The 2023 NHL Draft Lottery is set for May 8

The 2023 NHL Draft has been highly touted for years. Of course, that has to do with Bedard leading the charge as the bonafide No. 1 overall pick. Bedard has recorded 61 goals and 125 points in 51 games this season in the Western Hockey League. He became just the eighth under-18 player in WHL history to score 60 goals in a season. Earlier this season, he notched 50 goals in 40 games.

Last season, Bedard became the first Regina Pats player since Mike Sillinger to register 50 goals when he recorded 51. The last Pats player to tally 60 goals was Ronald Petrovicky in 1997-98. The team record for most goals in a season belongs to former 1980 first-overall pick Doug Wickenheiser who scored 89 goals during the 1979-80 campaign. 

The bottom 11 teams all have the chance to win the first overall selection. The last-place team has an 18.5% chance of winning the first overall pick. According to our Bedard Watch, the Columbus Blue Jackets currently have the best odds at winning the draft lottery and selecting Bedard, while the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks are among the other teams crossing their fingers that they win the lottery. The 2023 NHL Draft will be held in Nashville on June 28 and 29.