Connor Bedard

[E.L.]

This ain't the year to tank, boys. 2023 has the big gun.

https://twitter.com/WHLPats/status/1490 ... 4q66Jf73CA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Pokecheque]

Put up his 50th this weekend I think.

Wonder which team gets him. The Habs should be in pretty good shape I would think.

The "You can't win the lottery more than once in five years" rule doesn't kick in until next year, so if Montreal wins it, they can win it again next year I think.

[E.L.]

Holy hell this guy's rewriting the WJC record book.

[Pokecheque]

This guy is singlehandedly keeping some really shitty NHL coaches employed.

[E.L.]

We all know Bedard is a generational talent, but in Bobby Mac's rankings the scouts say this draft is stacked at the top. For example, Michkov would've gone first last year, and Slafkovsky would've been no better than fifth this year.

I look at Benson and he's already better than teammates Savoie and Geekie.

Sale might go 15th and he's already playing well in a men's league. Ditto Dvorsky.

[Pokecheque]

I think there's a reason we didn't see a coaching change despite some very obvious candidates, and even that first firing was the most ridiculously drawn-out affair I've ever seen in sports.

This is definitely the year to tank it.

[Pokecheque]

I suppose this is as good a place to talk about the upcoming draft as much as any.

Um, Matvei Michkov, largely considered to be the third-best talent in this upcoming draft, lost his father recently under mysterious circumstances. He was found dead in a pond. Like…what!?

Given the number of mysterious deaths and “suicides” that have taken place in Russia among prominent individuals in recent years it’s hard not to look at this and wonder.

[Chris18]

I suppose this is as good a place to talk about the upcoming draft as much as any.

Um, Matvei Michkov, largely considered to be the third-best talent in this upcoming draft, lost his father recently under mysterious circumstances. He was found dead in a pond. Like…what!?

Given the number of mysterious deaths and “suicides” that have taken place in Russia among prominent individuals in recent years it’s hard not to look at this and wonder.

"stick close to home and play in the KHL or mom is next"?

[Fogghorn]

I suppose this is as good a place to talk about the upcoming draft as much as any.

Um, Matvei Michkov, largely considered to be the third-best talent in this upcoming draft, lost his father recently under mysterious circumstances. He was found dead in a pond. Like…what!?

Given the number of mysterious deaths and “suicides” that have taken place in Russia among prominent individuals in recent years it’s hard not to look at this and wonder.

"stick close to home and play in the KHL or mom is next"?

He is under contract, and won't be able to come over until 2026-27 season. So I don't think they are threatening his family so he will stay longer

[Pokecheque]

I have no idea whatsoever if there was any history between Michkov or any family members and the Poutine regime. This is just weird and given recent history, can't just be taken at face value as an accident IMO.

I don't think it was a "message" or anything, but I'm suspicious.

[Fogghorn]

I have no idea whatsoever if there was any history between Michkov or any family members and the Poutine regime. This is just weird and given recent history, can't just be taken at face value as an accident IMO.

I don't think it was a "message" or anything, but I'm suspicious.

Totally agree. It's Russia, gangsters everywhere. And of course a corrupt constabulary working at the best of a corrupt government. Folks don't just fall in a pond in the middle of town and show up two days later. I just don't think it has anything to do with keeping Michkov playing hockey in Russia. If he was in the last year of his contract then perhaps.

[Pokecheque]

Adam Fantilli beats out Arizona draft pick Logan Cooley and Toronto pick Matthew Knies for the Hobey Baker Memorial Trophy as the NCAA's top hockey player.

No doubt whatsoever he'll be the 2nd guy selected.

[E.L.]

Bobby Mac's rankings are out, and Will Smith jumped above Michkov and Carlsson for number 3. Dvorsky is becoming a clear 6 after a dominant U18.

Definite worry in the scouting world that Michkov isn't coming over before his deal ends in a few years, and after that who knows.

[E.L.]

Lottery tomorrow, and it's a biggie.

[Fogghorn]

Lottery tomorrow, and it's a biggie.

Canuck's will pick 12th is my prediction. More likely to fall than grab a top 3 pick or remain at 11th. Still can't believe they were in 5th spot and then decided it would be a good idea to play Hughes 30 minutes a night.

I'd be pretty content if Columbus gets it. They have pretty much always sucked, and their fan base has stuck with them despite that. It was also prove to my paranoia that the NHL draft isn't a weighted conspiracy. However I expect Chicago to get Bedard and I would hate that.

[E.L.]

Agreed on Columbus. I'd be cool with Anaheim too.

[Pokecheque]

Lumbus fans just had to sit through their worst season ever (I think), there should be a light at the end of the tunnel for them.

I'll be slightly irritated if it ends up being the goddamn Blackhawks but it won't be the end of the world. Beyond those two, I don't care too much.

[E.L.]

Bedard is a clear 1, Fantili is likely 2, but after that it gets interesting.

Michkov will decide a lot of it. Possibly the real no. 2 but teams might not to deal with the hassle of getting him out of Russia.

Carlsson looks like a safe bet to be a 1 or 2C, so he probably goes 3-4.

Silky smooth Smith has made it a solid top 5, but Leonard, Benson, Reinbacher have entered the conversation too, so it's more a top 8.

Some people really believe in Dvorsky too.

I'm pro-Michkov if you're in no rush to contend. He looks awesome.

[E.L.]

Couple of nice mocks.

Byron Bader: https://hockeyprospecting.com/2023/06/1 ... p-32-2023/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Daily Faceoff: https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2023- ... up-edition" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Bosc]

Silky smooth Smith has made it a solid top 5, but Leonard, Benson, Reinbacher have entered the conversation too, so it's more a top 8.

With the Wings picking 9, of course.

Hopefully Yzerman has more of a sneaky Seider pick than the obvious I can't believe he fell to us Zadina pick...