The Chicago Blackhawks have been through a lot since winning three Stanley Cups in the 2010s. They've only played more than the allotted 82 games once since 2017 and even that was an unceremonious exit in the NHL bubble during the COVID-shortened season.
There's been plenty of turnover with the roster and coaching staff. That's in addition to a sexual assault scandal that caused the general manager Stan Bowman — architect of the team's three Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2010, 2013 and 2015 — to resign from his post.
When the puck drops on the 2023-24 season, Jonathan Toews won't be in Chicago. Patrick Kane most likely won't be there either. So it's been a while since "Chelsea Dagger" was played for some sort of celebration, aside from the season-ending, of course.
But on Monday night, Chicago fans were once again given a reason to celebrate. The No. 1 overall pick belongs to the Blackhawks, who finished with 59 points and a 26-49-7 record, good for third worst in the league.
And the Blackhawks will almost certainly use that selection on superstar center Connor Bedard who just finished up a 71 goal season with the WHL's Regina Pats.
MORE: NHL Draft Lottery results 2023: Blackhawks land No. 1 pick, win Connor Bedard sweepstakes
As with any draft lottery, the — mostly one-sided — reaction was quick to pour in. Especially considering the team that won.
"NHL RIGGED" was trending on Twitter moments after the final lottery result was revealed and fans didn't hold back. This might've had something to do with that as ESPN revealed No. 3 before it was official.
Quite the snafu here during ESPN's Draft Lottery broadcast. Host Kevin Weekes announces that the Columbus Blue Jackets are drafting third. pic.twitter.com/yLpJoautLo
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 9, 2023
Not good for the NHL as a league, when NHL RIGGED is trending, where is the transparency?? pic.twitter.com/pT9bP37RUV
— Alex Micheletti (@AlexMicheletti) May 9, 2023
lol the NHL rigged this 💀 https://t.co/y5qY7AovFD
— ⚡⚡PK (@Canuckjinn) May 9, 2023
We used to be able to actually see the balls coming out for the picks. Wonder why they don't show that anymore? @nhl #rigged pic.twitter.com/ess7MrGPFu
— Kim 🦋 (@kducks913) May 9, 2023
Shameless tanking by a shameless organization is rewarded.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) May 9, 2023
Plenty were quick to point out that Chicago's handling of the sexual assault scandal probably should've resulted in some sort of penalty from the league.
the worst part of the actual result of tonight's draft lottery is that the Blackhawks probably shouldn't even have their first-rounder after the Kyle Beach situation.
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) May 9, 2023
Others also mentioned that the NHL might not be very good at rigging things based on the way these Stanley Cup Playoffs have played out.
“The NHL is rigged” says people of the league that is two games away from a Carolina/Sunrise Eastern Conference Final.
— Greg Kaplan (@BlueshirtsBreak) May 9, 2023
Of course, Blackhawks fans did get a chance to celebrate too, despite the overwhelmingly negative response on social media.
IT’S A PARTY, IT’S A PARTY, IT’S A PARTY pic.twitter.com/4m3scVrfqf
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 9, 2023
And regardless of the negative reaction, it seems likely that Bedard will soon be calling the windy city home.
