The upcoming 2023 National Hockey League Entry Draft is highly anticipated due to the presence of several potential franchise players, such as Matvei Michkov, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Connor Bedard. Each of these players possesses unique skills and abilities, making them highly sought after by NHL teams looking to bolster their rosters.
Among these players, Connor Bedard has been a standout performer during the season, breaking records in both the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Despite his absence during the World Juniors, Bedard managed to finish the season with an impressive lead in goals and points, scoring 71 goals and 143 points in just 57 games. This achievement was 36 points higher than the second-ranked player, Chase Wheatcroft of Prince George.
Bedard played for the Regina Pats, a team that was considered average during the season. With Bedard leaving the team next year, it is customary for teams to trade their star players for valuable assets. However, NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek have reported that Bedard refused to be traded.
