LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 05: Top prospect Connor Bedard speaks to the media prior to Game Two of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on June 05, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. SAN JOSE – Chicago Blackhawks wunderkind Connor Bedard has some sound advice for Macklin Celebrini — the former Jr. Sharks star – particularly as it relates to dealing with expectations as a first-overall draft pick.
“When you actually get on the ice and you’re just doing what you love, that’s the best part of your day. That’s kind of its kind of how I approached it.” After they won the 2023 draft lottery, the Blackhawks sold $5.2 million worth of new tickets, including 1,200 new full-season plans, in just 12 hours. Thousands of fans showed up for the team’s official draft party in Chicago last June, and Bedard’s No. 98 jersey was in high demand.
Celebrini will not enter the NHL with that same kind of hype, but he’ll be a centerpiece for any team he plays for next season.