We are all speculating even if we can have him. We don't know who the hawks are taking. Even if Bedard is the best in the draft, who knows what the hawks wanna do. Davidson is kind of doing things that many of us haven't even thought about. Teading Hagel, trading debrincat, trading dach, and trading kane for nothing. He could want to move up further in the first draft and load up on multiple players. Eventhough we have the opportunity to draft him, we can't know what Davidson is doing since he's kind of a wildcard and keeps internal communications private and away from the media getting any scent of what may be going on with the hawks. The hawks have a close knit, no sharing to the media on transactions or things they may or may not do.
- Hawk4life

The big boost on ticket sales would find enthusiastic people trying to cancel or complain about tickets they no longer want if Bedard is not chooses by us There is no other scenario with better result than selecting Bedard. Other draft choices this year and later quite likely are yielding good players. Bedard, however, is unique. I suggest even Rocky would question not choosing Bedard.

Wiz, what areas of his game would you suggest he develop if you had a chance to talk with him?
- mohel

Saw you asking the same question last night, Mo. Thought about that but didn't want to answer cuz I hadn't thought it thru and quite frankly unlike other prospects we don't ever read about Bedard's weaknesses cuz are there any?. But common sense says no player is perfect.

I listened to the Canadian feed/panel before the drawing. Bieska mentioned Bedard was beating NHL goalies with his shot at 15 yrs old. This kid may have the best NHL shot ever and he's never played an NHL game. His shot is beyond freakish, he can get it off in tight places and can create his shot by HIMSELF, doesn't need someone to feeds him the puck.

Watching the WJC we could see his vision/creativity/reads are damn near his shot. Not as crazy elite but still elite. His skating was really good, maybe not elite but damn good. He showed all kinds of compete not backing down from those trying to intimidate him. He showed a high motor. He showed he loved the big spotlight and rose to the occasion when his team needed a big play or goal.

Short answer to your question IMO we can't see any weaknesses, yet. He's never played against men and when that happens that's when any "weaknesses", if any, will show. ... 99.9% of players think they can improve their skating so I'd guess Bedard would say the same. Probably his play in the defensive end will need work just as any prospect will.

One of the reason the kid is called generational is that there are so few weaknesses and so many elite qualities but your question is a good one and I'd guess most would say we'll have to see.

congrats

out of the realistic options I wanted either the Hawks or Ducks

They're ok...kinda greasy though. I know it's not traditional Chicago Tavern Style but would do Piece on North as my pie of choice.

Used to be a pretty good place on Milwaukee, Barcello's. Someone bought it and "improved" the recipe.
- HawkintheD

They went out of business years ago. I have 3 places by me that are ranked in the top 10 pizza places in the city. I'm good. Never tried piece but I have heard it was good.

The Blackhawks haven't given any word on them taking Bedard. Although he is most likely the best in the draft, I dont think they are allowed to share who they are taking. And on top of that we can't just speculate even if being first allows us to draft him. Who knows what Davidson is going to do.
- Hawk4life

I do. He likes that GM paycheck

Saw you asking the same question last night, Mo. Thought about that but didn't want to answer cuz I hadn't thought it thru and quite frankly unlike other prospects we don't ever read about Bedard's weaknesses cuz are there any?. But common sense says no player is perfect.

I listened to the Canadian feed/panel before the drawing. Bieska mentioned Bedard was beating NHL goalies with his shot at 15 yrs old. This kid may have the best NHL shot ever and he's never played an NHL game. His shot is beyond freakish, he can get it off in tight places and can create his shot by HIMSELF, doesn't need someone to feeds him the puck.

Watching the WJC we could see his vision/creativity/reads are damn near his shot. Not as crazy elite but still elite. His skating was really good, maybe not elite but damn good. He showed all kinds of compete not backing down from those trying to intimidate him. He showed a high motor. He showed he loved the big spotlight and rose to the occasion when his team needed a big play or goal.

Short answer to your question IMO we can't see any weaknesses, yet. He's never played against men and when that happens that's when any "weaknesses", if any, will show. ... 99.9% of players think they can improve their skating so I'd guess Bedard would say the same. Probably his play in the defensive end will need work just as any prospect will.

One of the reason the kid is called generational is that there are so few weaknesses and so many elite qualities but your question is a good one and I'd guess most would say we'll have to see.
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks, Rico. Can't wait to watch him.

Thanks, Rico. Can't wait to watch him.
- mohel

Just know whatever his weakness is he will work to improve. This is a kid who takes his gear on vacations.

At 17 Bedard's shot is pretty near (or better) than where McDavid's is at now. Its an NHL shot that finds the spots goaltenders can't cover.
- RickJ

The kid has everything in his shot speaking as an old goalie. It get's off so quickly without much load up that most goalies are caught flat footed. He gets it off from different angles from his body from between his skates all the way to the end of his reach. It travels at a crazy speed. It is crazy accurate. And maybe his best attribute is he has an elite goal scorers mentality/mind/feel/reads.

Add up all those elite qualities and his shot just may be the best ever at 17 and that is not hyperbole.

I was wondering same heard some rumors before the draft about Bedard would pull a Lindros .And wants to go to Vancouver . Has Bedard spoken as of yet ?
- oldduffman

Yeh well all the Lindros talk- at the end of the day Peter Forsberg (and there was more than Forsberg involved anyway in that trade) - but Forsberg had the better career than Lindros -who never won anything much.

Quebec - Colorado made out all right on that deal. There is that --- but I don't buy any of that talk - Chicago has money, that's the primary concern. What you are looking at in a guy like Berard is the Ghost of Cap Crunches Future.

Just know whatever his weakness is he will work to improve. This is a kid who takes his gear on vacations.
- Elbows15

One “weakness” is his size. He’s the same size as Crosby was as a 17 year old.

So, you sleepallright?


Whattya wanna do?

Just let the available players fall and take what the board gives you on pick #19/20, 35, 44, 52, 58, 67, 88, and 99 or trade to climb the first round board.


I dunno why I am so bothered but it doesn't set all with me taht Detroit goes twice before e#
- wiz1901

Probably cuz you know Stevie Y and his scouts/staff aren't afraid to unearth a player like Seider and have a good chance of snapping up a gem?

As far as what the Hawks do as far as standing pat in the draft I think they should let the board/draft come to them. If they feel a guy dropped to 12th, for instance, they have ranked the 6th best player move up and get him.

Lotta options with a 2nd 1st rounder, four 2nd rounders and two 1st rounders next yr including standing pat in a deep 2023 draft.

If the Russian falls to ARI they probably take him, as they have the OTT pick in the 1st round too.
- scottak

If the Cossack falls to 6th, or later, does KD make some calls??? Michkov and Bedard in the lineup for the 26/27 season?!?!

Hey Dots as a fan that was pissed at every win especially down the stretch I remember you saying that about destiny and trying to control it and thought that was pretty right on I guess LR was right and play to win every game and build a culture the right way .
- oldduffman

And KD was right to weaken the roster as best he could to get the best odds at a top 3 pick with Bedard being the grand prize.

The only way to control "destiny" by getting a top 3 pick, or the 1st, was to get the very best odds possible to accomplish that. And KD accomplished that as best he could.

I was at Kane's draft in Columbus, saw endless amounts of him and knew he was gonna be an impact player and stickhandler and generator, but scoring was going to secondary and not necessarily elite.

I will only say it once: Connor Bedard is a better shooter right now than Pat Kane is/was.
- wiz1901

So many comparison between Bedard and Kane....Let me say this....Bedard is a better skater, faster, better with stick, and far better shooter. And one more thing....Bedard is a high quality character guy....For Kane, he had lot of growing up to do and by no means he was a leader.....Not even comparable.

Question...if Vancouver offers 1st round draft choice for the next 7 years plus Quinn Hughes to Blackhawks for Right to Bedard and Seth Jones with his ridiculous contract...Would you take it as a Blackhawks fan?

If the Cossack falls to 6th, or later, does KD make some calls??? Michkov and Bedard in the lineup for the 26/27 season?!?!
- Mr Ricochet

I’ve been trying to get ahold of my doctor all day since I’ve had an erection lasting longer than 4 hours (since last night).

Don’t think I can go 3 more years with one.

One “weakness” is his size. He’s the same size as Crosby was as a 17 year old.
- paulr

What is size? Height, weight, both?....... I have always contended that being shortish can be an advantage in hockey but you gotta have the balls to use it to your advantage.

You get "under" checks, scrums, battles that gives you an advantage. You have the advantage of the center of gravity when you're shorter. You are a smaller target and generally quicker to evade checks. You can slip thru smaller holes. It's easier to get "lost" in finding soft spots or holes in the defensive zone. And if you are stout all those advantages are multiplied.

Depending on a player's traits being shorter is better.

I’ve been trying to get ahold of my doctor all day since I’ve had an erection lasting longer than 4 hours (since last night).

Don’t think I can go 3 more years with it.
- TommyHawk

Very clever, and yea even after 24 hrs has gone by I still can't believe it!! Still shaking my head and not sure when that will stop.

I’ve been trying to get ahold of my doctor all day since I’ve had an erection lasting longer than 4 hours (since last night).

Don’t think I can go 3 more years with one.
- TommyHawk

Stay away from me!

What is size? Height, weight, both?....... I have always contended that being shortish can be an advantage in hockey but you gotta have the balls to use it to your advantage.

You get "under" checks, scrums, battles that gives you an advantage. You have the advantage of the center of gravity when you're shorter. You are a smaller target and generally quicker to evade checks. You can slip thru smaller holes. It's easier to get "lost" in finding soft spots or holes in the defensive zone. And if you are stout all those advantages are multiplied.

Depending on a player's traits being shorter is better.
- Mr Ricochet

Bedard is about the same height and weight as Crosby was at the same age, 5’ 10”, 185. And Bedard has shown he’s willing to play in the tough areas. While he will I initially have some problems with bigger stronger men, I don’t see it being anything he won’t be able to overcome.

Everyone talks about Bedard’s offensive abilities and upside - and rightfully so - but what about defensively?

For the folks that can evaluate defensive play, is there any shot he’s more than passable? From what I’ve seen he’s more of a cherry-picker hanging out close to the blue line waiting for break out passes and generating opportunities in the open rather than doing the dirty work in corners or reading and picking off passes.

Everyone talks about Bedard’s offensive abilities and upside - and rightfully so - but what about defensively?

For the folks that can evaluate defensive play, is there any shot he’s more than passable? From what I’ve seen he’s more of a cherry-picker hanging out close to the blue line waiting for break out passes and generating opportunities in the open rather than doing the dirty work in corners or reading and picking off passes.
- TommyHawk

Unlike Kane, who is invisible on defense, Bedard has a good defensive instincts...Watched enough games where he picks off pucks and go cross ice and score....The kid is just dominant.

Bedard is about the same height and weight as Crosby was at the same age, 5’ 10”, 185. And Bedard has shown he’s willing to play in the tough areas. While he will I initially have some problems with bigger stronger men, I don’t see it being anything he won’t be able to overcome.
- paulr

Did not know Crosby was the same size as Bedard when drafted...... And you mention men. Yes, Bedard, or any kid coming to the NHL as any 18 yr old, does not have the strength of a man and until he does is at certain disadvantages.

Not as much a concern as a kid like Benson who is smaller and doesn't skate as well.

16 minute video starring Gary Bettman on how the lottery draw was determined last night.

https://www.nhl.com/video...ry/t-277350912/c-17103193

I'd like a second centerman out of the 1st round - what's the chances of Nate Danielson or Oliver Moore being available at 19/20?

Or would it require moving 19/20 plus 35 or 44 to move up enough to get one of those 2 guys?
- RickJ

I love these guys Oliver Moore has great feet and Danielson is a sleeper who can play wing in a pinch, but alas, I m o, they are gone before #19 so you need a trade up.