2023 NHL Draft: Connor Bedard watch

Connor Bedard, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, completed his third season with Regina of the Western Hockey League. The 17-year-old center, No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters presented by BioSteel, was granted exceptional status to play in the WHL as a 15-year-old. The NHL Draft will be held in Nashville on June 28-29.

Connor Bedard isn't too concerned with the
2023 NHL Draft Lottery
, which ultimately will determine his NHL destination.
"I mean, I've said 100 times no one knows who's going No. 1," Bedard said. "I think, for the lottery, I'll watch it as a fan. If I am fortunate enough to go No. 1, that's awesome. But there are so many great players in the draft and I'm sure the team that gets that spot or the top pick will be looking at a bunch of guys and have a tough decision with this talent in the draft."
Bedard (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) remained No. 1 on
NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters
released Tuesday. He has been the projected No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft all season.
"There was zero debate," Central Scouting vice president Dan Marr said on the latest edition of the
"NHL Draft Class" podcast
. "Going into the season Bedard**