(670 The Score) The Blackhawks got the stroke of luck they hoped for after a miserable rebuilding season.
With the ping-pong balls falling their way in the lottery Monday evening, the Blackhawks landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Chicago had an 11.5% chance to land the top pick after it recorded just 59 points this past season, which tied for the second-fewest in the NHL.
"I'm speechless, to be honest," Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in an interview on ESPN after Chicago landed the top pick.
The Blackhawks are now in line to select Regina Pats center Connor Bedard, the consensus top pick in this draft class. Bedard, who will turn 18 in July, is considered by talent evaluators to be one of the best prospects in decades. He had a storied career in the WHL, which included 71 goals and 72 assists in 57 games this past season.
This will mark the second time in franchise history that the Blackhawks have landed the No. 1 pick. They did so in 2007, when they selected winger Patrick Kane, who helped lead Chicago to three championships.
The NHL Draft will be held June 28-29. In addition to the No. 1 overall pick, the Blackhawks also own another later pick in the first round by virtue of a previous trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Chicago also owns four second-round picks.
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