New era begins as Chicago selects Connor Bedard 1st overall in NHL draft
CBC
Connor Bedard didn't want to jinx it.
The 17-year-old phenom probably knew deep down where he would begin his professional career as soon as Chicago jumped up two spots to win the NHL's draft lottery in May.
Fans of the Original Six franchise immediately started scooping up jerseys with Bedard's familiar No. 98 on the back as a sports-crazed city — one that has witnessed greatness up close time and again — waited just over seven weeks for the arrival of its next star.
Through it all, Bedard stayed on message, shooting down Chicago-related questions with the same precision he uses to make opponents look foolish.
He can now finally turn his attention to a new challenge in the Windy City.
Chicago did the expected Wednesday night, selecting Bedard with the No. 1 pick at the NHL draft.
"It still doesn't feel real, to be honest," he said. "It's so crazy."
WATCH | Bedard selected by Chicago with No. 1 pick:
The five-foot-10, 185-pound centre with a bullet shot and awe-inspiring skill tore up the Western Hockey League with 143 points in 57 games for the Regina Pats in 2022-23.
"It's an unbelievable feeling to be here with my family and friends, and get to hear my name be called and experience that, especially with such a storied organization," Bedard said. "Very thankful [they] put their faith in me."
Bedard also led Canada to gold with a record-breaking performance at the world junior hockey championship, and won a number of individual awards in a memorable season that culminated on the stage at Bridgestone Arena.
"He wants to be great," Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson said. "He takes nothing for granted. He's humble ... he just gets it. He's going to put in the work to be as good he can be.
Mentioned in the same breath as previous generational talents, including Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, the North Vancouver product joins a rebuilding team that parted ways with franchise icons and three-time Stanley Cup champions Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews in recent months.
"It's incredible," he said of following in their footsteps. "Growing up, that was when they were going on their runs, winning the Cups. You see the United Center going crazy and all of Chicago getting behind them — Original Six and so much history."
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