No NHL team will tank on the ice, even with generational talent Connor Bedard as the prize.
But the NHL trade deadline left the bottom teams with a lot less talent than they had before hand.
The Chicago Blackhawks are without Patrick Kane, Max Domi and many more. The Anaheim Ducks dealt defensemen John Klingberg and Dmitry Kulikov, as the Arizona Coyotes did with Jakob Chychrun and Shayne Gostisbehere. The San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals were also major sellers.
With the winner of the draft lottery in April being able to move up only 10 spots this year, the bottom 11 teams have a chance to land Bedard. Here’s a look at the teams with the best odds (statistics are as of March 5; this file will be updated at various points during the season).
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TRADE DEADLINE WINNERS, LOSERS: Eastern Conference loads up
Who’s Connor Bedard?
Bedard, who entered the Western Hockey League draft early as a 15-year-old, has put up big numbers while playing against older players. He has an NHL-level shot. The 17-year-old was named world junior championships MVP after getting 23 points in seven games for gold medalist Canada. The Regina (Saskatchewan) Pats 5-10, 185-pound center leads the WHL with 123 points in 48 games, getting held off the scoresheet in his most recent game. Last season, he had 100 points in 62 games.
What are the draft lottery odds for Connor Bedard?
Columbus Blue Jackets — 63 GP, 20-37-6, 46 pt., .365. Odds: 25.5%
Chicago Blackhawks — 62 GP, 21-36-5, 47 pts., .379. Odds: 13.5%
San Jose Sharks — 63 GP, 18-33-12, 48 pts., .381. Odds: 11.5%
Anaheim Ducks — 63 GP, 21-34-8, 50 pts., .397. Odds: 9.5%
Arizona Coyotes — 63 GP, 21-32-10, 52 pts., .413. Odds: 8.5%
Vancouver Canucks — 62 GP, 25-32-5, 55 pts., .444. Odds: 7.5%
Montreal Canadiens — 63 GP, 26-33-4, 56 pts., .444. Odds: 6.5%
Philadelphia Flyers — 63 GP, 25-28-11, 59 pts., .468. Odds: 6.0%
St. Louis Blues — 62 GP, 27-30-5, 59 pts., .476. Odds: 5.0%
Detroit Red Wings — 63 GP, 28-26-9, 65 pts., .516. Odds: 3.5%
Washington Capitals — 64 GP, 31-27-6, 68 pts., .531. Odds: 3.0%
What’s the biggest recent news among teams in the Connor Bedard watch?
Ducks assistant coach Mike Stothers announced during the weekend that he will be treated for Stage 3 melanoma. He didn’t plan to take a leave of absence but shared the message that people should “listen to your body” if they notice something unusual.
Tweeted head coach Dallas Eakins: “Stutts has never, ever walked away from adversity or confrontation. He runs directly into it. Cancer will have its hands full with Stutts. We are thankful for the incredible support of the Samueli family, management, staff and the players. This is one tight, caring group.”
What other news is happening among Connor Bedard watch teams?
Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly joined the team’s lengthy injury list that includes No. 1 defenseman Zach Werenski. He suffered a left oblique strain in a recent practice and will be out about six weeks. … the Blackhawks stripped down their team in the offseason and even more so in the last several weeks. They have lost four in a row after a five-game winning streak. … Sharks coach David Quinn said he was “embarrassed” after being ejected for arguing a penalty call in an 8-3 loss to the Capitals. “I should never act like that as a coach,” he said. “I want to apologize to our team.” … Defenseman Connor Mackey picked up an assist in his Coyotes debut, a 5-4 overtime loss to the Devils. He was acquired from the Flames on the deadline day. … Canucks forwards Elias Pettersson and JT Miller scored short-handed goals 44 seconds apart to beat the Maple Leafs. … the Canadiens have lost three in a row. … Newcomer Brendan Lemieux, acquired from the Kings, was a plus-3 as the Flyers won for the second time in 10 games. … Blues forward Kasperi Kapanen, claimed off waivers from the Penguins, has scored in his last two games. The Blues, who dealt four pending UFAs, have lost seven of their last eight games. … The Red Wings will face former teammate Tyler Bertuzzi twice next weekend in a home-and-home set against the Bruins. … Capitals acquisitions Craig Smith and Rasmus Sandin scored two goals and three assists, respectively, in the win against the Sharks.
What will the NHL draft lottery determine?
The draft lottery will be held sometime in April. It will determine the first two picks of the NHL draft. University of Michigan forward Adam Fantilli, who’s 6-2, 195, could go No. 2 overalls. Swedish forward Leo Carlsson, who’s 6-3, 198, is Central Scouting’s top-ranked international skater.
What happened the last time there was this much excitement about a draft prospect?
That was Connor McDavid’s draft year with the Erie Otters in 2015. The Sabers finished last with 54 points and the Coyotes had 56, but the Oilers (62) won the draft lottery and chose McDavid. The Sabers drafted Jack Eichel and the Coyotes chose Dylan Strome, both of whom have since been traded.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which NHL team has best shot at drafting Connor Bedard at No. 1?
