NEWSLETTER
The NHL has a fun tradition of bringing the top few players in each year’s draft to the Stanley Cup Final to meet with the media and take in a game day at the highest of levels. On Monday, the league had four of the presumed top picks in Vegas: Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Will Smith and Leo Carlsson.
Bedard was asked both by the media and then when he appeared on the pregame show on TNT about being selected by the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s been coached up as well off the ice as he has been on it, because he’s polished and witty in front of a mic. He hasn’t been picked yet, so his answers have consistently been “if they select me,” but I think we all know that’s going to happen.
So when the media pressed him and then Turner’s crew asked again, Bedard simply spoke in larger terms about the idea of coming to Chicago. And not only did he say it would be unbelievable, but he told the TNT crew that the sports culture in Chicago is exciting.
This SHOULD put to bed all of the ludicrous concerns some fans (and media types) have voiced about him “pulling a Lindros” and not signing with the Blackhawks when they make him the first overall selection. That wasn’t going to happen and his comments (again) SHOULD make it pretty clear that he’s excited to come to a major market and become the next face of an Original Six franchise.
Oh, and if you’re wondering if Bedard has a sense of humor… yeah. He’s got that, too. This shot at Paul Bissonette blew up on social media last night.
Bedard and the other three top picks will now head to Buffalo to be part of the NHL Draft Combine for the rest of the week.
