Connor Bedard reportedly already refused a trade to top team
The 2023 NHL Draft will be an important one for projected number 1 overall pick Connor Bedard. Bedard led the WHL in scoring in 2022-23, registering an astonishing 71 goals and 72 assists for a total of 143 points. The next closest scorer was Prince George's Chase Wheatcroft, who was 36 points behind Bedard with 107 points.
On the most recent 32 Thoughts Podcast, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman discussed Bedard blocking a trade to a WHL powerhouse:
Prior to the deadline, Bedard had the opportunity to relocate from a middle of the road Pats team to a powerhouse Kamloops Blazers team, which would have given him a much better shot at winning a championship. However, Bedard chose to stand pat, rejecting the deal to Kamloops.
It would have been a franchise altering return for the Pats if Bedard would have accepted a trade. If the hypothetical trade went down Bedard would have had the opportunity to play with Dallas Stars top propect, Logan Stankoven.
Both teams are currently embroiled in their first round series. Kamloops holds a 2-0 lead on the Vancouver Giants while Bedard and the Pats have a 2-0 lead against the Saskatoon Blades.
| POLL | ||
Do you think WHL players should have the right to refuse a trade? | ||
| Yes, should have rights like any other player | 90 | 56.6 % |
| No, not until they are in the NHL | 69 | 43.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
