Per Fan Duel, these two teams are the favourites in the Connor Bedard race; neither are the Montreal Canadiens
According to popular betting site Fan Duel, two teams have the best odds at landing projected first overall pick Connor Bedard in next year's draft. The Arizona Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks are the favourites, both at +300. That shouldn't come as a surprise given the lack of talent both rosters currently have. The Montreal Canadiens are listed at +500 while the Buffalo Sabres are at +1000.
The Coyotes have been in rebuild mode for the last decade or so and the Hawks decided to tear the team down to the studs, dealing basically anyone over the age of 24 this off-season. The Habs have made some moves that they hope will improve their team this year, but with no Carey Price in net their goaltending has become questionable. Then there is Buffalo, who are on their fourth? fifth? attempt at rebuilding after failing to make any progress after drafting Jack Eichel in 2015.
Being a coach or GM of any of those teams, I'm doing anything I can to tank for the best odds at drafting Bedard. From what he has shown in junior and representing Team Canada, he is a generational talent that will be the backbone of whichever team he's selected by for at least a decade. Not just on the ice, but financially as well. The ticket sales and merchandise sales alone will skyrocket. Not to mention the fact that he's sure to attract some intriguing corporate sponsorships.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 22 | 244 ANSWERS Per Fan Duel, these two teams are the favourites in the Connor Bedard race; neither are the Montreal Canadiens Where will Connor Bedard go in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft? | ||
| Chicago | 77 | 31.6 % |
| Arizona | 74 | 30.3 % |
| Montreal | 30 | 12.3 % |
| Other | 63 | 25.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
