No player since Sidney Crosby has aroused the envy of young Connor Bedard. Drafted and making his NHL debut, the forward is likely to be the center of attention in 2023. However, with the sale of the Senators, the seemingly endless magic of Connor McDavid, and teams we expect to be at the top this season, there will be plenty of action in the NHL.
The next 12 months promise to be just as exciting for players who will have the opportunity to reach new plateaus. The playoff race will continue to be interesting to watch as the Seattle Kraken could make the playoffs in their second year of existence.
The NHL Draft will also be a highlight. Connor Bedard should be selected first in a promising vintage. Here are five questions we’ll have answers to over the next year.
WHICH TEAM WILL WIN THE CONNOR BEDARD DERBY?
QMI Photo Agency, Dale Preston
Young Connor Bedard continues to cause a stir. Which NHL team will be lucky enough to draft him?
With the lottery, teams can no longer intentionally lose games. As of this writing, four teams are fighting for last place in the NHL. However, there is no guarantee that they will be able to select Connor Bedard next June. Whoever is lucky enough to pull the Regina Pats forward will drive.
WHO WILL BE THE NEW OWNERS OF SENATORS?
The sales process has been going on for a few weeks. Demand is high and several investor groups have expressed interest in the National Capital team. We also need to monitor the files for the new arena, which has been stalled for several years. Expect things to change when new owners are in place.
WILL CONNOR MCDAVID WIN ANOTHER SCORING CHAMPIONSHIP?
Barring a serious injury, the Oilers forward is heading for another 100-point season and another Hart Trophy. With Leon Draisaitl he is still dominant on the ice. For the Maurice Richard Trophy, he could face competition from the Dallas Stars’ Jason Robertson.
CAN THE BOSTON BRUINS AND NEW JERSEY DEVILS KEEP THEIR CRUISE SPEED?
Both teams have had a great start to the season. The Bruins and Devils have enough depth to maintain their momentum. You’re not immune to a bottom, but it won’t be enough to miss the playoffs. They are well managed and their internal leadership is strong. You will be featured in the next series.
WILL THE AVALANCHE REPEAT THEIR EXCURSION?
It won’t be easy for Jared Bednar’s band, even though they can count on two great leaders like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Winning the Stanley Cup two years in a row is an achievement because of the salary cap and parity in the NHL. Expect the Avalanche to defend their title fiercely.
trays to look at
MATCHES
1000 : Kris Letang (he’s at 970)
GATES
500 : Steven Stamkos (he’s at 497)
AIDS
600 : Patrice Bergeron (he is at 597)
POINTS
1500 : Sidney Crosby (he is at 1452)
1000 : Claude Giroux (he is at 954)
800 : Connor McDavid (he’s at 764)
700 : Nathan MacKinnon (he’s at 682)
VICTORIES
300 : Andrei Vasilevskiy (he is at 244)