Let's Talk About Connor Bedard, Almost Certainly the #1 Pick in 2023

[@Wayf4rer]

I feel for Ducks fans. Drafted 2nd in the Crosby year, and now 2nd in the Bedard year.

[@Katie-hb8iq]

They still won a cup in 2007, which is more than most teams can say. I'd say they did alright. They honestly don't have a right to complain until 2037-2039, because you're really not supposed to win more than 1 cup every 30-32 years. Columbus has more to complain about. The Ducks and Hawks frankly don't need the help like Columbus did.

[@marchmaps]

Don't. They won a cup a few years after that Crosby draft, and Fantilli is far better than several recent first overall picks.

[@Zaghzackio]

Fantillis still a great pick up. Should be even better than Bobby

[@Wayf4rer]

@@marchmaps I mean, no shade to Ryan or the Ducks but Crosby brought 3 cups to Pittsburgh. Missing out on an ATG player and now another generational prospect sucks, no matter how you slice it. Insult to injury too considering Chicago's recent scandal.

[@marchmaps]

@@Wayf4rer Chicago's scandal should make every team's fans feel insulted. It does suck not to get an all time great player, but a cup is a cup though, and good luck getting the sympathy of a fan whose team never won.

[@thesscobalt]

I think Ducks fans deserve a video about Fantilli, seeing as everyone keeps tossing the phrase “consolation prize” around

[@MrKendrickLlama]

True, but man Chicago getting good things feels bad

[@Random-yb5di]

@M P nobody's a better fit than bedard. doesn't matter what u need. BEdard is the guy you would rebuild your whole team for.

[@johnmasters2074]

Bedard has added some physicality to his game this year. His balance is better, he is able to really hurt guys with body checks and has learned how to reverse hit, which will be a huge skill for him at the next level. I know this is a little crazy to say, but this kid is currently humanity's best hope for anyone on earth to be better than Connor McDavid.

[@VexJinks]

It's not going to happen because McDavid has his unreal speed along with the physicality, the passing, and the shot.

[@vrestxxio1945]

@@VexJinks bedard has a better shot than McDavid and could definitely develope other parts of his game so as said by the op there is a chance he will be better.

[@VexJinks]

@@vrestxxio1945 lol, Bedard's shot isn't better than McDavid's. Only guy I'd say that can do it better than McD is Matthews.

[@joep2311]

​@@VexJinks does Bedard have a crazy fast first step like McDavid? Or is he more of an agility as opposed to a speed guy?

[@marcussilva4011]

@@VexJinks it’s not likely but it’s possible bedard definitely has a better overall shooting skills than matthews and mcdavid at his age

[@brendenstuder6119]

While Bedard is "small" by NHL standards, I got to see him in person when he played against the Rockets in Kelowna. He is incredibly strong on his skates and the only times that the puck left him was on his own accord.

[@topiheimola69]

That might change once the opposition gets a whole lot bigger. But I think he'll still be great obviously, size is not as important as it used to be

[@jacklewis5452]

his legs are huge compared to Patrick Kanes.

[@KevinMcGannon]

Crosby and Datsyuk are both 5’11” and entered the league when being undersized was way more of a disadvantage. I feel like this height stuff regarding Bedard is way overblown.

[@Romdejar]

I have recently found your channel. Your insight and commentary is awesome, thank you for the strong work! Personally, very excited for the Blackhawks!

[@Arismix23]

People forget Chicago has a top 5 prospect pool as well. They have some of the most touted defensive prospects in the league and players who Bedard played with in the World Juniors. Reichel looks great already, that would be a fun pair

[@theseanie9958]

im already dreaming of reichel - bedard - bertuzzi

[@joeroganreal]

@@theseanie9958 im dreaming of Kyle beach getting justice

[@theseanie9958]

@@joeroganreal what would be justice to you? only thing more you could do is force rocky to sell the team, and i really wouldn't mind that

[@DerbyKnowledge93]

@@joeroganreal hope you enjoy all of your teams losses. Now here is a little cheese for your whine. 🧀🧀🍷

[@tomfilipiak3511]

Kyle beach,got Justice,he should of went to the police,right away!Any team in that situation,would of tried their best to cover it up! The Hawks did wrong,by not reporting the offender to the police!It is a cruel world,and we see it every day!

[@mediumdoubledouble9012]

Imagine not picking him first. Sportsnet might stop obsessing over the leafs so much lol

[@Babaganoosh69]

Going back to the 05-06' Capitals and Penguins seasons is absolutely nuts. The points differences between Crosby, Ovechkin and everyone else on their respective teams is bonkers.

[@dakraa8187]

I like what Chicago has going from a defensive standpoint. Korchinski, Del Mastro, Allan, Rinzel, plus Seth Jones, so they already have some decent depth building up there. Just really need to surround Bedard with some forward talent and find him his costar.

[@neutralsportsfan17]

4/5 players you mentioned are 18-20 years old. No chance they will all be legitimate NHL players let alone decent defenders.

[@marcussilva4011]

Vlassic and regula have good nhl potential too

[@theseanie9958]

im still not really sold on allan, and rinzel it's too early to tell, but korchinski, del mastro, vlasic, even kaiser im sold on. the defense has a bright young future

[@dakraa8187]

@@neutralsportsfan17 3/4 of them made the WJ. You can’t say that none of them cant eventually be NHL contributors either. Davidson already mapped out this rebuild will be 5 years. Building up depth at this stage is important.

[@fubartotale3389]

Don't forget Richardson was a defenseman and seems to be getting the most out of his D men.

[@southsidesky]

The "experts" so convinced everyone that Dennis Savard could NOT do the things in the NHL that he did in juniors, that Montreal chose Doug Wickenheiser over Savard........................

[@ronaldwayne7092]

No one in 1980 was talking about Savard as the number one pick. It was either Wickenheiser or Dave Babych and the Habs chose wrong.

[@fubartotale3389]

Savvy did go to the Habs and won a cup later.

[@BloggerMusicMan]

I came away with exactly the same conclusion as you when I watched the World Juniors. There were multiple times a game where he would take loose pucks, draw two players to try and defend him, and still be able to set up a nice scoring chance. He dominated that tournament through solid fundamentals and outstanding hockey sense. That translates very well to the NHL.

[@chrisbelos2834]

At my age, probably one of the last "generational" player i'll be able to watch for his whole career.

[@doodlebob2023]

same. im only 28 but live a bad lifestyle.

[@dmwd96]

@@doodlebob2023 hell ya brother

[@chrisbelos2834]

@@doodlebob2023 live fast die young

[@philtorrez4198]

Same, 32 though

[@RRaquello]

Don’t worry. There’ll be a new generational player two or three years now.

[@jameshuseby9931]

Would love to see ya do Blackhawks Prospects video this summer after the draft see where you there young players can 3 years or so

[@toriamansfield2999]

So, did some of the wins they got at the end of the season mean that other teams lost to help them?

[@caydenstith6289]

I guess so😁

[@desperate4dopamine]

Either way, they were getting the 1st

[@LilybeeTV]

On the final night of the Blackhawks season, the night was themed to Toews’ send off. At the end of the third, Athanasiou scores to tie the game and send it to OT. Early in OT, Toews had a beautiful play to beat two defenders and just barely missed getting around the goalie. (Remember his first career goal against Colorado? Looked exactly like that. Would’ve been poetic) Flyers score, hawks get a loser point in OT, and that’s how they finished third. Allow me to break some hearts. If Toews scores that goal, two points puts them ahead of San Jose and they get the pick. If Athanasiou doesn’t score that goal at the end of the third, hawks drop to 2nd place and Columbus gets the pick. You can all thank Pittsburgh for losing to the hawks earlier that week and setting up that finish.

[@zanemarte9877]

Chicago didn't have the worst record yet they still won the first overall pick. Connor Bedard as the next star from Chicago is something that never crossed my mind. I expected Anaheim or maybe Columbus to get the chance to pick for Bedard first, but as a Shark fan I'm happy that he won't be going to an rival team.

[@ianhall6614]

If only San Jose didn’t get all those points for overtime losses….

[@zanemarte9877]

@@ianhall6614 Sharks don't need Bedard. The team needs goaltending and defense

[@brandona9326]

I'm a Ducks fan and while I don't mind he's going to Chicago, I'd prefer he even went to SJ.

[@MaxSoininen]

@@zanemarte9877 Bedard would be perfect for the sharks. They lack a franchise player right now. (yes EK is good but hes old)

[@thunderbuddy88]

Oilers had the 4th worst record and got McDavid, their 4th #1 in 6yrs. That's why they have a lotto so finishing last isn't guaranteed.

[@difoolgc5211]

THG mentioned that Vancouver was one ball away of winning, here are the adjusted odds after each of the first three balls are drawn. After first ball, San Jose had pretty good odds for first pick. (Needed to play with Python) First pick odds, after first ball (5) drawn: ANA 16.08% ARI 10.14% BUF 1.75% CBJ 10.49% CHI 9.44% DET 4.55% MTL 8.74% NSH 1.40% OTT 1.75% PHI 8.04% PIT 1.40% SJS 11.19% STL 4.20% VAN 3.50% WSH 7.34% First pick odds, after second ball (13) drawn: ANA 13.64% ARI 10.61% CBJ 9.09% CHI 10.61% DET 4.55% MTL 4.55% NSH 1.52% OTT 1.52% PHI 6.06% SJS 18.18% STL 7.58% VAN 3.03% WSH 9.09% First pick odds, after third ball (4) drawn: ANA 18.18% ARI 9.09% CBJ 9.09% CHI 18.18% NSH 9.09% SJS 18.18% STL 9.09% WSH 9.09% Second pick odds, after first (9) ball drawn: ANA 20.85% ARI 6.18% BUF 2.32% CBJ 16.60% CGY 0.77% DET 5.41% MTL 8.88% NSH 0.39% OTT 4.63% PHI 6.18% PIT 1.93% SJS 12.74% STL 3.47% VAN 3.09% WSH 6.56% Second pick odds, after second (8) ball drawn: ANA 18.64% ARI 6.78% BUF 1.69% CBJ 18.64% CGY 1.69% DET 6.78% MTL 8.47% OTT 5.08% PHI 6.78% PIT 1.69% SJS 15.25% STL 1.69% VAN 1.69% WSH 5.08% Second pick odds, after third (10) ball drawn: ANA 30.00% ARI 10.00% CGY 10.00% MTL 20.00% OTT 10.00% PIT 10.00% WSH 10.00%

[@fuuzzzy]

I was gonna send in my blank hawks jersey to get bedard on it but I’m waiting to see what number he’s gonna have, can’t wait

[@TheSjuris]

It will have a number that’s higher then 8 followed by a number higher then 7.

[@lawrencefrazier2044]

@@TheSjuris Are You Trying To Say Connor Bedard Will Wear #98 That`s My Guess To.

[@fuuzzzy]

@@lawrencefrazier2044 that’s what I expect but better safe than sorry

[@ryansantander4111]

@@fuuzzzy same spot as you

[@Lebowski55]

The Blackhawks didn't tear it down just to get the #1 pick. That was totally a part of it but they tore it down to build an eventual Stanley Cup contender again. They weren't going anywhere finishing in the middle every year.

[@milosis7]

now if only the hawks would pick up stauber full time we’d really have something cooking

[@paulcusentino4917]

The only thing not exciting about this is how much more it’s going to cost me to get in the United Center now.

[@kenkunz1428]

Heh heh I hear you Paul.

[@georgenelson8284]

As a Hawks fan Im completely stoked. Nothing is guaranteed but things are looking up.

[@LatinxGoyslop1994]

I'm just excited to see him in the big leagues

[@RemoteEars]

Chicago was the one team I didn't want him to go to, and the one team I suspected would get him.

[@joegadberry2221]

😎 see ya at the top

[@schustererik83]

​@@joegadberry2221 Chicago fans should probably stfu right now, unless you really wanna get into why you don't deserve this

[@theseanie9958]

what about the habs? they just got 1st overall last year, and they very recently drafted a convicted sex criminal in mailloux

[@fubartotale3389]

Go weep.

[@staringatthesun861]

That's usually how it goes.

[@Zaghzackio]

I have no doubt hes gonna dominate the NHL and put up insane numbers. I just hope Chicago builds a contender around him

[@ryanreeves8931]

They had a team that they could have put him into and be competitive but their HORRIBLE ownership and management got rid of the entire team.

[@HeadlessZombie1991]

@@ryanreeves8931 The Blackhawks would not have this pick if the team was not torn down this season.

[@AvatarNub]

I hope Chicago pays homage to their past and burns their whole city down

[@micahbosman4897]

@@ryanreeves8931 lmao they have reichel, korchinski, nazar that should develop nicely with him, as well as anyone they have already playing on the roster... And can definitely do a couple trades and free agent pickups.

[@danieldosso2455]

I hope Chicago fucks themselves up, even if it means diminishing Bedard's skill.

[@TheDolfanar]

Statistically he looks a lot like Steven Stamkos… mid-sized, right shot, score-first center. Just shy of generational… but pretty darn good with a strong team around him. Chicago need to surround him with their version of Kucherov++…

[@SnapshotMC94]

Except bedard was a lot better than Stamkos ever was as a junior. Gotta remember bedard is this good at only 17….

[@TheDolfanar]

@@SnapshotMC94 If you adjust for scoring in the OHL in 2007 vs WHL in 2023 it’s pretty close. Stamkos had 100g-97a in 124 games vs 134-137 in 134 games. A slight edge for Connor offensively but he’s also a bit smaller. I mostly don’t think the Crosby / McDavid comparables just because, though they can fill the net, both are more pass-first playmakers which I don’t think represents what Bédard brings to the table. With the more open play in 2023 vs when Stamkos was in his prime I think you could easily see Bédard hit 65 goals / 115 points… nothing to sneeze at!

[@cucamongaduke3600]

Your assessment was the one I was waiting for. The media hype machine can say what it wants to sell ads; but your approach is as a fan of the game itself. Personally, I saw 5’10”, 185 and thought “meh”. But what do I know? Thank you for your mind and your perspectives, sir!

[@arlenstrauch]

A Paul Kariya player

[@alyssinwilliams4570]

Far, far too many people look at height and dismiss. But as a Flames fan who saw Fleury and Gaudreau (and St Louis, from a distance) among others all play well I rarely even look at height/weight

[@cjnap7482]

Similar size to Brayden point I’m sure he’ll be fine

[@torrinmedia3998]

BRAYDEN POINT, PATRICK KANE AND GADREAU? All of these guys and many more NHL players of the past are studs at 5'10". Height doesn't always equal success in the league.

[@alyssinwilliams4570]

@@torrinmedia3998 Exactly my point :)

[@supersill796]

After that first pick Chicago has like 5 picks within the first 2 rounds that's crazy!!

[@blackhawks9763]

That’s a GM who knows what he’s doing. Unlike Vancouver. That Detroit trade. Oof.

[@paulieprinceton4550]

And 2 firsts and 2 seconds in the next 2 drafts.

[@Yo_Adrienne]

@@blackhawks9763 Also unlike their previous GM, who screwed things up so badly, they've had to start over from nearly scratch.

[@blackhawks9763]

@@Yo_Adrienne People forget that, that OEL and Seth Jone’s trades happened on the same day. Obviously neither GM is with their team anymore (for good reason), but both of them handcuffed their teams.

[@marchmaps]

Will you be talking about the other players hyped for the top 5 picks? I'm really curious to see who pounces on Michkov. He could go anywhere between 4 and 8.

[@tomkelley4119]

I think last year THG did 4-5 of the top picks. He’s pretty thorough, too.

[@tomkelley4119]

I’m a liar - he did 13 last year.

[@marchmaps]

@@tomkelley4119 seems familiar. The discussion after the top two will be a lot more interesting, because there's less certainty on who goes where.

[@johnhenryeden916]

San Jose should get him. They're not gonna be good any time soon, Couture and Vlasic are past their prime and they just got rid of Meier. EK65 is fantastic but at 32 years old he's not the guy you retool around IMO. They should take Michkov, suck for a few more years and get a solid centre for him. Then he'll be ready in 2026

[@burningmime432]

@@marchmaps Really, if there wasn't the 3-year KHL contract and the uncertainty with the Russia situation, Michikov *could* very well be a #2 pick above Fantilli, just in terms of pure numbers.

[@JrSlacker]

Thank you for the work and content.

[@KevinMcGannon]

The same league that had Edmonton with the 1st pick 4 out of 6 years, one of which was Connor McDavid, is somehow now rigging the draft for bigger markets? Not buying that one bit.

[@theseanie9958]

@@geoff3103 what do you mean by that? they have multiple team reps and multiple media members watch the balls pulled and then post the video evidence of it for everyone to see

[@theseanie9958]

@@geoff3103 because that's extremely dull and they want viewers for a quick, concise show leading into a playoff game

[@pierresoorden5975]

4 out of 6 years. Understates how completely absurd that is

[@fubartotale3389]

Thank you, finally someone stated the obvious. This will only be the Hawks second first overall in team history.

[@joshshultz1250]

@@geoff3103 They have and people still called it fake.

[@Marekw1976]

My thoughts: well, still elated from last night. I think Bedard will come to his own around the 24-25 season when others guys like Korchinski, Colton Dach, Nollan Allen and a slew of others will be there with him, along with some vets, to propel the Hawks with yet another team doing the youth movement. He'll do well under Kyle Davidson because, as said post lottery win, Kyle has no desire to "speed up" the process - he wants to do this right and get him players that complement him.

[@jackroxable]

You shouldn't be elated, the league is a reality show. You only got bailed out.

[@Lord-Hossa]

@@jackroxable lol cry more

[@jackroxable]

@@Lord-Hossa just telling it like it is

[@Yo_Adrienne]

If Lukas Reichel's development is any indication, they aren't going to rush Bedard, either. Kyle seems to have learned from Bowman's mistakes, like rushing Dach.

[@MrViyasan]

I prefer listening to your videos over watching hockey itself

[@dylanebers8017]

There was a lot of hype for Jack Hughes when he was drafted (not as much obviously) and based on his frame they may end up being simular players

[@JHockeyFan]

He's pretty physical for a skill player. Makes sense since he played in the Dub

[@SuperAngryWalrus]

Immediately after the draft lottery, Bettman announced the next 5 Winter Classics would be played in Chicago.

[@Good100]

You do realize that would be a punishment, right? Chicago has lost every WC they've played.

[@otis295]

I would not say that the Hawks were tanking. Maybe the GM did in terms of trading away many players. However management stated early on that they were in a rebuild mode. They acquired a great deal of draft capital. Having done this the team was full of young players. These players were all playing their hearts out for future jobs be it on the Hawks or another team. They played very competitive hockey down the stretch in spite of the roster. I would not call it a purposeful tank job.

[@TheHockeyGuy]

They absolutely tanked by not trying to improve the team this season. That lineup was horrible right out of the gate. Luke Richardson coaxed some extra wins out of them early, but it was a tank.

[@blackhawks9763]

He’s already in that Crosby and McDavid tier. Matthews is NOT in that tier, he’s more in the Malkin and Kane tier.

[@brennanconway19]

Next year Chicago is gonna be what Montreal was this year fun to watch really young but not a great record

[@glenngotling657]

That's the plan. Get Bedard a couple line mates capable of playing with him (Reichel probably one of them) and then lose a lot to be in contention for the Celebrini/Eiserman draft in 2024. Tank baby tank.

[@NARATO0]

Hate to sound like a broken record but out of all the teams the devil's completely beat down during the regular season. Columbus and the ducks 2nd were easily the teams that needed bedard the most.

[@JOHNWLOUCKS]

I agree, and good for the league too.

[@Zaghzackio]

Imagine Bedard next to Zegras/Terry/McTavish or Gaudreau/Laine/Johnson. That's a lot of high end skill, just not a lot of grit and toughness

[@johnclayton7]

Columbus had a horrible seasons with injuries taking out practically their whole lineup. I don’t expect them to be anywhere near as bad next season.

[@johnleonard3748]

Yeah but Anaheim is just fine with Fantilli

[@chadgroom7106]

@@johnleonard3748 Most likely very true but the point is we are most liking missing out on another Generational talent again within 18yrs, how many of them come around and we missed on 2 already and maybe the next won we wont have a good chance to get. ON TOP OF THAT in the last 5yrs have ALWAYS fallen in the draft lottery. Never had a number 1 either when Chicago got Kane and now right when he is gone lucks into a generational talent. It is what it is but it sucks and something is off about it. I get what you mean that I am just extremely frustrated

[@jreiland07]

Am I the only Pens fan genuinely starting to wonder about the 2005 draft now?

[@davidfox9947]

Who knows the fact is they did not have the votes to build a new arena until the Crosby lottery without the new arena the Pens would have left Pittsburgh, the NHL did not want that any more then they want the Coyotes to leave Arizona.

[@Skynertia]

If Connor Bedard chose not to play for Chicago (à la Eric Lindros), he would instantly become my favourite player.

[@kenkunz1428]

He's not going to become your favorite player.

[@lacorriveauband]

Will be nice to see the Hawks move this summer. How quick they will be back in a playoff spot whit this young Bedard.

[@jordanholmes9943]

Ducks fan waiting for the Fantilli video…

[@brandona9326]

Ducks fan too. In world juniors Bedard has like 23 points to Fantillis 7. I know we are trying to be hopeful but it still stings. It will until and if we win a cup.

[@nursingwithjon]

I can’t watch this episode especially with the Hawks jersey on. That team winning the pick makes me sick

[@QRM00]

Very excited about the future! I already really liked Reichel, Korchinski & Nazar's chances at becoming key pieces of the future. Jones has been legit in Chicago and hes stuck here regardless. Adding Bedard will give this group some much needed starpower. Lots of draft capital in each of the next 3 years aswell. I was really impressed with Richardson too this season, it was refreshing to have a real coach for the first time in years. Theres still a lot to be done but Davidson's tenure has been promising so far.

[@Yo_Adrienne]

I'm curious to see if they extend Caleb Jones. He seemed to work better when paired with his brother. My bet is that they do, because it will give their prospects more time to develop in Rockford. And, yes. Seth is a lot better than the credit for which he's being given by many. Even his bloated contract doesn't look so bad right now, especially given that they'll have cap floor issues.

[@yeltsin6817]

Love your channel. How many jerseys do you have? What do you figure you’ve spent on them?

[@newschooler720]

Saw him in kelowna and kamloops this season, there was some physical play there. Obviously not a major part of his game, but for his size he played surprisingly physical

[@Alexirongatewelding]

The MADHOUSE on Madison is waiting…

[@aryusure1943]

For me a "generational" player must help his team win the Stanley Cup at some point AND must also have the luxury to play with superstars like him in order to achieve that goal (no pun intended). ;) And from all the marquee names we can throw out there as a comparison to Bedard I see only 3 (on the top of my head) who succeeded fast enough in that regard and it's Patrick Kane, Sidney Crosby and Guy Lafleur. Drafted in 2007 Kane's team (the same one who will draft Bedard, interestingly enough) won the first of its 3 recent Cups in 2010 and Kane scored the cup winning goal, no less. Crosby helped the Pens win back the Cup in 2009, only 4 years after being the first pick in 2005. Lafleur is kind of a special case because his real impact began in 1976 because the Habs were already loaded when they drafted him in 1971 (having won the Cup that year already and not looking for a savior) and they won the Cup again in 1973 and it was not because Lafleur was the difference maker. With Stamkos, it took 12 years. Ovechkin, 14 years. Lindros, well he never played for the team who picked him and never won the Cup with the Flyers who traded for him either. MacDavid, 8 years so far and it's not a done deal this year. Lemieux, 7 years. But in all those cases when a very special player was available in the draft there is obviously one thing that is sure. No one can bring a team to the "promise land" by himself and I don't care who he is. Lemieux had Jagr. Crosby had Malkin. Ovechkin had Backstrom. Kane had Toews. Stamkos had Kucherov and Point. Lafleur had Shutt and the Big Three. And now MacDavid has Draisaitl. So be patient Chicago. You are not out of woods just yet. But it seems like a good start with this new super talent emerging. ;) p.s.: If I forgot someone who made an impact faster as a presumed franchise player who was a first overall pick, feel free to let me know.

[@RRaquello]

Haven’t seen the guy play besides a few highlights, but the guy he sounds like from the descriptions is Pat Lafontaine. The Lafontaine hype machine went pretty good in his draft year, a lot of it because he was the best US prospect ever, up to that time. Then Lou Nanne surprised everyone by not taking him first.

[@ArcadeHawk]

As a Hawks fan, I totally get why people are upset about this. But I hope Bedard doesn't get hate just for the team he plays for

[@owenmacrowski]

All this makes me think now is how cool it would have been for Bedard if the hawks were able to hold on to either kane or toews just one extra year. Might not have ended up winning the lottery that way but man it would be neat. Kind of like the very brief lemieux-crosby crossover back when he was new.

[@michaelbecker2435]

toews retired because of lung covid. not sure how they would have kept him

[@fubartotale3389]

There is no way that that could have happened based on Davidson's plan. He's ruthless.

[@mcaddicts]

Chicago will need to get some enforcers.

[@Yo_Adrienne]

You mean like Tinordi, who they just re-signed?

[@mercywilliams2698]

What I think is most challenging for elite young players coming into the NHL..that one really definitive hard hit that leaves you with ringing ears and brain fog..you never had playing as a quicker young phenom.

[@DerbyKnowledge93]

Subscribed, only because you like Bedard..LOLOL..J/K Bedard shoots, HE SCORES, HAWKS WIN HAWKS WIN !!!! been watching Hawks games since I turned the TV on as a little kid, about 1962. Bobby Hull scored a couple in that game and I was hooked. Yeah, the STAR players bring in a lot of new fans. In ANY sport, especially the major sports.

[@geographyinaction7814]

I love your channel Shannon but I disagree with the skill over brawn comment. Sure, the skill gets you through the regular season, but Marlandertthews is(are) proving that skill only goes so far in the post-season.

[@dsc4178]

Bedard plays with gusto, other players in recent drafts did not and still don't. Laine, Lafrenaire, Kakko, you need to have that drive, and you can acquire it, best to already have it.

[@Alexirongatewelding]

Chicago WILL take GREAT care of Vancouvers chosen one.🤙

[@MDK2_Radio]

What you say around the five minute mark is what I have to remind naysayers about Bedard. We’ve been hearing about this kid for years, and he’s only lived up to it until this moment. I can remember only hearing so much about a young player so many years before he was draft eligible when that player was Crosby - even McDavid wasn’t someone so big on the radar so many years before his draft. This kid’s the real deal and he’s only going to fail if they put too much on his shoulders when he debuts.

[@MDK2_Radio]

Side note, I haven’t been experiencing distracting ad interruptions when viewing these on my phone. If you changed something, I do appreciate it.

[@clydeblair9622]

Go get 'em Mo.

[@magslowe30]

As a Hawks fan, as excited as I am, my biggest concern is who is going to be that partner in crime for Bedard? Who is the Toews for this Kane? The Draisaitle to this McDavid? Davidson needs to ensure that we have that piece

[@JoJo-ke5yz]

He should have gone to the Ducks, he and Zegras would have been a treat for all of us. He's wasted in CHI

[@joshshultz1250]

dude we have the 19th overall pick too

[@masonwright7700]

​@@JoJo-ke5yz no

[@Berubium]

If he has a decent supporting cast, I see him getting 40-50 goals & 100 points even on a non-playoff team.

[@rohan10D]

bedard is 185 lbs at 5'10?? wtf? kid is huge

[@glenngotling657]

Yep, kid has thick legs - good base, hard to knock off puck. Very Crosby like frame.

[@marinanguish9928]

I attended 3 of the 4 blades home games in the blades v Pats series, and honestly the series would not have gone 7 games if the Pats didn't have Bedard, he was really carrying their team.

[@dfoleyusa]

So I know a lot of people are talking about size. There was this dude in 1984 that came to Chicago and was said to be too small for the era where centers dominated the NBA - that player was Michael Jordan. Because of my dislike of the Blackhawks I have a feeling Bedard turns into something special which honestly would be good for the game so I’m willing to set aside my dislike for the team to root for Bedard.

[@midimusicforever]

Chicago better get him some decent line mates, so that he gets a good environment to develop in.

[@alyssinwilliams4570]

I think the only way Bedard is not the #1 pick is if Chicago's GM is a time-traveler who has future knowledge of some sort of Calamity that happens if Bedard gets taken #1, lol

[@goose5462]

Another weakness is his 200 foot game. Heard that mentioned numerous times. Not a big deal, seems to be a common weakness for most exceptional players at the start of their NHL career.

[@williamrichie2636]

#16 would be pretty slick vs #98 imo

[@seandecoursey]

he plays with some braun man, I remember the WJC, he had an amazing muscle play on the boards to win a puck AND fire a pass for an assist. he plays pretty big when he has to. of course that's against a bunch of younger cats but I can see him making similar plays in Chicago

[@joeb2151]

It hurts my heart he's going to that team. They had too many games on TV already. We're never going to see other teams now. Trash.

[@fubartotale3389]

Trash? Sour grapes perhaps? Grow up.

[@joeb2151]

@@fubartotale3389 Shame Kyle Beach didn't get to grow up without getting assaulted by a coach, eh? Trash. The whole franchise is trash, as are their apologists.

[@kenkunz1428]

Even when they are terrible there are lots of eyes on their games. Blackhawks, Bruins, Rangers, Leafs. They are on National TV a lot because they have huge fan bases. And that's the same reason why Arizona is never on.

[@jeffe2267]

I dont't thnk MacKinnon struggled as much as he needed a better team and to get his "adult" body for more strength.

[@curtisjoseph7228]

Junior hockey is totally different...there have been a few players who have put up great stats in the WHL,OHL and the Q .He might put up good points and be a decent player but generational could be a stretch

[@LukeThor]

Don't you think it just sucks for the entire league and fans of nhl? Bedard could've walked into anaheim or cbj and they'd be ready to push for palyoffs soon. Now we won't see anything interesting from him until 6 years later when chicago have built a team? It's a boring place for him to go imo

[@afhostie]

Flames, oilers, Canucks are all proof you can't get a cup from one guy

[@marchmaps]

Oilers have two guys.

[@dachampion31]

Being from Rockford I wouldn't mind seeing him down in the AHL for a little bit lol

[@philtorrez4198]

He can’t play in the AHL because he’s getting drafted out of the WHL. He’ll most likely make opening night lineup but if they demote him he has to back to Regina.

[@ManMythLegend123]

Can we all just admit it: we hate chicago getting bedard because we all wanted him on our team. Generational drafts change hockey you watch on your own tv for at least a decade so ya, kinda jealous of blackhawks right now because they just got rid of kane! Im a habs fan and would’ve love to see a rookie achieve greatness in my city! What a bummer

[@slapshotkingburns8849]

The name inevitably makes me think of Bryan Berard. Maybe he would even be worth a own video. THG must decide.

[@kulusic1]

My biggest concern is: there's a lot of players that come into the league with a great shot and then they recieve a few hacks, get wrist surgery, and they're never the same. Considering how much he relies on his shot and fine adjustments he makes during his release, he's uniquely vulnerable to a fairly common injury seen at the nhl level in comparison to his 'generational talent' brethren. Hopefully he stays healthy.

[@ManMythLegend123]

Remember mcdavid when he got his knee exploded? Watch him skate today! If life really wants bedard on the ice he will get through those things even when it’s hard. It’s all about passion

[@Lebowski55]

Bedard is like if Patrick Kane had Brett Hull's goal scoring ability.

[@GrahamSlam]

I disagree about him not being physical. Bedard's physical play is a strength, not a weakness. Everything else is pretty spot on though.

[@brianlb78]

I think he'll be good. Not sure about McDavid good but still an elite player. The thing is Chi has to draft well after him not only this year but the next couple years. No one from the Cup days is left there so it's not like you have the say guys doing it again and if they don't draft well then he could have a rough time there. Gotta remember as dominant as he was in the WHL and even though Regina was an average team he wasn't dominant enough to carry them in the playoffs. In other words Chi has to get him some talent in order for this to all work and they have traded away some decent young guys this year in order to tank.

[@patmcguire6790]

Having 6 picks in the first two rounds this year will certainly help

[@patmcguire6790]

Having 6 picks in the first two rounds this year will certainly help

[@patmcguire6790]

Having 6 picks in the first two rounds this year will certainly help

[@patmcguire6790]

Having 6 picks in the first two rounds this year will certainly help

[@patmcguire6790]

Having 6 picks in the first two rounds this year will certainly help

[@justinjackson7090]

What are the chances Kane returns to play with him And is there any chance he doesn't make it like M Marner his 1st year

[@jaytravtulsa1]

Would love it if Kaner came back to mentor him. He hinted at that before he allowed the Rangers deal, and now after NYR crashed out so badly he’ll be a free agent again. 🤞🏼

[@justinjackson7090]

@Jay Traverso not a hawks fan but kane should absolutely return and then they will be a destination for free agents maybe terasinko

[@jaytravtulsa1]

@@justinjackson7090 NYR sadly had no heart, so I’d trust Kane to choose who to recruit, and who to leave in Manhattan. Agree that it’d be fun for him to bring a 2nd winger with him to flank the wunderkind!

[@rip2025]

His immediate success depends on the rest of the draft and what deals are made before October!!

[@clusche911]

Any thoughts or chance that Bernard falls to #2?

[@andrewptob]

Bernard should definitely be available at 2. 🙃

[@kenkunz1428]

Bernard yes... Bedard no.

[@OompaL0ompa]

Without injuries, he will be the first 100 point rookie since Selanne

[@HalieriEinherjar]

Both Crosby and Ovechkin hade 100 points season in their rookie year.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

When Mike Matheson body slammed Pettersson it was definitely within the rules 🙄

[@nisrinaprihadi2754]

I'm curiuos with your thoughts of ducks prospects winning Deffensman of The Year in all 3 CHL league

[@Scott6794]

How does a draft pick work in terms of contracts? What if they picked Bedard but couldn't reach an agreement financially? Just curious how that works.

[@SharksFan1997]

Entry Level Contracts are capped. As is the singing bonus. It’s not really possible to not reach an agreement based on the financial aspect. The only way he wouldn’t sign is if he refuses to play for Chicago (unlikely) Just to add onto that. Most high picks all get the max ELC which is I believe 975k. He’ll 100% get offered the maximum amount

[@Furcapper]

​@@SharksFan1997 and even if Bedard refuses to play, the team would still own his right and they could offer his rights to the highest bidder

[@theseanie9958]

@@SharksFan1997 he'll also get maximum performance bonuses

[@Scott6794]

Interesting thanks for all the info

[@okyouknowwhatever]

he could always pull a Blake Wheeler

[@Meh661]

Just Imagine in 5 years time, if Bedard was the new Yakupov. That would be funny in a way. Btw it's not a serious comment.

[@Toole8]

Hawks need to trade for some grit to protect him while he gets his NHL legs under him

[@Yo_Adrienne]

Well, they're bringing back Tinordi, and I won't be surprised to see Max Domi return. Connor Murphy is no shrinking violet, either. Nor, is Reese Johnson. A bit more wouldn't hurt, though.

[@Auth-DanielRyan]

I think people that are upset that Chicago got Bedard have a pretty fair gripe. They knowingly protected/fed a sexual predator in their organization and their only punishment was a 2 million dollar fine, which they’ve already made back and then some in season ticket deposits since the draft lottery. Which NHL team wouldn’t of paid 2 million to have Bedard? In recent years teams have had picks taken from them for what basically amounts to procedural rules but Chicago pays a non relevant fine and are rewarded Bedard after decades of literally criminal behavior. As a NHL fan first and foremost, I think it’s unfortunate that Bedard is now tied to that.

[@GraveVibrations]

Bedard could actually hit if he wanted to. The kid is relentless. Go Hawks Go!

[@neilflood6508]

Time to start a conspiricy theory. Connor Bedard is from North Vancouver. Kyle Beach was born in North Vancouver. Are their families or extended families known to each other?

[@JesusChrist2000BC]

Coyotes needed him badly.

[@AeQuitaS28]

As a Ducks Fan, am I crazy for thinking Fantilli is a better fit than Bedard? A 2 way Forward, who plays well with & without the puck. Also aggressive on the Forecheck. Like a Kopitar/MacKinnon/Draisaitl, sounds better, for the Ducks, than a McDavid/Matthews.

[@brandona9326]

I think we are coping a bit. Realistically, we do have a ton of key players in our prospects and keeping everyone on with money Bedard will end up wanting wouldn't happen without letting a key component go. That said, with Bedard, we would have been the NHL powerhouse for years to come. Small market though which is not good for the league. With Fantilli and our current crew, we will be contenders for years to come. Bedard is that nuts though. He more than tripled Fantilli in points at the world juniors

[@AeQuitaS28]

@@brandona9326 Bedard is a point machine, no doubt but... What else? Would he make Zegras. Terry and McTavish better?

[@brandona9326]

@AeQuitaS28 I mean, yeah, he probably would. I think we will do alright with Fantilli. He's better in some aspects but Bedard might be next level special like McDavid. I'm hoping Fantilli is a big time franchise guy as well but there is a good reason everyone was hoping to land #1

[@gymrat2647]

As a Knights after watching Connor Bedard highlights which left me wowed. Will be a good pick for the Blackhawks.

[@fubartotale3389]

Gee, ya think?

[@jwags_]

I think the ducks are going to be a playoff team before the hawks are, but Chicago might be more successful over time

[@johnhenryeden916]

Seems like 3rd last is what you should aim for when tanking for a generational talent lol. That's McDavid and Bedard who were taken by the 3rd last team.