NHL Draft | Unsurprisingly, Bedard is the first choice

The NHL Draft started with no surprises, but then there were. Ample!

So, and as expected, the Chicago Blackhawks picked top-seed Connor Bedard with the first overall pick, a move that came as no surprise to anyone across the league.

“It’s unbelievable,” the young striker told Sportsnet. It’s a dream come true. I’m chosen by Chicago, which is a team with a rich history… I can’t wait to get to work. It’s special to wear this logo, it’s a team that won three Cups when I was young and watched hockey on TV. With all the players on this team who have been there before me, it’s incredible. I could hardly have asked for better. »

The choice of Bedard had been in doubt for a long time already, he who has just had a season of 71 goals and 143 points in 57 games with the Regina Pats, in the Western Hockey League (WHL). Obviously, the Chicago Blackhawks’ return to the elite will have to go through Connor Bedard.

Then, with the second overall pick, the Anaheim Ducks got their hands on forward Leo Carlsson.

The 18-year-old Swede is coming off a 25-point, 44-game season in the Swedish Elite League, and was No. 1 among international prospects according to NHL Central Scouting.

“It’s something that does not seem real to me, said the young man on the airwaves of the Sportsnet network. I feel so many things right now. I got two interviews with the leaders of Anaheim, I felt good with them. I am enthusiastic. »

With the third pick overall, the Columbus Blue Jackets got their hands on forward Adam Fantilli, who probably didn’t expect to be the third pick. But it will be his reality. The Ontario player tallied 65 points in 36 games with the University of Michigan last season.

“There are a lot of phenomenal hockey players in this draft,” Fantilli said when asked if he was surprised the Ducks didn’t pick him. A lot of players deserved to be drafted as high as possible. Leo is an excellent hockey player. He’s a wonderful boy. I wish him the best. I got to know him, it was great.

“I am very happy for him. »

Then, with the fourth pick overall, the San Jose Sharks also caused an upset by picking forward Will Smith, who was presumably in the Canadian’s line of sight.

Smith, an 18-year-old center, had a 42-point, 20-game season with the American development club.

CONNOR BEDARD

• Position: center
• Team: Regina Pats (WHL)
• Date of birth: July 17, 2005
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 185 lbs.

LEO CARLSSON

• Position: center
• Team: Örebro HK (Sweden, 1^D division)
• Date of birth: December 26, 2004
• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 198 lbs.

ADAM FANTILLI

• Position: center
• Team: Michigan (NCAA)
• Date of birth: October 12, 2004
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 195 lbs.

WILL SMITH

• Position: center
• Team: US National Development Team
• Date of birth: May 17, 2005
• Size: 6′
• Weight: 181 lbs.