The Year of the 2nd Connor | The Journal of Montreal

Since Sidney Crosby, no player has aroused as much envy as the young Connor Bedard. With his draft and his NHL debut, the forward is likely to be the focus of 2023. However, with the sale of the Senators, the seemingly endless magic of Connor McDavid and teams we don expected at the top this season, there will be plenty of action in the NHL.

The next 12 months promise to be just as exciting for players who will have the opportunity to reach new plateaus. The playoff race will still be interesting to watch, as the Seattle Kraken could make the playoffs in their second year of existence.

The NHL Draft will also be a highlight. Connor Bedard should be selected first in a promising vintage. Here are five questions we will have answers to in the next year.

WHICH TEAM WILL WIN THE CONNOR BEDARD DERBY?

With the lottery, teams can no longer intentionally lose games. As of this writing, four teams are in contention for last place in the NHL. However, there is no guarantee that they will be able to select Connor Bedard next June. Whoever will be lucky enough to draft the Regina Pats forward will be driving.

WHO WILL BE THE NEW OWNERS OF SENATORS?

The sales process has been underway for a few weeks. Demand is strong and several investor groups have shown interest in the National Capital team. We will also have to monitor the file for the new arena, which has been stalled for several years. With new owners in place, expect things to change.

WILL CONNOR MCDAVID WIN ANOTHER SCORING CHAMPIONSHIP?

Barring a major injury, the Oilers forward is headed for another 100-point season and another Hart Trophy. He is still dominant on the ice with Leon Draisaitl. For the Maurice-Richard trophy, he could have competition from Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars.

CAN THE BOSTON BRUINS AND NEW JERSEY DEVILS KEEP THEIR CRUISE PACE?

Both teams are off to a great start to the season. The Bruins and Devils have enough depth to keep their momentum going. They’re not immune to a bottoming out at some point, but it won’t be enough to make them miss the playoffs. They are well run and their internal leadership is strong. They will be to watch during the next series.

WILL THE AVALANCHE BE ABLE TO REPEAT ITS EXPLOIT?

It won’t be easy for the band of Jared Bednar, even if it can count on two great leaders like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Winning the Stanley Cup two years in a row is an achievement because of the salary cap and parity in the NHL. It is to be expected that the Avalanche will defend their title dearly.

Trays to watch

MATCHES

1000 : Kris Letang (he’s at 970)

GOALS

500 : Steven Stamkos (he is at 497)

AIDS

600 : Patrice Bergeron (he is at 597)

POINTS

1500 : Sidney Crosby (he is at 1452)

1000 : Claude Giroux (he is at 954)

800 : Connor McDavid (he’s at 764)

700 : Nathan MacKinnon (he’s at 682)

VICTORIES

300 : Andrei Vasilevskiy (he is at 244)