Generational talent Connor Bedard was selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday at the NHL draft in Nashville, Tennessee, and his world class hockey IQ, shooting and passing make him as close to a can’t-miss prospect as you can get.
Bedard projects to be an explosive gamebreaker and an eventual Top 5 player in the NHL. From his blistering release to his sublime stickhandling, there’s simply no one outside of Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid with his level of pure offensive genius.
Kyle Woodlief, the publisher and chief scout of the independent scouting service Red Line Report, provides scouting reports on the prospects drafted in the first round.
1. Chicago Blackhawks – Center Connor Bedard, Regina
It doesn’t happen often that a 17-year-old is the dominant force at the world juniors championships. He supplements elite physical ability by reading and processing play in a manner that very few are able. Steals pucks, finds passing lanes and makes reactionary plays against defensemen so once they commit to a side, he’s already beaten them. Makes every teammate around him better. Doesn’t have ideal size or elite top-end speed, but is built solidly and has an extremely strong lower body. Combined with lateral quickness and fantastic edgework, he’s very difficult to knock off the puck. Has one of the Top 5 wrist shots on the planet right now.
2. Anaheim Ducks – Center Leo Carlsson, Orebro (Sweden)
Big horse is a natural leader. Has great size, good speed and competes hard. Wins board battles. Consistently controlled the middle of the ice this season playing against men in the Swedish Hockey League. He’s strong on the puck and drives through checks. Uber competitive with top-notch skills and scoring ability. Can make slick moves while driving the puck toward the net. Has quick hands and strong hockey sense in all three zones. When he makes wide power drives and cuts to the net, defenders just can’t handle him. Always searching for new positions in the offensive zone. Plays in all situations, and on the top unit of both special teams. Calm with the puck and a very unselfish playmaker. Strong in the faceoff circle. A force at both ends.
3. Columbus Blue Jackets
4. San Jose Sharks
5. Montreal Canadiens
6. Arizona Coyotes
7. Philadelphia Flyers
8, Washington Capitals
9. Detroit Red Wings
10. St. Louis Blues
11. Vancouver Canucks
12. Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa Senators)
13. Buffalo Sabres
14. Pittsburgh Penguins
15. Nashville Predators
16. Calgary Flames
17. Detroit Red Wings (from New York Islanders via Vancouver Canucks)
18. Winnipeg Jets
19. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning)
20. Seattle Kraken
21. Minnesota Wild
22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Los Angeles Kings via Columbus Blue Jackets)
23. New York Rangers
24. Nashville Predators (from Edmonton Oilers)
25. St. Louis Blues (from Toronto Maple Leafs)
26. San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey Devils)
27. Colorado Avalanche
28. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston Bruins via Washington Capitals)
29. St. Louis Blues (from Dallas Stars via New York Rangers)
30. Carolina Hurricanes
31. Colorado Avalanche (from Florida Panthers via Montreal Canadiens)
32. Vegas Golden Knights
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL draft: Scouting reports for Connor Bedard, first-round picks
