Connor Bedard bears the label of a generational talent like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. The Chicago Blackhawks won the lottery and now face the heart of their rebuild in the phenomenon Regina Pats.
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After Bedard there are still some talented players. Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, Will Smith and Matvei Michkov all have the potential to become hitters in the NHL. But from this group, Michkov remains the most risky choice due to his Russian passport, contract situation and conflict with Ukraine.
“The Canadian faces the toughest pick in fifth as the big four should already be eliminated leaving the door open for Michkov. It’s a scary decision. But there are also other options with Ryan Leonard, David Reinbacher, Zach Benson or Dalibor Dvorsky. Kent Hughes could be considered a genius in three years with Michkov, but he could also wait five years and face a lot of criticism.
This analysis comes from a Western Association scout. But it summed up the words of several NHL executives well. To create its simulated design, Le Journal interviewed eight recruiters (three from the East and five from the West). Of the eight spies, six agreed to get wet and predict the top 32 picks in the first round.
After Bedard, five of our six scouts predicted the Ducks would bet on Fantilli. One of our employees voted Carlsson second.
The CH also holds the 31st first-round pick, that of the Florida Panthers, finalists of the Stanley Cup. There are two potential candidates for the QMJHL in Ethan Gauthier and Étienne Morin.
This mock draft will serve as your starter kit to better follow the draft taking place on Wednesday, June 28 (Round 1) and Thursday, June 29 (Rounds 2-7) at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to be able to
