Blue Jackets: Landing Connor Bedard Would Be Franchise-Altering

An Unfortunate Season

It’s no secret that the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 2022-23 season was less than ideal. In the playoffs, the Blue Jackets’ have only placed higher than the first round twice since the team’s first NHL season. 

This next draft could change things. Heading into the 2023 NHL draft, the Blue Jackets have a 13.5% chance at being the first draft lottery draw, the second-best odds behind the Anaheim Ducks (18.5%) but still ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks (11.5%).

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A Potentially Massive Roster Update

Generational talent only occurs, well, once in a generation. 

The Blue Jackets have never experienced a first overall pick in the draft lottery that wasn’t the result of a trade, but this year might be different. 

Connor Bedard is that generational talent the Blue Jackets need. 

Bedard is a Canadian center and captain of the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. He’s scored 71 goals in 57 games, along with 72 assists, averaging 2.51 points per game. As far back and 2018, Bedard was named “The Future of Hockey” by The Hockey News. 

Needless to say, a young player like Bedard would give the Blue Jackets a new, much needed energy. 

What To Wait For

Currently, the Anaheim Ducks have the statistical edge when it comes to being the first draft lottery draw. That doesn’t mean the Blue Jackets are out of the conversation yet. 

If the Blue Jackets get this desired pick, or even manage to trade for it, the teams dynamic will change drastically. 

After landing star Johnny Gaudreau last offseason, the future is still bright for the Blue Jackets. If they can add a guy like Bedard to the mix, they could evolve into contenders for the forseeable future.