Vancouver Canucks lose out on draft lottery, Blackhawks expected to select Bedard

Regina Pats player Connor Bedard during a WHL (Western Hockey League) game against the Calgary Hitmen in Calgary, Alta., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. (Larry MacDougal/CP)

By James Paracy and Sportsnet Staff

Posted May 8, 2023 5:42 pm.

Last Updated May 8, 2023 6:07 pm.

The Vancouver Canucks had just a three per cent chance to win the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery and the right to select North Vancouver native Connor Bedard.

Although hopes were high in Vancouver, the Canucks ultimately ended up with pick 11, with the first pick in the draft being awarded to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Going into the event, Chicago had an 11.5 per cent chance at winning the lottery and receiving the first pick after posting a 26-49-7 record this season and finishing in third-last place overall.

Bedard, who is expected to get picked first overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, put up outstanding numbers for the WHL’s Regina Pats, scoring 71 goals and recording 72 assists in his 57 appearances during the 2022-23 campaign.

The Anaheim Ducks will receive the second pick, while the Columbus Blue Jackets will get the opportunity to select third.

Nashville will host Round 1 of the draft on June 28 and Rounds 2-7 on June 29.

Here’s how the whole lottery panned out:

16. Calgary Flames

15. Nashville Predators

14. Pittsburgh Penguins

13. Buffalo Sabres

12. Ottawa Senators (pick goes to Arizona Coyotes)

11. Vancouver Canucks

10. St. Louis Blues

9. Detroit Red Wings

8. Washington Capitals

7. Philadelphia Flyers

6. Arizona Coyotes

5. Montreal Canadiens

4. San Jose Sharks

3. Columbus Blue Jackets

2. Anaheim Ducks

1. Chicago Blackhawks

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