The Chicago Blackhawks won their bet. By deliberately sabotaging their organization, they sank in the standings and got the first pick in the next draft. By probably drafting Connor Bedard, will they have proven that the “tanking” was worth it? Our journalists Alexandre Pratt and Simon-Olivier Lorange discuss it with Stéphane Waite and Jérémie Rainville, from 98.5 FM.
We also wonder about the strategy that the Canadian will adopt – will we dare to select Matvei Michkov in fifth place? – and one wonders what the high expectations Geoff Molson says he has of his team next season may look like.
Listen to the full episode
Because of Connor Bedard, it’s been a tough year for the NHL. There is no rule against tanking, but it’s still unfortunate to see three or four teams trying to do everything to finish last.
Stephane Waite
[Matvei] Michkov is to the KHL what [Connor] Bedard is in the NHL. He really is a highly anticipated prospect and he is already playing in the league. We can expect the KHL and SKA St. Petersburg to do everything to keep him.
Alexander Pratt
I don’t think they at all [les Maple Leafs] have the mental toughness to get through this […] Yesterday I saw a compilation of Mitch Marner’s record by game: in games 4-5-6, his production drops drastically.
Simon Olivier Lorange
Episode details
Block 1
- 1:25 – The Blackhawks win the Connor Bedard lottery.
- 3:00 – “Tanker” is rewarded.
- 12:30 – Unlikely, but not impossible for the Canadian to trade the fifth choice
- 10:25 p.m. – Kent Hughes says drafting is different than creating a lineup.
Block 2
- 27:45 – Geoff Molson says expectations will be higher next season.
- 41:20 – Trailing 0-3, can the Maple Leafs get back in their series?
- 46:50 – It’s tough for goalies in these series.
Block 3
- 49:40 – Will Gerard Gallant be back in the NHL?
- 52:50 – Ryan Reynolds, Snoop Dogg, The Weeknd… why are the Senators so hot?