DRAFT: Bedard 'Exceeded Expectations' as First Overall Selection

With the first pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Blackhawks officially selected Connor Bedard, who impressed the hockey world with his record-setting performances with the WHL's Regina Pats and Team Canada this season.

Before Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson could finish Bedard's name at the podium, Chicago fans in attendance filled Bridgestone Arena with cheers that fueled plenty of emotions for the 17-year-old center and his family.

"It's an unbelievable feeling to be here with my family and friends to get to hear my name be called and experience that, especially with such a storied organization," Bedard said. "Everything I heard about the city and the people there is nothing but positive, so I can't wait for that."

This season, Bedard recorded 143 points (71G, 72A) in 57 games for the Regina Pats, where he led the league in points to win the Bobby Clarke Trophy, finished first in goals and tied for first in assists en route to winning the Four Broncos Trophy as the 2022-23 WHL Player of the Year.

When he started to play hockey, Bedard watched the Chicago Blackhawks through their historic playoff runs from 2010-15, where the team catpured three Stanley Cups. While he watched some of the games, he always admired how supportive the fans were and couldn't think of a better franchise to be drafted to.

"Growing up, that was when they were going on their runs with winning the Cup," Bedard said. "You watched a lot of them, and you see the United Center going crazy and all of Chicago getting behind them. I can't put into words and I'm so happy to be to be part of the Blackhawks organization."

As the team continues to rebuild a new roster after a few trades this season, Davidson knows how important the first overall pick can be especially after winning the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery. With a player like Bedard, he can create a major impact and set a new foundation for the franchise in the future.

"When you're building a team and obviously first overall is a place where you hope you can get that and I feel like we've we've got a player in Connor that has every chance to be that type of player for us," Davidson said.

Not only did he claim top titles for the WHL, but the Canadian forward also set new records and captured a gold medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior tournament with some of his now-fellow Blackhawks prospects, Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro. Not only were they teammates, he also competed against some other prospects throughout the year before Regina suffered a second round defeat against the Saskatoon Blades in the playoffs.

Over his last three seasons with the Pats, Bedard credits his success to the coaching staff and the WHL in helping him develop into the player he is now. After matchups against older players in the league, it causes him to work on his physicality and the speed of his game.

"The last three years, it's been it's been everything I've ever wanted from a development standpoint," Bedard said. "It's such a tough league going into every night. You're challenging yourself and that was the biggest thing is playing against guys older than me and stronger, faster a lot. So, it's helped me so much and we've had such great coaches and such great staff there, so I learned a lot."

Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Doneghey also noticed the way Bedard can create some of his offensive production by his speed throughout different WHL games and international tournaments. The next challenge that the team add a new challenge for the young forward to see how he can adjust to the NHL level.

"At every levels he's played at, he's just been able to exceed expectations," Doneghey said. "So, he's got to get acclimated to playing with [older players] ... and I think once he gets acclimated, he'll just continue to grow."

While Bedard doesn't know quite yet on how he can adjust his playing style to the NHL level, his main focus in his summer training is to push himself hard and show that he can be ready when training camp starts in September.

With the opportunity to join the Blackhawks roster this season, he looks forward to meeting more of the staff in the organization with the chance to earn the full-time position.

"It seems like incredible people work there and being able to be a part of that is so exciting," Bedard said. "And like I said, I couldn't be [happier] with them putting their faith in me with that with that pick. I'll be forever grateful for that."

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