What to expect if your team wins the Connor Bedard sweepstakes
![LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JANUARY 24: Forward Connor Bedard #98 of the Regina Pats skates for Team Red during the 2023 Kubota CHL Top Prospects Game Practice at the Langley Events Centre on January 24, 2023 in Langley, British Columbia. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images) LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JANUARY 24: Forward Connor Bedard #98 of the Regina Pats skates for Team Red during the 2023 Kubota CHL Top Prospects Game Practice at the Langley Events Centre on January 24, 2023 in Langley, British Columbia. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5885a0ae66f8e55d682e13675e0f973ddeac964d7e55249bf1bc0a3b296b7b65.jpg)
The best odds at Connor Bedard belong to these three NHL teams heading in.
Chicago Blackhawks – 11.5%
The Chicago Blackhawks were the worst team in the NHL this season. They might not have the best odds but they overachieved a little bit in that aspect. Most people would take teams 31 and 32 over Chicago’s roster on paper.
However, they have a very good prospect pool but they are missing that one elite talent up front. Seeing him develop with guys like Lukas Reichel, Kevin Korchinski, and Ethan del Mastro amongst others would be very cool. They might even start building chemistry as soon as next year.
Columbus Blue Jackets – 13.5%
The Columbus Blue Jackets were not at all expected to be in this position. They weren’t able to secure the best odds at the lottery but being in second isn’t the worst thing ever.
They signed Johnny Gaudreau to a large contract over the summer and thought they would be contending for a playoff spot instead of the draft lottery. Well, now Gaudreau could be playing with Bedard which would be really cool to see.
With other studs like Kent Johnson and Patrik Laine trying to make an impact, this team would look really good with Bedard helping them make plays.
Anaheim Ducks – 25.5%
The Anaheim Ducks have the best odds to win Connor Bedard. They were certainly bad in 2022-23 and they could be rewarded for it. They have a one-in-four chance to secure that top spot. They will come into the draft lottery event feeling very good about themselves.
The main attraction with the Anaheim Ducks right now is Trevor Zegras. He isn’t a top scorer in the NHL yet but the plays he does make are always of the “video game” variety.
If this kid was put with Bedard, you might start to see some of the most impressive plays in the entire NHL. With other young stars there like Jamie Drysdale and Mason McTavish, this team will really start to turn the corner if they add a superstar like Bedard.
We talked about California getting a star with the San Jose Sharks. Well, the same thing applies to the Ducks. This great hockey state has seen many stars go through over the years and Bedard would really help them grow the game even more.
Clearly, every team that has a chance at Bedard has a reason to want him. They also all have players that would be exciting to watch on a line with him. He is also so good that he will change one of these franchises for a very long time.
Winning the Stanley Cup is the most important thing but growing the game is big too. If Bedard is as good as advertised, he will certainly be a great helper in that area as well.
Related Story. The Buffalo Sabres have a big off-season ahead. light