There are some I's to be dotted and T's to be crossed, but Connor Bedard is going to be a Blackhawk.
Chicago won the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery and as a result, have the first chance to select the mega-prospect in this year's draft class.
When GM Kyle Davidson steps up to the podium first on draft night, he isn't just getting a superb talent. He is landing the Blackhawks one of the most hyped prospects in NHL history, coming off a sensational draft year and looking primed to make an immediate impact in the NHL.
Bedard would fit in with any of the 32 NHL teams, but he is exactly what the rebuilding Blackhawks need right now.
The Sporting News explains why Bedard is a perfect fit for the Blackhawks.
Three reasons why Connor Bedard fits the Blackhawks
1. The Blackhawks can build around Bedard
We'll get the obvious out of the way first. Bedard is good. Like really, really good. It's pretty fair to say he'd be a good fit on any team right now in the NHL.
Bedard isn't just a No. 1 center. He is the key cornerstone piece you build your franchise around. And considering the condition of the Blackhawks organization right now, he could not have arrived at a better time. With Bedard, the rebuild has sped up in Chicago by a good couple of seasons. GM Kyle Davidson now has the piece he has been looking for to construct the rest of the roster around.
The Blackhawks basically have a completely blank slate for the future. Only Seth Jones, Connor Murphy and Athanasiou are signed for 2024-25. It gives Davidson a plethora of options going forward.
2. Bedard replaces Kane/Toews as the face of the franchise
When you think of the Penguins, you think of Sidney Crosby. When you think of the Oilers, it's Connor McDavid. Now, when you think of the Blackhawks, Bedard is the player that will come to mind.
The timing of Bedard's arrival in Chicago coincides with the departure of the previous faces of the franchise, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.
Both Kane and Toews helped bring three Stanley Cups to the city during their long tenures in Chicago, however, there's potential that neither are with the team next season. Kane was traded at the 2023 deadline and is going to hit the market this summer. So will Toews.
The Blackhawks were potentially staring down a season where the main draws for the team would have been Jones or Lukas Reichel. Those aren't exactly names that put fans in seats.
But Connor Bedard? Absolutely. Nothing was more evident than the season ticket numbers that exploded right after the draft lottery. Sure, the team isn't going to be competitive for a few seasons, but every fan in town is going to want to watch Bedard night in and night out.
3. Bedard will draw in free agents
The Blackhawks have just 14 players signed for next season. As it stands right now, Bedard's linemates would be Tyler Johnson and Andreas Athanasiou. Not great!
With that said, Chicago now looks like an excellent short-term option for players to sign with. Free agents can join the Blackhawks and get ample playing time, including potential shifts with Bedard. By boosting their stats on a bad team, they can both raise their trade value and salaries on future contracts.
Chicago already is a prime destination. Between the city, the market and the fan base, it's an ideal option for free agents. Add in the fact that this generational talent will be starting his career there with no immediate expectations for the team to succeed, and the Blackhawks won't be waiting by the phone for that long before interested parties are calling.
Davidson has plenty of cap space to work with, operating with over $37 million this summer. He isn't going to be handing out mega-contracts, but he can sign quite a few pieces to two or three-year deals. He shouldn't have any issue meeting the cap floor.
