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The NHL’s annual draft lottery will be held Monday at 8 p.m. ET.
The prize for the winner is the opportunity to select the top prospect in this year’s draft class, Connor Bedard, a 17-year-old center with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League.
Scouts consider him to be a potential generational talent. A highly skilled center, he was the WHL’s leading scorer this season with 71 goals and 143 points in 57 games. He was also named MVP of the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship after leading Canada to a gold medal.
Only the 11 worst teams in the standings have an opportunity to move into the top spot, and the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks have the best odds of winning it.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best fit for him. Other rebuilding teams could have a greater need for Bedard. There could also be those that provide him with a better chance to reach his full potential.
Here’s a look at our choices of the seven best landing spots for Bedard based on need, roster makeup and potential role.
7. Philadelphia Flyers
After several mediocre seasons, the Philadelphia Flyers are poised to engage in a rebuild. Daniel Briere indicated as much in March following his hiring as interim general manager.
Winning the draft lottery and landing Bedard would be a great start. The last time the Flyers had the first pick was in 1975 when they chose Mel Bridgman. Sitting with the league’s seventh-worst record, they have the lowest odds compared to the others on our list at 6.5 percent. Still, luck could smile on them in the lottery.
Bedard would join a club that already has several quality veterans to help him adjust to the NHL. Assuming Sean Couturier returns from the back injury that sidelined him this season, he would make a fine mentor for the young center.
Bedard could skate as the Flyers’ second-line pivot if they end up trading Kevin Hayes this summer. The incoming rookie would benefit from having skilled wingers such as Travis Konecny, Cam Atkinson, Joel Farabee or Scott Laughton on his line.