[1/3] Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Connor Bedard puts on a Chicago Blackhawks jersey after being taken with the first pick in the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsJune 28 (Reuters) - The Chicago Blackhawks selected Connor Bedard with the first pick of the NHL Draft on Wednesday in hopes the young centre can help bring the storied franchise back into contention for a Stanley Cup. "It's hard to put into words," Bedard said about being drafted by the six-time champions. Bedard's first game as a professional will be Oct. 10 when the Blackhawks face Sidney Crosby and the Penguins in Pittsburgh. The Anaheim Ducks surprised some, including Leo Carlsson, when they used the second pick to draft the big Swedish centre.

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Persons: Connor Bedard, Christopher Hanewinckel, " Bedard, Sidney Crosby, Bedard, Patrick Kane, Connor McDavid, Western Hockey League's Regina, Kane, Leo Carlsson, " Carlsson, University of Michigan's Adam Fantilli, Will Smith, David Reinbacher, Rory Carroll, Frank Pingue, Muralikumar Anantharaman, Chris Reese Organizations: Chicago Blackhawks, Bridgestone Arena, The Chicago Blackhawks, NHL, Stanley, Blackhawks, Penguins, Chicago, Western Hockey League's, Western Hockey League's Regina Pats, WHL, Anaheim Ducks, University of Michigan's, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, Montreal Canadiens, Thomson Locations: Nashville , Tennessee, USA, Pittsburgh, American, Nashville, Los Angeles, Toronto