Blackhawks are not the only team looking to take on salary during draft week.

The Vegas Golden Knights, fresh off winning the Stanley Cup, have sent Reilly Smith to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a third-round draft pick.

Smith carries a $5 million cap hit, and his contract runs through the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.

Could the Ducks surprise with their No. 2 pick?

The consensus going into this week’s draft is that Michigan forward Adam Fantilli is going to be the second player taken, but could Ducks GM Pat Verbeek go in a different direction?

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Verbeek has other GM’s “guessing” about what he will do with the pick.

If the Ducks don’t take Fantilli, then there are likely three other options they could consider. They could grab Will Smith or Leo Carlsson, both of whom have been projected as top-five picks, or he could surprise the NHL world and draft Russian forward Matvei Michkov, even in spite of his contract issues in the KHL and the ongoing tensions with Russia over the war in Ukraine.

Could Nashville get into the top-10?

The Predators currently have the No. 15 pick in the draft that they are hosting, but according to Friedman, they could be angling to get into the top-10.

The challenge will be finding a team willing to move their pick. The Capitals could be angling for a gamebreaking player to take advantage of the twilight of Alex Ovechkin’s career, and the Detroit Red Wings do have two first-round picks, but likely aren’t wanting to move down six spots.

JT Compher set to hit free agency

Blackhawks fans always rally behind the local guy (think Ryan Hartman and Scott Darling), and they could potentially have another player to get behind.

According to The Athletic’s Peter Baugh, Colorado Avalanche center JT Compher is expected to hit free agency this summer after skating with the Avs since 2016.

Compher, who was born in Northbrook, had 17 goals and 35 assists last season for the Avalanche. He has 88 career goals in 423 games.

Could Alex DeBrincat still be moved?

Amid reports that Alex DeBrincat isn’t interested in a long-term extension with the Ottawa Senators, trade speculation is heating up around the former Blackhawks winger.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported that DeBrincat would welcome a trade to the Detroit Red Wings, while other reports have linked him to the Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars and even the Golden Knights after they were able to shed Reilly Smith’s contract.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Bedard, the 17-year-old phenom who was selected by the Blackhawks on Wednesday night, says that his goal is simply to make the team’s roster right now, but if he does, then he has the team’s opening game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct.10 circled on his calendar.

Why is that? Because it just so happens that his favorite player growing up was Sidney Crosby.

“I’ve got to make it first, but that’s unreal,” he told ESPN. “He’s been my favorite player growing up and an idol of mine. If that happens, you can’t script it any better.”

There is even the possibility Bedard’s first action on NHL ice is a faceoff with Crosby, his self-proclaimed childhood idol. That, you cannot script any better to kick off Bedard’s highly-anticipated career.

There is plenty that Crosby and Bedard share in common. Crosby was a highly-touted prospect out of Cole Harbour, and it was widely known that he would be taken No. 1 in the draft when he came out.

The Penguins got him, and needless to say, history has been kind. Crosby has won three Stanley Cups with the Penguins, racking up 550 goals and 952 assists in 1,190 games.

Few prospects since have come with that much hype, but Bedard certainly qualifies after he scored 71 goals and racked up 72 assists with the Regina Pats.

Bedard is a virtual lock to make the Blackhawks’ roster this fall, but says his primary goal right now is to “make the team” out of training camp.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

Check out the hilarious video:

Davidson opens with some self-deprecating humor, evaluating his hockey IQ at a four out of 10.

“Fan of the sport, I don’t know, some people say I don’t know too much,” Davidson quipped.

After hearing that answer it’s no surprise the interviewer was impressed when Davidson rattled off 17 different players when asked to name as many hockey players as possible in 20 seconds, including some deep cuts like Michael Rozsíval and Bryan Bickell.

“Most of those were 2010-2013 Blackhawks. Were you watching the team then?” asked Penalty Box, of course not knowing that Davidson got a chance to hold the cup over his head since he was working as a hockey administration coordinator for the Blackhawks at the time.

The video ended with Davidson providing a simple answer to a simple question: Do you think the NHL rigged the draft lottery so that Bedard would land in Chicago?

“No.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

HOW OLD IS CONNOR BEDARD?

Bedard is 17 years old, but he’s already a scoring machine. Bedard registered 143 points (71 goals, 72 assists) in 57 games last season for the Regina Pats. For reference, the next-closest player was Chase Wheatcroft at 107 points. Wheatcroft appeared in 11 more games than Bedard and was 20 years old. 

WHERE IS CONNOR BEDARD FROM?

Beard grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He stayed in Canada to play junior hockey. In June, Bedard won the Canadian Hockey League’s top prospect award, the leading scorer award and the David Branch CHL Player of the Year Award. He’s the first player in CHL history to win all three prizes.

HOW BIG IS CONNOR BEDARD?

Bedard’s official height and weight at the NHL Scouting Combine: 5′ 9.75″ and 185 pounds.

WHAT NUMBER WILL BEDARD WEAR?

Bedard has worn the No. 98 since he was five-years-old. Judging by the long lines at the Blackhawks’ draft party at the Salt Shed, there will be plenty of No. 98s in the stands this year.

IS BEDARD TRULY EXCEPTIONAL?

Yes, he is literally exceptional per the Western Hockey League. Bedard was the first player in WHL history — and seventh in CHL history — to be granted exceptional status, which allowed him to play in the major junior ranks before the required age of 16.

HOW DID BEDARD GET SO GOOD, SO FAST?

When Bedard was 12 years old, he broke his right wrist and couldn’t use it for two months. He used that time to strengthen his left hand (the top hand on his stick) and it’s why his shot has become so lethal. 

HAS BEDARD WON ANY MAJOR HARDWARE OR SET ANY RECORDS?

Bedard set a new Canadian record at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship for most points in a single tournament with 23 (nine goals, 14 assists) in only seven games. He helped lead his country to a gold medal.

WHO DID BEDARD WATCH GROWING UP AS A HOCKEY FAN?

Bedard’s childhood idol is Sidney Crosby. Coincidentally, the Blackhawks open the 2023-24 season in Pittsburgh on Oct. 10. Bedard’s first NHL shift very well could be against Crosby.

WHAT KIND OF STICK DOES BEDARD USE?

Bedard supposedly uses a 70 stick flex; I’ve heard it might even be in the 60s. That means it’s extremely whippy. He has one of the best shots in the entire world and he’s only 17.

HOW DOES BEDARD FIT INTO BLACKHAWKS HISTORY?

Bedard joins Patrick Kane as the only two players in franchise history to be taken first overall. Bedard has honored Kane a couple times this year. First, with the heartbreaker celebration to send Team Canada to the semifinals and then with the raced stripes in his hair for Regina’s playoff run. This was before the Blackhawks even won the lottery. How fitting.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

“So exciting,” Misiak said. “I’m so happy to be part of Chicago. Such a great organization. Can’t wait to be in Chicago, to be honest. … I had the best feeling about them, to be honest. I kind of hoped to get to Chicago. I’m really glad it worked out.”

Misiak, 18, compiled 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 27 games last season for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, and added 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in nine postseason contests. He also registered 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 29 games for HC Nove Zamky in Slovakia.

Misiak is a 6-foot-2, 194-pound forward who can play wing or center. He played winger in Slovakia but center with Youngstown, where he helped his team win the Clark Cup.

“He bumped around from center to win and ultimately ended up on the top line as a center and they won the Clark Cup in the USHL,” Blackhawks director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey said. “Big, skates, initiates contact, in on board battles, almost like a Brandon Saad-type player, that big-bodied wall player.”

It’s unclear what the future holds for Misiak, who could return to Youngstown or head to the Canadian Hockey League.

“Some CHL teams are trying to get him,” Doneghey said.

Misiak brings a different element to the Blackhawks, who could use a bigger body up the middle. He said he tries modeling his game after Pavel Zacha, who’s a versatile playmaking forward that inside afraid to go to the dirty areas.

“Really strong, physical, can play a two-way game, probably drop down into your bottom six but also in the playoffs for Youngstown played up as their first line center,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said. “Really versatile. That was something else we also liked about Oliver yesterday: really versatile player that can play anywhere in your lineup, different positions.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

Immediately after being selected, I had a quick 1-on-1 with Bedard to talk about what it was like to finally put on the Blackhawks sweater, the thought of playing for a historic franchise, the meaning behind his No. 98, and more.

Here is the full transcript from the exclusive interview, which has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity:

First off, congratulations, Connor. How does it feel to finally put on that sweater?

It’s unbelievable. To look down and see it on me is a dream come true. Growing up, watching them go on their runs and everything and getting to be a part of that now is incredible. It’s such a special organization, so I couldn’t be more honored and excited.

I know you were young when those runs were happening, but what are your memories from those Stanley Cup championships? 

Yeah, I remember it being a lot pretty quickly. Getting to watch Kane and Toews, those guys, they had so many great players and teams, and you get to watch and see the United Center going crazy every night was pretty cool. I get to be a part of that now, it’s special.

Is it cool that you’re joining Patrick Kane as the only other player in franchise history to be taken first overall?

I think once you kind of get there, you’re all part of the team and everybody, but to have your name with someone like him is really special. And for them, Kyle and the rest of the organization to trust me with that pick is a great feeling and it’s really, really awesome. 

What can you say about the fan support from Chicago? They started printing your jerseys when they won the lottery.

It’s pretty crazy to see the support they have for their team. Even just in the last hour and a bit when I walk around the rink and stuff, it’s really cool. They love their sports, of course, and I’m really happy to be there and to kind of hear that and see that, it’s hard to put into words right now.

What’s the meaning behind number 98? 

I think I was five or six years old and no one had it in the NHL at the time and it was a high number, kind of attracted me to that, but yeah, it just kind of stuck with me. 

Last one. I see that you have a token here today. Can you share the meaning of that? 

I got this thing, we all got it from my grandfather when he passed and it’s something to remember him by and to have him here with me is special. It’s kind of a little thing I keep.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

0:00 – Connor Bedard is officially a Blackhawk

7:40 – Charlie’s 1-on-1 interview with Bedard

14:40 – Oliver Moore falls to Blackhawks at No. 19 overall

40:00 – Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson on his viral street interview in Nashville

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

Shortly after, Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson was on the clock again. At 19th overall, the Blackhawks picked Oliver Moore from the USHL’s US National Development Team.

The Draft is set to continue on Thursday, June 29 at 10 a.m. CST with Rounds 2-7.

The Blackhawks are slated to have nine picks on the second day of the NHL Draft. Here is the official order of selection for the Blackhawks:

• 2nd round: No. 35 overall
• 2nd round: No. 44 overall
• 2nd round: No. 51 overall
• 2nd round: No. 55 overall

• 3rd round: No. 67 overall
• 3rd round: No. 93 overall

• 4th round: No. 99 overall

• 5th round: No. 131 overall

• 7th round: No. 195 overall

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

The Bedard move was completely expected, but still generated quite the reaction from Blackhawks fans in Nashville and at The Salt Shed in Chicago.

Bedard scored 71 goals and dished out 72 assists in 57 games with Regina last season, and is expected to join the Blackhawks for the 2023-24 season.

He is one of the draft’s most highly-touted prospects in recent memories, drawing comparisons to the talent level of Auston Matthews during the pre-draft process.

With their second pick, the Blackhawks selected Moore at No. 19.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson told media on Wednesday that he did not anticipate Moore being available at the 19^th spot in the draft, but was thrilled that the team was able to secure one of the draft’s best skaters.

Moore, who will join 2022 Blackhawks first-round pick Sam Rinzel at Minnesota this fall, had eight goals and 17 assists for the U.S. National Development Team in the United States Hockey League last season.

With their lack of trades, the Blackhawks still own a total of nine selections in the final six rounds of the draft, which resumes on Thursday morning. Four of those picks, including the No. 35 overall selection, will come in the second round.

Back in 2021, Bedard’s grandfather, Garth, died tragically in a car accident caused by an impaired driver. He was the proudest figure of his grandson’s achievements in hockey. They practiced together, played games and grew their relationship.

Now, Bedard carries around a poker chip with him in remembrance of his grandfather.

“It’s a thing we all got from my grandfather when he passed,” Bedard told NBC Sports Chicago’s Charlie Roumeliotis after being drafted by the Blackhawks on Wednesday. “Kinda remember him bye and (to) have him here with me is special, kind of a little thing I keep.”

When Bedard’s grandfather passed in the middle of the Regina Pats season, Connor declared he would keep playing.

“Grandpa would want me to play,” he said then, according to a story on the subject done by The Athletic.

Three nights after his grandfather’s death, Bedard scored an overtime goal to beat the division-leading Brandon Wheat Kings.

“He’s definitely who I play for now and will for the rest of my life,” Connor said, via the same story. “I know he’s watching me.”

On Wednesday, Bedard would have made his grandfather proud after being selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL draft. Bedard’s father, Tom, was seen on the ESPN broadcast crying in the stands. His father was another tremendous help to Bedard’s hockey career.

Bedard, essentially, will succeed the likes of Patrick Kane — the first overall pick, like Bedard, in the 2007 NHL draft — and Jonathan Toews. The two, along with a myriad of elite, vital players, won three Stanley Cups between 2010-15.

Bedard hopes to carry the torch the Blackhawks pass onto him, while he carries the metaphorical torch and literal poker chip he carries from his grandfather’s legacy.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

The inevitable became official on Wednesday night when the Blackhawks selected Bedard with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

The 17-year Canadian center was the obvious selection for Chicago immediately after moving up from the No. 3 to No. 1 spot in the draft lottery. Bedard, possibly the most hyped prospect since Connor McDavid in 2015, is coming off consecutive 100-point campaigns in the Western Hockey League, most recently putting up 71 goals and 72 assists over 57 games in 2022-23.

Connor Bedard Jun 28

Connor Bedard followed Kane, Toews ‘super closely' growing up

NHL Draft Jun 28

How much money will 2023 NHL Draft picks make? What to know about entry-level contracts

Now, Bedard will be the face of a new era of Chicago hockey.

After he was selected, the Bears, Bulls and White Sox welcomed the hockey sensation to town on Twitter.

The Blackhawks posted a welcome video as well.

It’s certainly an exciting time to be a Blackhawks fan.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Bedard, who joined Kane as one of only two players taken No. 1 overall in the NHL Draft by the Blackhawks, said that he followed the legendary winger’s career closely while he was growing up.

“I followed them super closely. How couldn’t you with all their success, and the Stanley Cups they won,” he told media on Wednesday night.

The statistics speak for themselves. Kane and Toews won three Stanley Cups in six seasons with the Blackhawks. Kane earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2013, while Toews earned the prize in 2010.

Kane also won the Art Ross as the league’s top scorer in 2016, as well as the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player.

Both players were also named to the NHL’s 100^th Anniversary Team in 2017.

Bedard followed all of that, and says that their deep playoff runs are seared into his memory.

“I remember watching them all the time a lot, and (their) deep playoff runs,” he said.

He also hopes that he can generate the same enthusiasm from the crowds at the United Center when he arrives in Chicago.

“The impact they had on the city and the reaction they got from fans was incredible,” he said. “Hopefully I can see that at the United Center.”

Once the Blackhawks announced their selection of Connor Bedard with the No. 1 pick, Chicago went berserk. Check out this video of the crowd at the Salt Shed reacting to the pick.

Bedard is the second player in franchise history to be taken first overall. Patrick Kane, of course, is the other after the Blackhawks drafted him in 2007.

Bedard, 17, produced a ridiculous 143 points (71 goals, 72 assists) in 57 games last season for the Regina Pats, which led all Western Hockey League skaters by a considerable margin. He also recorded 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in seven postseason contests.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

Bedard, the 17-year-old phenom who was selected by the Blackhawks on Wednesday night, says that his goal is simply to make the team’s roster right now, but if he does, then he has the team’s opening game against the Pittsburgh Penguins circled on his calendar.

Why is that? Because it just so happens that his favorite player growing up was Sidney Crosby.

“I’ve got to make it first, but that’s unreal,” he told ESPN. “He’s been my favorite player growing up and an idol of mine. If that happens, you can’t script it any better.”

There is plenty that Crosby and Bedard share in common. Crosby was a highly-touted prospect out of Cole Harbour, and it was widely-known that he would be taken No. 1 in the draft when he came out.

The Penguins got him, and needless to say, history has been kind. Crosby has won three Stanley Cups with the Penguins, racking up 550 goals and 952 assists in 1,190 games.

Few prospects since have come with that much hype, but Bedard certainly qualifies after he scored 71 goals and racked up 72 assists with the Regina Pats.

Bedard is a virtual lock to make the Blackhawks’ roster this fall, but says his primary goal right now is to “make the team” out of training camp.

Here is a photo of the jersey on the NHL website.

The price of the jersey is set at $174.99 on the website. They are available in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes.

Act fast, Bedard’s jersey will almost certainly fly off the shelves.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

Bedard, taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft after an historic season with the WHL’s Regina Pats, told ESPN that his goals heading into the season are very simple: making the Blackhawks’ Opening Night roster.

“Right now, it’s focusing on having a good rest of the summer, and then going into camp and making the team,” he said. “Just keeping it short-term right now.”

Needless to say, Bedard shouldn’t have much of a challenge making the roster. He scored 71 goals and dished out 72 assists last season for Regina, and continued that strong play with 10 goals and 10 assists in the postseason.

That being said, the moment is still sinking in for Bedard, as he wears a No. 98 jersey with the Blackhawks’ crest on it.

“It’s incredible, looking down and seeing it on myself. I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to be with my family and friends and get to hear my name be called and experience that, especially with such a storied organization,” Bedard said. “Everything I’ve heard about the people there has been nothing but positives. Very thankful that the staff, Kyle, Luke, everyone, put their faith in me with that pick.”

Bedard is the second player in franchise history to be taken first overall. Patrick Kane, of course, is the other after the Blackhawks drafted him in 2007.

“It’s pretty unbelievable,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said. “I’m just glad to be through Round 1, have Connor as a Blackhawk.

“Those players that can reach star potential are the hardest boxes and hardest positions to fill when you’re building a team and obviously first overall is a place where you hope you can get that and I feel like we’ve got a player in Connor that has every chance to be that type of player for us.”

Bedard, 17, produced a ridiculous 143 points (71 goals, 72 assists) in 57 games last season for the Regina Pats, which led all Western Hockey League skaters by a considerable margin. He also recorded 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in seven postseason contests.

Earlier in June, Bedard won the Canadian Hockey League’s top prospect award, the leading scorer award and the David Branch CHL Player of the Year Award. He’s the first player in CHL history to win all three prizes.

The hype train ascended to another level after Bedard lifted Team Canada to a gold medal in the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he registered nine goals and 14 assists in seven games. His 23 points in a single tournament set a record among Canadian-born players and ranked fourth in World Junior history.

The list goes on and on, but the Blackhawks can officially say Bedard is their property and what a feeling that must be for the city of Chicago.

“It’s incredible,” Bedard said. “I can’t put it into words. Growing up, obviously that was when they were going on their runs, winning Cups, and I was watching a lot of them. You see the United Center going crazy and all of Chicago getting behind them. Original Six and so much history there. I really can’t put it into words and I’m so excited to be part of the organization.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

The Chicago Blackhawks took Connor Bedard as the No. 1, which was expected.

Here’s a recap of what happened, and what’s to come, in the draft.

Blackhawks select Janne Peltonen with their final pick in the draft

The Blackhawks picked their first defenseman of the draft, with their final pick in the draft (No. 195).

Janne Peltonen, 18, is a 6-foot-3 defenseman out of Finland. He played with Kärpät and the Finnish U17-18 teams.

Blackhawks select Milton Oscarson with the No. 167 pick

The Blackhawks selected Milton Oscarson, a 6-foot-6 center from Sweden, with the No. 167 pick — their penultimate pick in the 2023 NHL draft.

Oscarson has played with Orebro in the Swedish Hockey League since 2020. His best season came during the 2021-22 season, when he authored a 29-point season on 11 goals and 18 assists in 25 games.

He played for Sweden in the World Junior U-20 Championships, recording two goals in seven tournament games.

Blackhawks select Marcel Marcel with the No. 131 pick

Marcel, 19, played one season in the Czech league before moving to the QMJHL. He’s a 6-foot-4 left winger with left-handed shooting.

In the QMJHL with the Gatineau Olympiques last season, Marcel notched 32 points between 14 goals and 18 assists in 52 games played. He recorded six points in the World Junior U-20 Championships for the Czech Republic.

Blackhawks select Alex Pharand with the No. 99 pick

The Hawks used the No. 99 pick in the draft on Alex Pharand, a 6-foot-2 center from Canada.

Pharand, 18, played the last three seasons of his hockey career in the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves and Hamilton Bulldogs. He took off last season, recording 39 points via 18 goals and 21 assists from 67 games.

Blackhawks select Jiri Felcman with the No. 93 pick in the draft

The Blackhawks capped off the third round of their draft with a big-bodied center. Felcman, 18, is from Czechia. He is a 6-foot-4 center with left-handed shooting prowess.

In 40 games with Langnau U20, Felcman recorded 31 points on 10 goals and 21 assists.

Blackhawks acquire Corey Perry from Lightning in exchange for 2024 seventh-round pick

Corey Perry has played 19 seasons in the NHL — 15 of them with the Anaheim Ducks. He is a 6-foot-3 winger. He scored 25 points in 81 games last season with the Lightning

Blackhawks reportedly buyout Josh Bailey

The Blackhawks plan to buyout Josh Bailey, who they traded for before Day 2 of the NHL draft.

Buyout converts his 1 year, $5M cap hit into a $2.67M hit next season and $1.67M hit in 2024-25.

Blackhawks select Martin Misiak with the No. 55 overall pick

The Blackhawks selected Martin Misiak with the No. 55 pick in the NHL draft.

Misiak, 18, compiled 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 27 games last season for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, and added 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in nine postseason contests. He also registered 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 29 games for HC Nove Zamky in Slovakia.

Misiak is a 6-foot-2, 194-pound winger who can play wing or center. He played winger in Slovakia but center with Youngstown. He’s a bigger body up the middle for the Blackhawks, who could use some more of it.

Blackhawks select with the No. 93 pick in the draft

Blackhawks select Nick Lardis with the No. 67 pick in the draft

Lardis, 17, is a 5-foot-11 and 165-pound left winger from Ontario, Canada.

He played the last three seasons in the OHL with the Peterborough Petes and Hamilton Bulldogs. During the 2022-23 season, Lardis recorded 46 points in 33 games.

Blackhawks select Roman Kantserov with the No. 44 pick

The Chicago Blackhawks have selected forward Roman Kantserov in the second round (No. 44 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Kantserov, 18, registered 54 points (27 goals, 27 assists) in 45 games this past season for the Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk of the MHL. He also added one goal and two assists in three postseason contests.

Blackhawks trade No. 51 to the Flyers for No. 167, 2024 second-round pick

This is the Blackhawks’ first trade of the draft.

Blackhawks kick off Day 2 with a goalie

The Chicago Blackhawks have selected goaltender Adam Gajan with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Blackhawks have not drafted a goalie since 2020.

Gajan, 19, went 19-12-1 with a 2.57 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and one shutout in 34 appearances last season with the Chippewa Steel of the NAHL. He also, most notably, turned in a strong performance at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he went 2-2-0 with a 2.40 goals-against average, .936 save percentage and one shutout in four games for Team Slovakia.

Gajan is a 6-foot-3, 183-pound goaltender who went undrafted last season but performed so well this past season that he jumped back on everyone’s radar. He is committed to play at the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2023-24.

Blackhawks draft Connor Bedard, Oliver Moore in first round

The Chicago Blackhawks came into the first round of the NHL Draft with two picks, and despite some efforts to acquire another one that’s all they ended up using as they took forwards Connor Bedard and Oliver Moore.

The Bedard move was completely expected, but still generated quite the reaction from Blackhawks fans in Nashville and at The Salt Shed in Chicago.

Bedard scored 71 goals and dished out 72 assists in 57 games with Regina last season, and is expected to join the Blackhawks for the 2023-24 season.

He is one of the draft’s most highly-touted prospects in recent memories, drawing comparisons to the talent level of Auston Matthews during the pre-draft process.

With their second pick, the Blackhawks selected Moore at No. 19.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson told media on Wednesday that he did not anticipate Moore being available at the 19^th spot in the draft, but was thrilled that the team was able to secure one of the draft’s best skaters.

Moore, who will join 2022 Blackhawks first-round pick Sam Rinzel at Minnesota this fall, had eight goals and 17 assists for the U.S. National Development Team in the United States Hockey League last season.

First round wraps up with zero trades

The first round continued with a definite lack of drama, with zero draft-day trades consummated. Here were the final picks of the round:

Defenseman Tanner Molendyk – Nashville (No. 24)

Center Otto Stenberg – St. Louis (No. 25)

Left Wing Quentin Musty – San Jose (No. 26)

Center Calum Ritchie – Colorado (No. 27)

Right Wing Easton Cowan – Toronto (No. 28)

Defenseman Theo Lindstein – St. Louis (No. 29)

Left Wing Bradly Nadeau – Carolina (No. 30)

Defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev – Colorado (No. 31)

Center David Enstrom – Vegas (No. 32)

Blackhawks not done tonight?

According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, the Blackhawks are trying to get back into the first round of the draft, with seven picks left to go.

Otherwise, the Blackhawks will own the No. 35 overall pick in the second round, which begins on Thursday morning.

Gabriel Perreault goes to Rangers

The New York Rangers have selected USA U-18 forward Gabriel Perreault with the Non. 23 pick in the first round.

Perreault had 19 goals and 26 assists this season, and is one of the best power play weapons available in the draft class.

His father, Yanic Perreault, not only played for the Blackhawks, but currently works in the team’s front office.

No trades? First round continues with lack of drama

Defenseman Oliver Bonk was selected at No. 22 by the Flyers, with no draft-day trades having been made.

Before that, Eduard Sale went to the Seattle Kraken at No. 20, and American-born forward Charlie Stramel was selected by the Minnesota Wild.

Blackhawks take Oliver Moore with No. 19 pick

The Blackhawks likely grabbed the best skater in the draft at No. 19, selecting USA NTDP forward Oliver Moore.

Moore appeared in 23 games last season, with eight goals and 17 assists.

You can read more about Moore here.

Two potential Blackhawks options off the board

Vancouver Giants winger Samuel Honzek was taken at No. 16 by the Calgary Flames, just one pick after the Nashville Predators took Matthew Wood with the No. 15 pick.

Both players are tall, muscular forwards, and the Blackhawks can certainly use more of that physicality within their system.

Sabres, Penguins retain picks as lack of trades continues

Hockey fans hoping for a flurry of trades at the NHL Draft are surely disappointed, as Winnipeg Ice winger Zach Benson and Moose Jaw Warriors center Brayden Yager were taken by the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins, respectively.

The Blackhawks are five picks away from their second selection of the round.

Coyotes make second pick of first round

The Arizona Coyotes had two picks in the top-12 and have now made both, as they took Russian forward Daniil But.

But, playing for Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, scored two goals in 15 KHL games. He also had 15 goals and 11 assists in 26 games for the club’s junior squad.

Top 10 wraps up with zero trades

The top-10 picks in the NHL Draft are now in the books, and there were zero trades in that set of picks.

The Washington Capitals selected American winger Ryan Leonard with the No. 8 pick, while Canadian Nate Danielson went No. 9 to the Detroit Red Wings.

Slovakian center Dalibor Dvorsky, the sixth center taken in the top-10, was selected by the St. Louis Blues.

Defenseman Tom Willander then was selected at No. 11 by the Vancouver Canucks.

Connor Bedard followed Kane, Toews ‘super closely’ growing up

He won’t get a chance to be a teammate of either player, but you can bet that Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard knows plenty about Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews’ time in the Windy City.

Bedard, who joined Kane as one of only two players taken No. 1 overall in the NHL Draft by the Blackhawks, said that he followed the legendary winger’s career closely while he was growing up.

“I followed them super closely. How couldn’t you with all their success, and the Stanley Cups they won,” he told media on Wednesday night.

The statistics speak for themselves. Kane and Toews won three Stanley Cups in six seasons with the Blackhawks. Kane earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2013, while Toews earned the prize in 2010.

Matvei Michkov goes to the Flyers

Concerns about his KHL contract and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine led some to question just how far forward Matvei Michkov would fall, and it turns out he fell to the No. 7 spot in the draft, where he was picked by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Michkov, who was considered a top-end prospect in this year’s class, may not make it over to the NHL until 2026 as a result of that contract, but the skill is hard to miss. He had a total of nine goals and 11 assists in 30 games with St. Petersburg SKA and Sochi HC last season.

Canadiens, Coyotes make their picks

The Canadiens ended up keeping the No. 5 overall pick, selecting defenseman David Reinbacher, and the Coyotes also kept their pick in taking defenseman Dmitri Simashev.

Connor Bedard on starting his NHL career vs. ‘idol’ Sidney Crosby, Penguins

The Chicago Blackhawks will open their 2023-24 season with a lengthy road trip, but it’s the first game of that journey that stands out to No. 1 overall draft pick Connor Bedard.

Bedard, the 17-year-old phenom who was selected by the Blackhawks on Wednesday night, says that his goal is simply to make the team’s roster right now, but if he does, then he has the team’s opening game against the Pittsburgh Penguins circled on his calendar.

Why is that? Because it just so happens that his favorite player growing up was Sidney Crosby.

“I’ve got to make it first, but that’s unreal,” he said. “He’s been my favorite player growing up and an idol of mine. If that happens, you can’t script it any better.”

‘Can’t wait to get started:’ Connor Bedard reveals goals after Blackhawks’ pick

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard has been the subject of plenty of hype in his young life, but his short-term goals do not reflect the national narrative.

Bedard, taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft after an historic season with the WHL’s Regina Pats, told ESPN that his goals heading into the season are very simple: making the Blackhawks’ Opening Night roster.

“Right now, it’s focusing on having a good rest of the summer, and then going into camp and making the team,” he said. “Just keeping it short-term right now.”

Needless to say, Bedard shouldn’t have much of a challenge making the roster. He scored 71 goals and dished out 72 assists last season for Regina, and continued that strong play with 10 goals and 10 assists in the postseason.c

Columbus drafts Adam Fantilli No. 3 in the draft

Sports fans in Columbus are going to have to learn to root for a Wolverine, as the Blue Jackets took Adam Fantilli with the No. 3 pick on Wednesday night.

Fantilli won the Hobey Baker Award as the top collegiate player in his freshman season at Michigan, and is widely considered to be one of the top prospects in recent memory in the NHL

Aanheim swerves, takes Leo Carlsson over Adam Fantilli

Most NHL Draft experts figured that Michigan forward and Hobey Baker Award winner Adam Fantilli would be the second pick in the draft, but the Anaheim Ducks instead took Swedish forward Leo Carlsson.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are on the clock at No. 3.

The Pick Is In, and Connor Bedard is a Chicago Blackhawk

The least-well-kept secret in NHL history is finally out: the Chicago Blackhawks have taken Connor Bedard with the top pick in the NHL Draft.

Auston Matthews contract requests begin to filter out

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews is eligible to hit free agency in 2024, but it sounds like he wants less than the eight years he could get:

Jim Cornelison brings down the house with the National Anthem

The scene is RAUCOUS at the Salt Shed.

The Bedard family is in the house

No big deal, but Connor Bedard will probably be a Chicago Blackhawk in the next 20 minutes.

DeBrincat trade “not close,” per report

According to The Athletic’s Ian Mendes, Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion says the team is “not close” to a trade involving forward Alex DeBrincat.

They have not granted DeBrincat’s team an opportunity to discuss a new contract with other clubs, and will not do so unless they are drawing closer to a trade, according to the report.

Predators hoping to make “big splash,” report says

Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek echoes other reporting, indicating that the Nashville Predators are aiming to move up and make a splash.

“I can find you third line, fourth line guys, no problem,” Predators GM Barry Trotz reportedly told scouts. “Go get me some guys that can get people out of their seats.”

The Predators have a total of 10 picks in the first four rounds of the draft, and they could leverage some of those selections, as well as prospect goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, to move up, according to Jeff Marek.

Former Blackhawks winger Max Domi expected to hit market

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, it appears that Dallas Stars forward Max Domi will opt for free agency on July 1 rather than re-signing in Dallas.

Domi was traded to the Stars by the Blackhawks prior to the deadline, and scored two goals and five assists in 20 games. He also had three goals and 10 assists in 19 playoff games for Dallas.

The Blackhawks could conceivably bring him back on a new deal, but there is no word on which team he could pursue.

Could Canadiens trade down from No. 5?

According to multiple reports, the Montreal Canadiens could look to move out of the fifth-overall spot in the draft, and the host Nashville Predators could be looking to move up.

Frank Seravalli was one of the reporters, and he says the Predators could potentially offer up goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov in a trade.

The Predators could move up to No. 5, where the Canadians are. Frank Seravalli says the Preds could dangle goaltender Yaroslav Askarov there.

Golden Knights trade Reilly Smith to Pittsburgh

The Blackhawks are not the only team looking to take on salary during draft week.

The Vegas Golden Knights, fresh off winning the Stanley Cup, have sent Reilly Smith to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a third-round draft pick.

Smith carries a $5 million cap hit, and his contract runs through the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.

Could the Ducks surprise with their No. 2 pick?

The consensus going into this week’s draft is that Michigan forward Adam Fantilli is going to be the second player taken, but could Ducks GM Pat Verbeek go in a different direction?

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Verbeek has other GM’s “guessing” about what he will do with the pick.

If the Ducks don’t take Fantilli, then there are likely three other options they could consider. They could grab Will Smith or Leo Carlsson, both of whom have been projected as top-five picks, or he could surprise the NHL world and draft Russian forward Matvei Michkov, even in spite of his contract issues in the KHL and the ongoing tensions with Russia over the war in Ukraine.

Could Nashville get into the top-10?

The Predators currently have the No. 15 pick in the draft that they are hosting, but according to Friedman, they could be angling to get into the top-10.

The challenge will be finding a team willing to move their pick. The Capitals could be angling for a gamebreaking player to take advantage of the twilight of Alex Ovechkin’s career, and the Detroit Red Wings do have two first-round picks, but likely aren’t wanting to move down six spots.

JT Compher set to hit free agency

Blackhawks fans always rally behind the local guy (think Ryan Hartman and Scott Darling), and they could potentially have another player to get behind.

According to The Athletic’s Peter Baugh, Colorado Avalanche center JT Compher is expected to hit free agency this summer after skating with the Avs since 2016.

Compher, who was born in Northbrook, had 17 goals and 35 assists last season for the Avalanche. He has 88 career goals in 423 games.

Could Alex DeBrincat still be moved?

Amid reports that Alex DeBrincat isn’t interested in a long-term extension with the Ottawa Senators, trade speculation is heating up around the former Blackhawks winger.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported that DeBrincat would welcome a trade to the Detroit Red Wings, while other reports have linked him to the Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars and even the Golden Knights after they were able to shed Reilly Smith’s contract.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Check out the hilarious video:

Davidson opens with some self-deprecating humor, evaluating his hockey IQ at a four out of 10.

“Fan of the sport, I don’t know, some people say I don’t know too much,” Davidson quipped.

After hearing that answer it’s no surprise the interviewer was impressed when Davidson rattled off 17 different players when asked to name as many hockey players as possible in 20 seconds, including some deep cuts like Michael Rozsíval and Bryan Bickell.

“Most of those were 2010-2013 Blackhawks. Were you watching the team then?” asked Penalty Box, of course not knowing that Davidson got a chance to hold the cup over his head since he was working as a hockey administration coordinator for the Blackhawks at the time.

The video ended with Davidson providing a simple answer to a simple question: Do you think the NHL rigged the draft lottery so that Bedard would land in Chicago?

“No.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Here are 10 things to know about Bedard, who will be a Blackhawk by the end of the night:

1. Bedard was the first player in Western Hockey League history — and seventh in Canadian Hockey League history — to be granted exceptional status, which allowed him to play in the major junior ranks before the required age of 16.
   
2. Bedard registered 143 points (71 goals, 72 assists) in 57 games last season for the Regina Pats. For reference, the next-closest player was Chase Wheatcroft at 107 points. Wheatcroft appeared in 11 more games than Bedard and was 20 years old. Bedard is 17.
   
3. In June, Bedard won the CHL’s top prospect award, the leading scorer award and the David Branch CHL Player of the Year Award. He’s the first player in CHL history to win all three prizes.
   
4. Bedard set a new Canadian record at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship for most points in a single tournament with 23 (nine goals, 14 assists) in only seven games. He helped lead his country to a gold medal.
   
5. Bedard’s official height and weight at the NHL Scouting Combine: 5′ 9.75″ and 185 pounds.
   
6. Bedard has worn the No. 98 since he was five-years-old. If you’ve already bought a No. 98 Blackhawks Bedard jersey, I think you’re safe. 
   
7. Bedard’s childhood idol is Sidney Crosby. Coincidentally, the Blackhawks open the 2023-24 season in Pittsburgh on Oct. 10. Bedard’s first NHL shift very well could be against Crosby.
   
8. Bedard supposedly uses a 70 stick flex; I’ve heard it might even be in the 60s. That means it’s extremely whippy. He has one of the best shots in the entire world and he’s only 17.
   
9. When Bedard was 12 years old, he broke his right wrist and couldn’t use it for two months. He used that time to strengthen his left hand (the top hand on his stick) and it’s why his shot has become so lethal. 
   
10. And finally, Bedard will join Patrick Kane as the only two players in franchise history to be taken first overall. Bedard has honored Kane a couple this year. First, with the heartbreaker celebration to send Team Canada to the semifinals and then with the raced stripes in his hair for Regina’s playoff run. This was before the Blackhawks even won the lottery. How fitting.
    

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Though, they haven’t said it themselves yet. Why are they keeping their selection a secret?

“I respect the function of the draft and the ceremony of the draft and what that means for the families, the league and the organization,” general manager Kyle Davidson said on Tuesday. “There’s a place to announce those things and that’s on stage at the draft.”

There is no strategy behind Davidson’s approach to hiding the announcement of selecting Bedard. The league knows the Blackhawks will take the 17-year-old star with the first pick.

When asked if the Hawks have received any trade inquiries about the No. 1 pick, Davidson responded “Nope.”

Everyone and their mother knows the Blackhawks will draft Bedard on Wednesday night in Nashville.

What do the Blackhawks think of the Regina Pats star?

“Great player, great person,” Davidson said. “Everyone’s seen how he’s handled himself in the lead-up to this draft. … He’s shown a maturity beyond his years. He’s 17 years old but you’d never know it based on how he’s handled things.”

Tune in Wednesday to hear it from the stage, the place where Davidson ascertains the news should come from. However it’s announced, the outcome will be the same.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The 2023 NHL Draft is almost upon us, and the Chicago Blackhawks are hoping to make it a year to remember as they head to Nashville.

From TV information, to the players the Blackhawks could potentially take at the top of the draft, here’s everything you need to know heading into Wednesday and Thursday.

When will the draft start?

The draft will get underway at 6 p.m. Central time on Wednesday, with the first round taking place.

Rounds 2-7 of the draft will all take place on Thursday, with a start time of 11 a.m.

Where can I watch it?

Live coverage of the first round of the draft can be seen on ESPN. The final six rounds of the draft will air Thursday on NHL Network.

Will local coverage be available?

NBC Sports Chicago will host “Blackhawks Draft Night Live” beginning at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, just after the Blackhawks make their first pick in the draft.

Pat Boyle will anchor the special, and will be joined by a wide variety of guests, including Hall of Famers Denis Savard and Pat Foley, as well as analysts like Caley Chelios and Darren Pang.

A full list of guests, and how you can watch, can be found on NBC Sports Chicago’s website.

What picks do the Blackhawks own?

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Blackhawks own a total of 11 picks in the draft.

Most notably, the Blackhawks own the No. 1 pick by virtue of winning the NHL Draft Lottery. They also have the 19^th pick in the first round, which they received via the 2022 trade that sent forward Brandon Hagel to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Blackhawks also own four second-round picks and two third-round picks. You can find all the information from our insider Charlie Roumeliotis.

Who will be the No. 1 pick?

Barring the biggest surprise in NHL Draft history, the Blackhawks will take Regina Pats forward Connor Bedard with the top-overall selection on Wednesday night.

Bedard took Canadian junior hockey by storm this season, with 71 goals and 72 assists in 57 games for the Pats. He also had 10 goals and 10 assists in seven postseason games.

Here are five things you need to know about Bedard.

Who else could be picked early on?

In most years, Michigan forward Adam Fantilli would have been the No. 1 overall pick. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, he is already developed enough physically to play in the NHL, and he is a versatile player that can fill all sorts of roles.

In any case, he’ll potentially go No. 2, although there have been reports that the Anaheim Ducks could take Swedish forward Leo Carlsson or American standout Will Smith with the pick.

Both players will likely go in the top-four, though the picture gets a bit cloudier after that. The big questions surround Russian winger Matvei Michkov, both because of the ongoing war in Ukraine and because of his contract with Ska St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Who could the Blackhawks take with their other first round pick?

The Blackhawks currently own the No. 19 pick, and although there is a chance they could move up, some teams have reportedly shown a lack of desire to move back in this year’s deep draft class.

If the Blackhawks stick at No. 19, they have a few different options, including Swedish forward Otto Stenberg, or Russian winger Danil But.

Owen Sound forward Colby Barlow could be a strong pick, as could Kelowna winger (and Connor Bedard’s good friend) Andrew Cristall.

Where can I watch the draft?

If you are looking for a place to watch the draft outside of your living room, the Blackhawks are hosting a watch party at The Salt Shed on Thursday night.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the team’s mobile app.

Top Digital Stories – NBC Chicago

Hawks Insider Jun 27

Blackhawks official 2023-24 season schedule

Nick Foligno Jun 27

Blackhawks sign forward Nick Foligno, who came as part of Taylor Hall trade

Here’s how you can catch our live draft special on Wednesday night, as well as additional recap shows on Thursday and Friday.

Wednesday –

Blackhawks Draft Night Live, presented by ChevyDrivesChicago.com, will air beginning at 6:30 p.m., just after the team makes the first-overall selection in the draft.

Blackhawks pre and postgame show host Pat Boyle will anchor the one-hour special, which will feature in-depth analysis and details on the No. 1 selection, as well as highlights of the event in Nashville.

Boyle will be joined by Blackhawks play-by-play voice Chris Vosters and color analyst Darren Pang. Caley Chelios will also join the broadcast, as will Blackhawks legends Denis Savard and Steve Larmer.

Adam Burish, Ben Eager and Bryan Bickell, all of whom played for the team during their Stanley Cup run in the 2010’s, will also be involved in the broadcast.

Legendary broadcaster and Hockey Hall of Famer Pat Foley will join the telecast.

Finally, Blackhawks Insider Charlie Roumeliotis will provide live coverage from Nashville.

The show will be available on NBC Sports Chicago, but it will also be available on the NBC Chicago News streaming channel on Roku, as well as platforms like Peacock, Samsung V Plus, Xumo Play and Amazon Fire TV.

Information on how to find those streaming channels can be found here.

The show can also be viewed on the NBC Sports Chicago and NBC Chicago websites and mobile apps.

Thursday –

At 6 p.m., or immediately following White Sox Postgame Live, Pat Boyle and Caley Chelios will host the “Blackhawks Draft Recap” television special.

The show will feature reports from Blackhawks Insider Charlie Roumeliotis, as well as a scheduled interview with GM Kyle Davidson and more details from the second and final day of the draft.

The show will be available on NBC Sports Chicago, but it will also be available on the NBC Chicago News streaming channel on Roku, as well as platforms like Peacock, Samsung V Plus, Xumo Play and Amazon Fire TV.

Information on how to find those streaming channels can be found here.

The show can also be viewed on the NBC Sports Chicago and NBC Chicago websites and mobile apps.

Friday –

At 5 p.m., Pat Boyle and Caley Chelios will host “Blackhawks Class of 23,” with a live press conference at Fifth Third Arena to introduce fans to the newest members of the Blackhawks.

The show will also feature plenty of analysis on the team’s draft performance, and what it means moving forward.

The show will be available on NBC Sports Chicago, but it will also be available on the NBC Chicago News streaming channel on Roku, as well as platforms like Peacock, Samsung V Plus, Xumo Play and Amazon Fire TV.

Information on how to find those streaming channels can be found here.

The show can also be viewed on the NBC Sports Chicago and NBC Chicago websites and mobile apps.

More content, including podcasts, can also be found on the station’s websites.

1:00 – It’s Connor Bedard Week

2:30 – What are the chances the Blackhawks acquire a third first-round pick?

9:05 – Who could the Blackhawks target at No. 19 overall?

19:10 – Will the Blackhawks draft a goaltender this year?

24:45 – Where will Matvei Michkov be drafted?

30:15 – Patrick Kane looks to be ahead of schedule after undergoing hip surgery three weeks ago

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

Beginning this Wednesday, June 28, NBC Sports Chicago will kick-off three-straight days of massive draft coverage surrounding this soon-to-be historic moment in Blackhawks history, highlighted by live, nightly recap/analysis programs, live player press conferences and front office exec interviews, plus – expanded digital & social media coverage, new draft-focused podcasts, and much more.  Please note NBC Sports Chicago’s 2023 NHL Draft multi-platform coverage details below:

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28

• 6:30 PM — “Blackhawks Draft Night Live presented by ChevyDrivesChicago.com” – Featuring veteran NBC Sports Chicago Blackhawks host/expert Pat Boyle, this ONE-HOUR, LIVE “reaction” special will deliver in-depth details and analysis on the team/league’s #1 overall pick, including highlights from the podium announcement in Nashville, and a showcase reel featuring the top pick’s early career highlights. Joining Boyle for the one-hour special include a massive roster of Blackhawks experts weighing in with their thoughts, including:

• Chris Vosters (NBC Sports Chicago Blackhawks play-by-play announcer)
• Darren Pang (former Blackhawks standout/veteran national NHL analyst & new NBC Sports Chicago Blackhawks game analyst)
• Caley Chelios (NBC Sports Chicago Blackhawks studio analyst)
• Denis Savard (Blackhawks legend/1993 Stanley Cup Champion/Hockey Hall of Famer)
• Steve Larmer (Blackhawks legend/1994 Stanley Cup Champion)
• Adam Burish (2010 Blackhawks Stanley Cup Champion)
• Ben Eager (2010 Blackhawks Stanley Cup Champion)
• Bryan Bickell (2013 & 2015 Blackhawks Stanley Cup Champion)
• Pat Foley (Blackhawks broadcasting legend/Hockey Hall of Famer)
• Charlie Roumeliotis (NBC Sports Chicago “Blackhawks Insider” reporting live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville)

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR VIEWERS: In addition to traditional cable/satellite viewing options, fans can also view “Blackhawks Draft Night Live” on the NBC Chicago News streaming channel on Roku, Peacock, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play and Amazon Fire TV. Link on how to find each: http://nbcchi.com/SCIhuKM. Fans can also watch this special on NBCSportsChicago.com, NBCChicago.com, along with the NBC Sports Chicago app and NBC Chicago app. Fans are also urged to turn on the apps’ push notifications for up-to-the-minute Blackhawks/NHL Draft updates.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29

• 6:00 PM, time approx. – (immediately following “White Sox Post Game Live”) –

“Blackhawks Draft Recap presented by ChevyDrivesChicago.com” – Featuring host Pat Boyle with in-depth analysis provided by Caley Chelios, the LIVE “Blackhawks Draft Recap” will provide full details on all the Blackhawks 2023 draft picks, including a live report from Nashville via Charlie Roumeliotis, along with player interviews, an overview of all league-wide trades, plus – a scheduled interview with Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson, who will discuss this year’s roster of picks and their respective future impact.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR VIEWERS: In addition to traditional cable/satellite viewing options, fans can also view “Blackhawks Draft Recap” on the NBC Chicago News streaming channel on Roku, Peacock, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play and Amazon Fire TV. Link on how to find each: http://nbcchi.com/SCIhuKM. Fans can also watch this special on NBCSportsChicago.com, NBCChicago.com, along with the NBC Sports Chicago app and NBC Chicago app. Fans are also urged to turn on the apps’ push notifications for up-to-the-minute Blackhawks/NHL Draft updates.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

• 5:00 PM – “Blackhawks Class of ‘23” – Hosted by Pat Boyle and Caley Chelios, the “Blackhawks Class of ‘23” special will deliver the team’s official LIVE press conference from Fifth Third Arena featuring intros/interviews with the draft picks, coaches, and front office execs. Plus, Boyle and Chelios will discuss how the team’s #1 pick compares to past #1 overall picks, along with a full breakdown on how this year’s top pick may be a league force for years to come.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR VIEWERS: In addition to traditional cable/satellite viewing options, fans can also view “Blackhawks Class of ‘23” on the NBC Chicago News streaming channel on Roku, Peacock, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play and Amazon Fire TV. Link on how to find each: http://nbcchi.com/SCIhuKM. Fans can also watch this special on NBCSportsChicago.com, NBCChicago.com, along with the NBC Sports Chicago app and NBC Chicago app. Fans are also urged to turn on the apps’ push notifications for up-to-the-minute Blackhawks/NHL Draft updates.

Additional coverage NHL Draft coverage…

• DIGITAL/SOCIAL – NBCSportsChicago.com –NBC Sports Chicago’s “Blackhawks Insider” Charlie Roumeliotis will be on location in Nashville throughout the draft providing fans with thorough digital coverage, including draft capsules of the Blackhawks picks. In addition, Roumeliotis will be delivering real-time coverage/commentary throughout the draft via @CRoumeliotis and NBC Sports Chicago’s Blackhawks official Twitter handle @NBCSBlackhawks. For full NHL Draft player profiles, feature story content, and videos, fans are urged to visit the network’s dedicated Blackhawks Draft page at NBCSportsChicago.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/blackhawks-draft.
• NHL Draft/Bridgestone Arena “Sights & Sounds” moments featuring photos/quick video offerings from ‘NBCSChicago’ will be provided via Instagram and Instagram Stories. 
• PODCASTS: Blackhawks fans can also listen in to new NHL Draft preview/recap editions of NBC Sports Chicago’s popular “BlackhawksTalk PODCAST presented by Saint Xavier University,” featuring Boyle, Roumeliotis, and James Neveau with their assessments and predictions on this year’s draft class. Fans can download all of NBC Sports Chicago’s podcasts at NBCSportsChicago.com/podcasts and simply subscribe to them via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Art19, and YouTube. The podcasts can be played on any mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer.

The Blackhawks will hold their official watch party at the Salt Shed, located at 1357 North Elston Avenue on Wednesday night as they prepare for the first round of the draft.

The team owns the No. 1 pick for just the second time in history, and will likely take Regina Pats forward Connor Bedard with the selection.

While the draft will start at 6 p.m., the party will get underway earlier, with alumni autograph signings, live performances and a kids zone, among other events.

Fans are encouraged to get free tickets via the Blackhawks’ mobile app. Limited tickets will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis, the team says.

Gates will open for the event at 3 p.m.

Here’s what to expect:

4:15 p.m.: Autographs with Blackhawks legends Denis Savard and Steve Larmer

4:30 p.m.: Skills clinic with Ben Eager and Bryan Bickell. Both players will also sign autographs, as will former Blackhawks forward Adam Burish.

5 p.m.: Autograph sessions will continue with broadcasters Chris Vosters and Caley Chelios.

DJ Oreo will also begin performing at the outdoor stage.

5:40 p.m.: Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press will perform on the indoor stage.

6 p.m.: The first round of the draft gets underway, with the Blackhawks’ first pick likely taking place around 6:15 p.m.

The team also owns the No. 19 pick in the first round.

7:40 p.m.: Another autograph session will be held, with legendary broadcaster Pat Foley signing for fans.

9 p.m.: A drone show is planned, with Sky Elements programming the show.

As for the Nashville party, it will also be free and open to the public from 1-to-6 p.m., with giveaways, guest appearances by Blackhawks alumni, live music and more, with food and beverage available for purchase.

The party will be held at the Skydeck at Assembly Food Hall, the team says.

A post-draft party will also be held beginning at 8 p.m., with tickets required for entry. Prices will run $50 per ticket for the event, with complimentary food and beverages, as well as meet-and-greet opportunities with Blackhawks alumni.

More information can be found on the team’s website.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

2:30 – There’s no doubt the Blackhawks are taking Connor Bedard, right? (Right!)

6:15 – Trade proposal 1: A potential Chicago-Pittsburgh trade scenario involving Mikael Granlund

15:25 – Trade proposal 2: A potential Chicago-Vancouver trade scenario involving Conor Garland

27:40 – Trade proposal 3: A potential Chicago-Toronto trade scenario involving the Blackhawks receiving a third first-round pick

30:10 – Trade proposal 4: A potential Chicago-Washington trade scenario involving Anthony Mantha

37:40 – Bonus trade proposal: Could Chicago help the N.Y. Islanders take Josh Bailey’s contract off the books?

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

The International Ice Hockey Federation named Bedard its inaugural Male Player of the Year on Monday.

“This is such a huge honor,” Bedard said, via the IIHF. “I’m not sure how to compare it to others I’ve received, but it’s pretty incredible to receive this award with all the unbelievable players that have competed in the IIHF this season and the amazing players that were nominated for this award.”

NHL Draft Jun 16

How to watch 2023 NHL Draft: Schedule, draft order, top prospects

Connor Bedard Jun 15

Five things to know about top NHL draft prospect Connor Bedard

The 17-year-old phenom had a spectacular year on the international stage. Bedard led Canada to two World Juniors titles over the last 10 months: the 2022 edition in Edmonton last August and the 2023 edition in Halifax this past January. He tallied 23 points in the 2023 tournament, nine more than any other player, and scored two game-winning goals during Canada’s championship run.

Bedard received 31.8% of the vote for the award, beating out Latvian goalie Arturs Silovs (19.6%), Swiss forward Andres Ambuhl (19.2%) and four other players who received votes. He was named the winner shortly after the IIHF declared American Hilary Knight the IIHF Female Player of the Year.

Bedard’s next stop is fully expected to be Chicago. The Blackhawks own the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, which commences on June 28.

Looking beyond the NHL, Bedard has already put thought into his potential teammates once he suits up for his country at the senior level.

“My dream linemates would have to be Sidney Crosby and Mathew Barzal,” he said. “Crosby has been my idol since childhood, and I know Barzal really well. I get to skate with him lots in the summers, so that would be pretty cool if we got the chance to represent Canada together one day.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

1:30 – Takeaways from NHL Scouting Combine, Connor Bedard

7:20 – Bedard on his interview with the Blackhawks

18:00 – Adam Fantilli has high praise for Blackhawks prospect Frank Nazar 

22:30 – Thoughts from GM Kyle Davidson’s media availability in Buffalo

35:45 – Patrick Sharp joins Philadelphia Flyers’ front office

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

Here are some leftover Blackhawks notes and items from the combine:

• The Blackhawks interviewed between 65-75 prospects, and that number could’ve been a bit higher if an illness didn’t lead to a few cancellations. For example, projected first-round pick Colby Barlow was scheduled to have an interview with the Blackhawks but his was canceled because he was sick.

• Gabe Perreault — the son of Blackhawks development coach and former NHL player Yanic — interviewed with 23 teams, and the Blackhawks were the first team he met with. He said Patrick Kane and Trevor Zegras are two players he likes watching and tries modeling his game after. I’m not sure he’ll be around at No. 19 overall, but he could be an option for the Blackhawks if he is available.

• I asked Adam Fantilli, who won the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA player this past season, what he thought of Blackhawks prospect Frank Nazar after playing together at Michigan. His response: “He’s a great player. He had that surgery, that was tough, but when he came back, he was able to play the role that we needed him to play and he did absolutely amazing for us. I always said, if anyone’s going to be able to come back and have an impact after a surgery like that, it’s going to be him, and he was able to come back and be a huge part of our team through the playoffs and into the Frozen Four. I think he’s going to be amazing at the next level.”
  
• Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said he’s not against drafting Russian players, but he did acknowledge the need to do a deeper dive on each player — “case by case” — because of the circumstances, whether it’s contractual obligations or other external factors. 
  
  “You’re always asking — even this predates any of the current situation in the world, is you’re always trying to get a sense of their willingness to come and want to play in North America,” Davidson said. “That’s always a question you have, but on the face of it, as a general rule, I don’t think there’s apprehension. I think you just have to do a little more work, given the circumstances right now.”

• Davidson said he isn’t “chasing another goalie” and is “comfortable” with Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom going into next season. The Blackhawks reportedly checked in on Cal Petersen before Los Angeles traded him to Philadelphia, and it’s because they likely would’ve gotten a future asset with him since the Kings were looking to unload his contract.
  
• Davidson said “it’s pretty quiet” on the restricted free-agent front regarding players like Caleb Jones and Philipp Kurashev, which isn’t to say they’re not planning on re-signing them. It’s just where things are at in the calendar. The draft is the primary focus right now.
  
• I loved this Bedard quote when he was asked by a reporter about the potential similar situation he might be walking in to of trying to turn the Regina Pats around and soon the Blackhawks: “I think it’s pretty unfair for you to say about rosters and talking about players and what not. For me, going to Regina, I had a lot of good players with me and I don’t think I was turning the franchise around. We were all trying to win games together and wherever I end up, if I’m playing in the NHL, it’ll be the same thing. There’s no difference between guys on teams, you’re all in this together, so I don’t think I would think it at all like that.”
  
  On the ice, Bedard is a franchise-changing talent. Off the ice, he says all the right things and is the kind of leader you want to build around. He’s absolutely future captain material.

• And finally, the Blackhawks posted a 27-second video on their social media accounts on Sunday of some draft prospects during the fitness testing portion. The video opened and ended with Bedard. He’s going to be the No. 1 overall pick, if you think there’s any doubt.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Not long after, photos started to emerge of fans ordering custom-made No. 98 Blackhawks jerseys with Bedard’s name on the back. Fanatics no longer allows fans to do so for image and likeness purposes, per NHL rules. On June 28 when it’s presumably made official, the Blackhawks’ team store and Fanatics can begin printing them.

Bedard is honored by the gesture from Blackhawks fans, but felt a little uncomfortable at the thought of it being a done deal, even if we all know it’s trending in that direction. He wants to be respectful of the process and enjoy the moment.

“Like I said so many times, we don’t know for sure yet anything,” Bedard said. “It’s cool to see their excitement with getting the first overall pick and stuff, but I’m going to keep saying the same thing and bore you guys a bit: nothing is official until then.”

Bedard met with the Blackhawks this week at the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. His meeting lasted 20 minutes — which is the maximum allowed — and he felt his conversations with the front office staff went well.

“I enjoyed that, getting to know them and what not,” Bedard said. “It was good, I had fun with it. … We’ll see what happens. If they do select me, that would be a huge honor.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

“He’s coming down to this BioSteel camp with some of the best players in the league and I would say he was one of the guys that really stuck out,” Kane said. “You never really know, those young kids, how they’re going to do, especially coming in with a bunch of NHL players that have had success, a bunch of guys that have experience, have been in the league a long time and he seemed to me that he was very confident.

“I think there was one play in camp, he had a 2-on-1 with [Connor] McDavid and he looked off McDavid and took a shot. *Laughs* We were all kind of laughing on the bench. But yeah, I think the thing with him is he moves so well laterally. Everyone talks about his shot and his ability to shoot from different angles and off a different foot each time but man, the way he moves laterally is what gives him that space to be able to do that, so pretty impressive.”

Kane didn’t seem to have any concerns about whether or not Bedard would live up to the expectations when he gets to the NHL.

“I think everyone’s kind of wondering how is he going to do at the next level, how’s he going to be,” Kane said. “From what I saw, I think it’s all right there, he’s going to be special.”

On Saturday, I asked Bedard what his thoughts were about meeting Kane and what he was able to take away from being around a former No. 1 overall pick who shares a similar skillset as Bedard and has accomplished seemingly all there is to accomplish in the NHL.

“It was good,” Bedard said. “Obviously one of the best players ever. For me to get the opportunity to be with a guy like him and obviously, like you said, ask some questions and be a sponge around him and all the other guys there, I think that’s great for me to be able to learn from guys like him.”

Bedard said he didn’t think too much about the size aspect — both of them are roughly the same height and weight, although Bedard is much thicker than Kane was as a teenager — and more-so took mental notes on how Kane used his creativity on the ice.

“Just watching him and seeing the way he plays and some of the plays he makes, his head’s up at all times, and just kind of what he did out there and maybe ask him a few questions about stuff,” Bedard said. “You learn a lot when you’re with guys like that.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

Bedard started the day by officially measuring in at 5′ 9.75″ and 185 pounds. He jokingly laughed after the results popped up; he was hoping to break 5-foot-10 but fell just short.

“Me and [Nate Danielson] were talking, I wanted to hit 5-10, I was close,” Bedard said. “I didn’t really care at all. I don’t think it matters, but it was funny. It was pretty close but I didn’t make it.”

Bedard went through a series of drills, which included vertical jump, horizontal jump, bench press, and pro agility movement. He most notably did 14 pull-ups, which was the top result of the day to that point.

Bedard ended the day with an intense 30-second drill on the Wingate bike. His testing, overall, lasted a little over 25 minutes.

“It was fun,” Bedard said. “It was kind of, go out there and give it your all and that’s all you could ask for.”

Here’s a highlight recap of Bedard’s day:

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for him during Friday’s media availability at the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo when he started fielding questions about Connor Bedard, who has stolen the attention and headlines — and understandably so. Fantilli is a pretty good player, too, and he handled questions about Bedard like a pro, genuinely pumping his tires every time he was asked about him.

It helps that Bedard and Fantilli are friends off the ice and are rooting for each other to succeed. The two of them won a gold medal together with Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, where Bedard set a Canadian record for most points (23) in a single tournament. 

“He’s a phenomenal hockey player and a great kid,” said Fantilli, who is expected to be taken No. 2 overall by Anaheim. “We’re pretty good buddies. To watch him have success like that was awesome. He was a huge part of why we won that gold medal.”

Bedard and Fantilli are special players in different ways. Fantilli has the size, the skating, the scoring ability, and can play in all situations while Bedard is a gamebreaker who will be a big-time point producer and goal scoring in the NHL.

Fantilli doesn’t seem too bothered by the fact Bedard is dominating the spotlight. If anything, he’ll use it as motivation and prove to people that he’ll be a solid NHL player, too, but not in a bitter-type way.

Fantilli believes Bedard “deserves everything he’s getting,” and he has no doubt the projected No. 1 overall pick will live up to the hype at the next level.

“There’s a lot of eyes on him in terms of everything he’s going to be expected to do with the amount of success he’s had in juniors and on an international level,” Fantilli said. “In my eyes, he’s going to be able to exceed those, because he’s such an amazing guy and amazing player.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

Even though his future NHL home is expected to be Chicago, Bedard isn’t trying to get ahead of himself. Sure, he might envision what Draft Day could be like for him, but he’s more-so trying to enjoy the process, because he only gets to go through it once.

“This is our dreams and stuff,” Bedard said on Friday during his media availability at the NHL Scouting Combine. “All of this, we’ve got to take in and enjoy it. Obviously you want to see what happens and what not but for me, I’m just trying to enjoy everything that goes along with it.”

The attention has been on Bedard for years, whether it be when he became the first player in Western Hockey League history to be granted exceptional status or when he shined the brightest on the World Junior stage at only 17 years old. He’s exceeded expectations at seemingly every level, and has handled the spotlight that comes with it with relative ease.

Friday’s press conference showed yet again how incredibly mature Bedard is for his age.

“I think just kind of taking things day by day,” Bedard said. “I’m focused on what’s important and what I can control with my own team and my own play, of course. You don’t really think about that stuff. There’s some extra interviews and attention and what not, but for me, I’m just staying focused on what I need to be focused on and trying to become a better player and person, so that’s kind of how I handle it.”

Bedard has officially met with the Blackhawks, who hold the No. 1 overall selection. He said he had good conversations with them this week and that it would be a “huge honor” if Chicago took him.

“It’d be awesome,” Bedard said. “The history with that organization and that city with sports would be unbelievable. We’ll see what happens.”

Pretty soon, Bedard’s NHL dream will come true.

“It’s always the goal ever since you’re a kid and you first touch a hockey stick,” Bedard said. “That’s the best players in the world, best league in the world. You watch it and grow up kind of being a fan of it.

“For me, I think all the guys here, if they ask them, they’ve all dreamed of playing in the NHL. It’s always been the main goal. As young as I can remember, that’s always been kind of the dream, for sure.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

Bedard said on Friday that he met with a “pretty good amount” of teams, but clearly the most notable one is the Blackhawks, who hold the No. 1 overall pick. And it was all positive.

“I met them last summer once and then to see them again here was good,” Bedard said. “We had some conversations with them of course. I enjoyed that, getting to know them and what not. It was good, I had fun with it.”

Bedard is saying all the right things as he prepares to be the first player off the board later this month. He doesn’t want to get ahead of himself and is trying to enjoy the moment, but it’s no secret his NHL home will eventually be Chicago.

“It’d be awesome,” Bedard said. “The history with that organization and that city with sports would be unbelievable. We’ll see what happens. If they do select me, that would be a huge honor.”

The Blackhawks interviewed between 65-75 players, with each one lasting a maximum of 20 minutes. GM Kyle Davidson said it’s been a “really busy” week.

“Normally, we’ll do interviews Monday through Friday, but this year we actually only did Monday through Thursday, so we’ve really condensed everything,” Davidson said. “All the interviews have been fun. The players have been interesting and keep you engaged sometimes. Over and over and over again, it can get a little monotonous with the interviews, but they’ve been good this year.

“We’ve held some meetings in the evenings too, which have been really, really productive. Really happy with the information that we’ve gotten, but also really happy with some of the steps we’ve taken internally with some of our lists and stuff.”

The Blackhawks aren’t putting too much weight into the interviews, but it does help them put a bow on the process.

“You try not to put too much stock into one thing,” Davidson said. “It’s like going to see one game and a player has a really good game. You don’t necessarily want to move them, fly up the board or anything like that. It’s all information. For the most part, I think we have a lot of that information already. But getting eyes on the players, getting to know them a little bit as people. But I don’t know how much it changes. 

“It just rounds your understanding out. Having said that, maybe something comes up that you did not know. Before we have the physical testing and all that, you don’t want to say it’s not going to change things a ton because you don’t know until you have that information. But traditionally, it just gives you that final piece to the puzzle. But there’s so much information that we already have that you don’t want the one event at the end of the year change things drastically.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

With the Blackhawks now in a full-scale rebuild, cap space has become important for different reasons. Long-term financial flexibility is one of the top priorities for GM Kyle Davidson and he’s cleared the decks in an effort to accomplish that, with Connor Murphy and Seth Jones being the only two NHL players on the roster locked up beyond 2024-25.

As of Thursday, the Blackhawks have more than $37.5 million of cap space available, which is the second-most among any team. You better believe Davidson is hoping to weaponize some of that for future assets.

“That’s definitely started,” Davidson said on Thursday at the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. “Those discussions have started. I don’t necessarily know what the market is. I don’t have a good feel for it, but it’s a flat cap, some teams are in tight spots. 

“That doesn’t mean you do or don’t get the value you want or believe you should get based on past precedent. Maybe it’s more, maybe it’s less. But those conversations have certainly started. The likelihood that drags closer to the draft is probably more likely, but you can’t handicap it.”

Davidson pulled off two notable trades this past season that helped the Blackhawks land a pair of second-round picks. He traded Riley Stillman to Vancouver in October for Jason Dickinson and a second-rounder in 2024, and also assisted Ottawa in getting Nikita Zaitsev off their books, which fetched them a second-rounder in 2023.

The Blackhawks will look to take advantage again, if possible, because the cap isn’t expected to increase much next season. Which means if you’re a playoff contender that’s looking to move money out, the Blackhawks are a team that could help, as long as the return is worth it for them.

“I guess ideally, if you can get value for your cap space, then sure,” Davidson said. “But I don’t know if that’s going to be available to us. And I don’t think we’ll spend to the cap, that would be pretty tough given our situation and the contracts we have on the books. But I like where we’re at from a cap perspective — we’ve got tons of flexibility moving forward; we’ve got tons of flexibility this year.”

The other part of the equation? The salary cap floor is $61 million, and the Blackhawks aren’t anywhere close to it. Davidson, however, doesn’t seem worried about not reaching it.

“I have no concern about getting to the cap floor; that’s going to happen with general ease,” Davidson said. “It’s just how we get there will be an interesting road. There will be options, should we go into free agency, there’s options via trade, whether there’s players we proactively go out and get, or contracts people are looking to move. I’m open to anything. 

“We don’t have a limit on how much we’re willing to spend, but there’s also just so much realistically that we can spend, as well. We’ll see where we end up on the cap.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

“It’s definitely something we’re exploring,” Davidson told Mully & Haugh on 670 The Score in May. “I think the level of success we reach will be dictated by the level of player we can acquire. And logic dictates that the higher you are in the draft, the better chance you have of getting a good player. And so we’re going to explore the opportunities available to us to potentially move up again.”

But on Thursday at the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, Davidson clarified that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s ruling out the possibility of trading back, either. Before your mind goes there, no, he’s not considering moving out of the No. 1 overall spot. Davidson is talking about the 10 other selections, which includes an additional first-rounder and the six in the second and third rounds combined.

“There’s always dialogue about different things,” Davidson said. “But for me, these meetings and the meeting we had around the draft lottery, I’m not opposed to moving back as well and gaining more capital. Whether it’s up, back, stick, I think everything’s on the table.”

I think the primary goal would be to move up, for sure. Let’s not pretend like it isn’t.

But you never quite know how the draft is going to unfold in real-time, and if the Blackhawks can gain an additional pick while also grabbing a player they like that will potentially be available in a trade-back scenario, they would be foolish not to consider it. Heck, it could ironically lead to a trade-up situation later in the draft.

“It’s such a deep draft, if you really like players and you have a big cluster of players you really like, why not move back and gain more assets because of it?” Davidson said. “You just have to do what the value dictates. That’s much more well-informed on draft day. You have no clue on how the draft’s going to fall. It all depends on what’s available or looks like is going to be available as picks start going off the board, players start going off the board.

“If you’re sitting there at 19 and there’s five guys you like, maybe you look to move back because you can get one of those guys you really like at that value pack further back in the draft and you can just keep banking assets. I think to say we’re just going to move up, that’s probably premature.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

On Monday, Bedard joined the “NHL on TNT” pregame crew for a chat before Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas.

When host Liam McHugh asked Bedard how it felt to be sitting on a star-studded panel with the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Henrik Lundqvist, the 17-year-old pulled an all-time chirp right out of thin air.

“It’s pretty crazy,” Bedard said. “I’m super grateful. Like, the NHL doing this is incredible for me and the other three prospects to come and see a couple of pretty good players on this panel… and Biz is here too.”

Everyone let out a hearty cackle.

The jab was internet-approved, too, quickly going viral.

In a sport where its stars aren’t quite known for their off-ice charisma (I’ve had manila folders with more personality than Connor McDavid), it seems Bedard could be a game changer for the league in more ways than one.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

That’s what Connor Bedard told Wayne Gretzky, Henrik Lundqvist and the rest of the “NHL on TNT” pregame panel when asked about the possibility of being taken number one overall by the Blackhawks in the NHL Draft on June 28.

It’s what he told reporters hours earlier, when he said it would be “unbelievable” if the Blackhawks took him first.

“If.”

Bedard can’t be knocked for such a politically correct, if not humble, response in the same way Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson can’t be blamed for refusing to state what’s so blindingly obvious. It’s what they’re supposed to do. Play it coy and hope some sort of one-in-a-million catastrophe doesn’t ruin the one-in-a-million opportunity within each of their grasps.

Anything can happen. We know this much by virtue of the very circumstance. Davidson knows this. Bedard, who was in awe of the slot machines as soon as he stepped off the plane at the Las Vegas airport, knows it, too.

The NHL annually invites its top prospects to the Stanley Cup Final to mingle with players, do some press and take in the atmosphere, which Bedard said he could use some getting used to after being overwhelmed by fans at his hotel.

“It’s definitely something you’ve got to get used to,” he said. “I’m still obviously a kid. There’s a lot of outside noise surrounding myself and a lot of these guys. For me, I try to look at it as a positive. I’ve been very fortunate to have some of these experiences. World Juniors and being here, these are things that not everybody gets to do. So I’m really grateful for that.”

A lot of things in life happen by chance.

The Blackhawks winning the draft lottery. A 17-year-old boy blessed with enough talent to have the sport he loves in the palm of his hands.

But when it comes to the Blackhawks drafting Bedard, there’s not one teeny-tiny, microscopic, molecular “if” about it.

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

The Blackhawks aren’t expected to make all 11 picks. They have eight in the first three rounds and will probably look to package some of them to move up, if possible.

But one thing I do expect the Blackhawks to do with one of their picks is draft a goaltender, which they haven’t done since 2020 when Drew Commesso was selected in the second round (No. 46 overall).

This isn’t necessarily about the Blackhawks feeling like they need a goaltender or not liking the ones they currently have in the system. They’re optimistic about Arvid Soderblom’s potential as a No. 1 starter and Commesso’s long-term upside as he prepares to start his pro career. (Heck, even 6-foot-6, 186-pound netminder Dominic Basse, who was drafted by Chicago in the sixth round in 2019, is an intriguing option if he can build upon his breakout junior season in college, although he remains unsigned).

It’s more about the importance of the position and how long it takes goaltenders to develop, relative to other positions. Blackhawks fans know first-hand about the latter; Corey Crawford was drafted in the second round in 2003 and didn’t break into the NHL full-time until 2010-11. The former, however, might be the biggest reason to get another goaltender in the system. 

You need two goalies in today’s NHL, more than ever before. Just look at the Vegas Golden Knights, who are three wins away from locking up their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

The Golden Knights used five different goaltenders this season, and that’s not including the fact Robin Lehner — who’s their traditional starter and has a Top 20 save percentage in NHL history — missed the entire campaign with a hip injury. Logan Thompson, their Opening Night starter, also hasn’t seen game action since March because of an injury. It’s mostly been the Adin Hill show in the playoffs for Vegas, and he had zero postseason experience entering this season.

Here’s another thing to chew on. Only four goaltenders started more than 60 games this season: Connor Hellebuyck (64), Juuse Saros (63), Alexandar Georgiev (62) and Jake Oettinger (61). For reference, the last time the Blackhawks won a Stanley Cup (2015), there were 11 goaltenders that started more than 60 games, two of which logged more than 70: Braden Holtby (72) and Jonathan Quick (71).

There are very few goaltenders these days who can handle a heavy workload in the regular season and not be burned out for the playoffs. There also aren’t as many slam-dunk future No. 1 goaltenders anymore coming out of the draft.

Because the NHL has trended into a two-goalie league, the Blackhawks have to make sure they’re continuing to add goaltenders to the pipeline and lay the groundwork well in advance. Even if Commesso or Soderblom turns out to be a No. 1 down the road, there’s value in drafting and developing a goaltender because some other team might need one and the Blackhawks can take advantage by using potential extras as a trade chip.

The 2023 goaltending draft class isn’t considered to be a great one when it comes to the upper tier; there isn’t expected to be a goalie taken in the first round. But it could be a sneaky good one as far as depth goes — towards the mid-to-later rounds — and that’s where the Blackhawks could swoop in.

It should be noted that the Blackhawks are typically very aggressive in signing goaltending prospects from overseas. They did so with Kevin Lankinen, Soderblom and, most notably, Antti Niemi, who backstopped Chicago to its first Stanley Cup in 49 years in 2010. So it’s not like they’re ignoring the position. Far from it, actually.

With Soderblom likely graduating to the NHL next season and Commesso making the jump from college to pro, it’s the right time for the Blackhawks to get another goaltender added to the farm system, and the easiest way to do that is through the draft.

But what’s flying a bit under the radar is just how fortunate the Blackhawks are that they’ll also hold the No. 19 overall pick, which was initially acquired from Tampa Bay in the Brandon Hagel trade. A source told me the Blackhawks were expecting 25 to be the best-case scenario when the deal was executed.

“The fact that it’s Top 20 is unreal,” the source said. “Especially in this draft class where the Top 20 is much deeper than any in recent memory.”

The No. 19 overall pick in a draft class like this is probably more valuable than, say, a mid-first-round pick last year. They’re going to get an impact-type player who could be part of the new core.

So who could the Blackhawks take at No. 19 overall or target in a potential trade-up scenario? Here are some names to keep an eye on:

Colby Barlow, LW/RW

Barlow is a 6-foot, 190-pound winger who’s considered to be a strong skater and can play in all situations. He scored 46 goals this season as the captain of the Owen Sound Attack, which ranked fifth among all OHL skaters. He also saw a 32-point increase from last year, going from 47 to 79. If the Blackhawks are looking for a goal scorer who can also kill penalties, Barlow is a solid candidate. The question is whether he’ll be around by the time No. 19 rolls around.

Andrew Cristall, LW

Cristall is a 5-foot-10, 167-pound winger who’s known to be an offensive playmaker, even though he’s not the strongest skater. In just 54 games with the Kelowna Rockets this season, he recorded 39 goals and 56 assists for 95 points, which ranked fifth among all WHL skaters. Just not sure the Blackhawks would be crazy about adding another undersized forward to the pipeline with the No. 19 pick.

Nate Danielson, C

Danielson is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound dependable center who can play in all situations and has a high motor. His size is also an attractive part of the package. He recorded 78 points (33 goals, 45 assists) in 68 games this season while serving as co-captain for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL. It’s unlikely Danielson will be available at No. 19, but if he slips outside the Top 10 or 12, he could be a possible trade-up option.

Ethan Gauthier, C

Gauthier is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound center who’s skilled offensively and is known to be a hard worker. He checks some boxes the Blackhawks are looking for regarding his skating ability, compete level, and hockey IQ. Gauthier set a career-high in goals (30), assists (39) and points (69) in 66 games this season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix of the QMJHL. He also added 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 11 postseason contests.

Riley Heidt, C

Heidt is a 5-foot-10, 178-pound center who’s known to be an offensive playmaker. He tied Connor Bedard for first in assists (72) among all WHL skaters and also ranked fifth in points (97) in 68 games this season with the Prince George Cougars. Not bad company. He added eight points (two goals, six assists) in nine playoff contests. If the Blackhawks are looking for some size from their centers, they might have to look elsewhere.

Samuel Honzek, LW/RW

Honzek is a 6-foot-3, 186-pound two-way winger who can play in all situations. He had 56 points (23 goals, 33 assists) in 43 games this season for the WHL’s Vancouver Giants despite missing multiple months after suffering a leg cut in the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Blackhawks could use some size up front in their prospect pool, and Honzek offers a nice mix of skill and hard-to-play-against toughness.

Oliver Moore, C

Moore is a 5-foot-11, 188-pound two-way center who can play in all situations, which includes the power play and penalty kill. He is considered to be one of the best skaters in this draft class, which is a trait that certainly appeals to the Blackhawks. Moore registered 75 points (31 goals, 44 assists) in 61 games this season for the U.S. National Under-18 team, 25 points (eight goals, 17 assists) in 23 games for the U.S. National Development Program, and nine points (four goals, five assists) in seven games for Team USA at the Under-18 World Junior Championship. I’m not sure he’ll be available at No. 19, but he could be a potential trade-up option.

Calum Ritchie, C

Ritchie is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed shot center who’s considered to be a playmaker and power-play specialist. He’s not the fastest player, but his compete level stands out, along with his hockey IQ. Ritchie was a point-per-game player this season in the WHL, where he compiled 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists) in 59 games as an alternate captain for the Oshawa Generals. He also had nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games for Team Canada at the Under-18 World Junior Championship.

Eduard Sale, LW

Sale is a 6-foot-2, 174-pound winger who’s skilled offensively and smart, although he had an inconsistent season. He put up huge numbers for the Under-20 team in Czechia last season (89 points in 39 games) but played a limited role for his pro team this season, accumulating only 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 43 games. Sale’s ceiling is incredibly high, and if he reaches his full potential, he could be one of the better players in this draft class. Are the Blackhawks open to the idea of a high-risk, high-reward selection?

Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D

I don’t expect the Blackhawks to take a defenseman in the first round because of the forward-heavy class, but it’s worth mentioning at least one. Sandin-Pellikka is a 5-foot-11, 176-pound gifted puck-moving defenseman whose name is rising on boards. He dominated the J20 level in Sweden, where he registered 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 31 games this season. The only concern: I doubt the Blackhawks would use the No. 19 pick on an undersized defenseman. Perhaps Oliver Bonk, who’s 6-foot-2, 180 pounds fits the profile better.

Otto Stenberg, RW

Stenberg is a 5-foot-11, 180-pound winger who can absolutely fly. He’s got a great shot, can score goals, handle the puck well, and play center or wing. If the Blackhawks are looking for a scoring winger who can skate, he could certainly be an option. Stenberg tallied 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 29 games this season at the J-20 level in Sweden.

Charlie Stramel, C

Stramel is a 6-foot-3, 212-pound center who’s a strong skater and competes hard. He can play in all situations and projects to be more of a middle-six forward at the NHL level. He’s got a lot of appealing qualities, which most notably include his size. Stramel had a quiet freshman season at Wisconsin, where he was limited to only 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 33 games.

Brayden Yager, C

Yager is a 5-foot-11, 166-pound do-it-all center. He can score, defend, and play in any situation. His name has fallen on draft boards from the beginning of the season, but he still projects to be an impactful two-way center in the NHL. Yager served as an alternate captain this season for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL, where he produced 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) in 67 games. He also had 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 10 postseason contests.

Part of the reason the Blackhawks can’t actually come out and say Bedard will be the pick is for betting purposes. Another part is probably out of respect to the other prospects, as well as letting Bedard enjoy the process of hearing his name officially called on the Bridgestone Arena stage in Nashville.

Nevertheless, Bedard will inevitably be a Blackhawk in 35 days, and it’s already got me thinking about what kind of numbers he could put up next season. Is a point-per-game average too aggressive? History shows it’s not impossible but obviously could be a difficult task.

Only 37 players in NHL history have averaged at least a point-per-game in their rookie season, with a minimum of 40 games played as the requirement. That number shrinks to five among rookies who have done so in the last 27 years:

1. Alex Ovechkin: 1.31 (106 points in 81 games)
2. Sidney Crosby: 1.26 (102 points in 81 games)
3. Evgeni Malkin: 1.09 (85 points in 78 games)
4. Connor McDavid: 1.07 (48 points in 45 games)
5. Mathew Barzal: 1.04 (85 points in 82 games)

Here’s why I’m not ruling out Bedard joining that company: The NHL’s goals-per-game average in 2022-23 was 3.18, which is the highest it’s been since 1993-94, according to Hockey Reference. The NHL’s power-play success rate was 22.31 percent, which is the ninth-highest percentage ever.

For context, Patrick Kane recorded 72 points in 82 games during his rookie 2007-08 season with the Blackhawks when the scoring average was 2.78 and the league power-play percentage was only 17.75. Heck, the scoring average was 2.77 and power-play percentage was 19.1 just six years ago. It’s a substantial difference.

Scoring is up. Power plays are up. Save percentages are down. It’s a great time to step into the league and make an impact right away if you’re an offensive playmaker and goal scorer like Bedard, who should be slotted into a top-six role and eat up first power-play minutes immediately.

The biggest challenge the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Bedard will face might not be his opponents. It’s the supporting cast around him.

There’s no Patrick Sharp or Duncan Keith or Brent Seabrook on the roster, like Kane had his rookie campaign. There’s not even a Martin Havlat. 

The Blackhawks finished the 2022-23 season with Andreas Athanasiou, Jason Dickinson, Tyler Johnson, Seth Jones and Jonathan Toews as their first power-play unit. The second unit consisted of Joey Anderson, MacKenzie Entwistle, Wyatt Kaiser, Boris Katchouk and Ian Mitchell, respectively.

It’s worth mentioning Philipp Kurashev and Taylor Raddysh were shut down because of injuries and Lukas Reichel was reassigned to the AHL a week earlier than expected, which thinned out the group more than it already was post-trade deadline. But the point remains the same. Without jeopardizing the long-term outlook and financial flexibility, the Blackhawks must find a way to surround Bedard with the right players so he can play his game and not try to carry a line or unit by himself, even though he’s fully capable of doing so.

Bedard has exceeded expectations at seemingly every level. I wouldn’t bet against him doing the same in the NHL.

The Blackhawks were preparing for the transition well before winning the 2023 NHL Draft lottery, and the team doesn’t have any plans to deviate from their original thinking even though there was expected to be a big draw to watch the No. 1 overall selection, which will almost certainly be Connor Bedard.

Blackhawks assistant general manager and director of player development Mark Eaton joined the latest Blackhawks Talk Podcast to explain the thinking behind the decision:

“I know now with the first overall pick, I’m sure there was a lot of excitement and anticipation to see him and all of our other picks on the ice in July,” Eaton said. “But ultimately, taking a step back and thinking about development camps of the past, we want to do what’s best for our prospects, and in thinking about it, having no on-ice portion to it, we think it is the best use of that week.

“Per the CBA, we only get six or seven days with these guys in the summer and as much as we’d love to get on the ice with them, we feel that the best use of time for that week is to really focus on the other parts of their development, the physical part of their development at this stage in not just their playing careers but their lives. The physical development is where I think you can make the biggest impact.

“I’m going on Year 10 of doing this, and I just remember from Day 1, the whole first year, every time I’m doing a report on a guy it’s like, ‘really liked what I saw but just needs to get stronger, needs to be able to sustain speed, his level for three periods for a whole season.’ So that’s where that emphasis on the physical part of their development really came in.”

Eaton said the Blackhawks are trying to look “beyond that one week” and want to make sure they’re setting up their prospects for success going into the upcoming season. He believes forcing the players to skate for one week during a weird time in the summer could serve as more of a disruption for the players’ offseason training than it could help.

“These guys are all human,” Eaton said. “They know when they come to development camp, they come to the city that drafted them, there’s going to be a lot of eyes on them. What they need the most is that physical development.

“They’ll kind of stop their offseason training just to start skating, which a lot of them aren’t doing consistently through June, so they’ll put their off-ice training on hold to start skating so that they show well when they do get to Chicago. So by the time you look at when they stop their training to start skating, a lot of times, they may give themselves a week off after development camp, you’re looking at a whole month of the offseason that their physical development took a backseat. We wanted to try to take that out of their hands and let them know, listen, you don’t have to — to use study terms — cram for development camp. You don’t have to start skating and then put your off-ice training on hold. Stay with your routine and we’ll just keep that going come development camp.

“So we’ll kind of give them an intro for our new guys and then a refresher for the guys that have been there in the past of just what our expectations are for them when they do enter the Blackhawks organization from an off-ice training standpoint, how we like to train, put them through what NHL offseason training regimens look like just to give them that experience. Because these guys we found are all hard workers, they’re all character kids. It’s just, they know what they know and they don’t know what they don’t know, right? So we’re just trying to introduce them to what that next level looks like, and a lot of them for the first time.

“Hopefully I explained that well enough, that’s kind of our overall thinking, is that holistic approach to development that we take. The on-ice part of it is where we make the most headway during the season because games are going on, it’s in the moment, we can watch video with them, they can go to practice the next day, whereas when they’re off the ice and we start talking hockey to them and then they go home and they’re not playing competitively for another two months, it just feels like it could potentially go in one ear and out the other, so the best use of our time is to really hone in on those other areas of development for our young guys.”

Blackhawks development camp runs from Friday, June 30 to Thursday, July 6. You can listen to the full interview with Eaton here:

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

Back in January, NBC Sports Chicago interviewed Patrick Kane to get his thoughts on Bedard, who skated with Kane at the BioSteel Camp in Toronto before training camp. And Bedard caught Kane’s eye immediately.

“He’s coming down to this BioSteel camp with some of the best players in the league and I would say he was one of the guys that really stuck out,” Kane said. “You never really know, those young kids, how they’re going to do, especially coming in with a bunch of NHL players that have had success, a bunch of guys that have experience, have been in the league a long time and he seemed to me that he was very confident.

“I think there was one play in camp, he had a 2-on-1 with [Connor] McDavid and he looked off McDavid and took a shot. *Laughs* We were all kind of laughing on the bench. But yeah, I think the thing with him is he moves so well laterally. Everyone talks about his shot and his ability to shoot from different angles and off a different foot each time but man, the way he moves laterally is what gives him that space to be able to do that, so pretty impressive.”

Kane believes Bedard will be the real deal in the NHL, and could make an impact right away.

“I think everyone’s kind of wondering how is he going to do at the next level, how’s he going to be,” Kane said. “From what I saw, I think it’s all right there, he’s going to be special.

“It’s not like he’s going to be a first overall pick that’s going to have to wait a year or two, right? He’s going to come right in and be a difference-maker right away, so yeah, I could see that for sure.”

Click here to subscribe to the Blackhawks Talk Podcast for free.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Now, let’s be clear about something right off the bat: Bedard’s presence alone doesn’t necessarily mean everything is fixed for the Blackhawks.

Sure, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews being drafted in back-to-back years in 2006 and 2007 altered the trajectory of the franchise, but they won three Stanley Cups together because Niklas Hjalmarsson, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Patrick Sharp — to name a few — all emerged as key pieces from their pipeline. Signing marquee free-agent Marian Hossa obviously helped, too.

Bedard will, however, change life for the Blackhawks from the standpoint that the most challenging box to check off in a full-scale rebuild is landing a generational talent to be the cornerstone piece, which every team that wants to be perennial contenders needs.

Does the timeline of the rebuild change? Maybe not, and Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said as much on NBC Sports Chicago’s lottery show immediately after securing the No. 1 overall selection.

“I don’t think so, necessarily,” Davidson said. “I think that’s the one thing we don’t want to do, is change course. We’ve set course, we’ll stick to our plan, and we just have to stay true to that and not deviate and just do what’s right by the organization and build this thing the right way.

“Let’s not get it twisted: First overall is a big deal. It’s a huge deal for us and what we’re doing, but I don’t think we can let that change and alter the bigger picture.”

The right to land a talent like Bedard though does raise the potential ceiling for the Blackhawks in the long term. He’s the kind of player that should keep the Blackhawks competitive for a long time, if the right supporting cast is around him.

The other area it impacts — which can’t be understated — is the financial and marketability perspective. Bedard immediately puts fans back in the United Center stands, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Chicago back near the top of attendance as soon as next season, even if they aren’t close to competing for a playoff spot in the near future. He will make the Blackhawks watchable.

The hard part now becomes establishing the new core around Bedard. Can Lukas Reichel be a consistent top-six piece? Can Kevin Korchinski grow into a No. 1 defenseman? Will Frank Nazar be the center behind Bedard for the next decade as the team’s 1-2 punch up the middle? 

All of these questions have yet to be answered and will take time before we actually know the outcome. But one thing is for certain: Bedard is the most important piece and will make the Blackhawks competitive again. It’s only a matter of when, not if.

Click here to subscribe to the Blackhawks Talk Podcast for free.

Thursday morning, general manager Kyle Davidson announced the Blackhawks would not bring back Toews next season.

Announcing that decision before the final home game of the season allowed Toews to say goodbye to the fans, but also the fans to show their appreciation for the longest-tenured captain in Chicago.

And he was wearing a mic for all of it, allowing fans at home to listen in on Toews’ final game in a unique way. 

Here are the best mic’d up moments from Toews’ final game:

You got to listen to him celebrate his final goal as a Blackhawk. You got to listen to him celebrate his teammates’ goals.

And fans also got to listen to the captain be a captain for the final time.

Perhaps the most emotional moment was listening Toews say goodbye to the fans while taking a final lap around the rink.

“I’m not worthy of this,” Toews told his teammates.

“Thank you, Chicago. I love you guys. All of you, all the way up there.”

Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.