New York. Chicago may await a new era of greatness in a few years.
Because it was, a bit surprisingly, the Blackhawks who won the draft night lottery and this summer they could secure the rights to Conor Bedard – widely seen as the biggest talent since the McDavid name.
– I’m dumb. This could change our entire organization, says General Manager Kyle Davidson.
The Chicago Blackhawks have been on the ice since their last victories in the modern golden era of the Stanley Cup, and this year belonged to ice hockey’s veritable punching bags.
But tonight they were rewarded for their inferiority. Although they initially had worse odds than the absolute table Anaheim Ducks, they won the draft lottery – the last player in the league is rewarded.
Wild cheers among the crowd
Fans gathered at the United Center to watch the live lottery draw cheered in ecstasy as NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daley unfurled a banner with the Hawks’ club crest – and for good reason.
This “victory” means that the old big club in Nashville’s recruiting district at the end of June can “peace” Conor Bedard – a 17-year-old who is seen as a super talent of the same revolutionary type as Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid.
– I just screamed “Wow” when I saw we won, says Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson.
– She still feels a little deaf. This kind of thing can change entire organizations and entire cities.
The Swedish may end up in Anaheim
Swedish talent Leo Carlsson, most recently at Örebro, is also expected to move up in this year’s draft, perhaps even as high as #2 — in which case he’ll end up with the Anaheim Ducks. Other possible options are the Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, and Erik Karlsson’s San Jose Sharks.
Here’s how the final 16 teams will play in the first round of the draft in Nashville on June 28
1. Chicago Blackhawks
2. Anaheim Ducks
3. Columbus Blue Jackets
4. San Jose Sharks
5. Montreal Canadiens
6. The Arizona coyote
7. Philadelphia Flyers
8. Washington Capitals
9. Detroit Red Wings
10. St. Louis Blues
11. Vancouver Canucks
12- Arizona Coyotes (after trade to Ottawa Senators)
13. Buffalo Sabers
14. Pittsburgh Penguins
15. Nashville Predators
16. Calgary Flames
The draft order of the other 16 teams is determined by how things go in the ongoing playoffs)