The Daily: Bedard Means Big Bucks for Blackhawks; Stalock Masterton Finalist

The NHL Draft Lottery reaped big dollars for the Chicago Blackhawks. According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Chicago scored $5.2M following its securing of the top pick in the 2023 Draft. Not only will Chicago see what appears to be a generational player, but it may drag them out of a potential multi-year rebuild and significantly shorten it.

Chicago not only does well at home with its stirring rendetion of the National Anthem, but the fanbase also travels well around the league. It’s a win for everyone involved–the team, the league, and the fans.

Not even drafted yet, Bedard has been big business for the Blackhawks.

Blackhawks’ Stalock Finalist for the Masterton

Meanwhile, Blackhawks goalie Alex Stalock is a finalist for the Bill Masterton Award, which is given to the player who “who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.”

The 35-year-old had a run of health issues over the past few seasons, dating back to 2019-20 when he was diagnosed with Covid-19. The diagnosis led to myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The strain on the heart causes a difficulty in pumping blood

Obviously brutal news for an athlete. But lauded by teammates for his optimism, Stalock overcame that, made his way back to the NHL and signed a deal with Chicago. He battled this season with illness and concussions, but never lost his resolve.

For that, Stalock finds himself a finalist for the Masterton.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• Blackhawks Bottom Line – Seth Jones Stands to Benefit
• Blackhawks of the Future looks at Frank Nazar, the 2022 13th overall pick
• The Blackhawks winning the Lottery changes a lot.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy absolutely beileves that bench boss Jim Montgomery is on the hot seat. Boston Bruins

Buffalo: Will the 13th pick be a lucky one for Buffalo? Buffalo Sabres

Colorado: Captain Gabe Landeskog talks injury and recovery. Colorado Avalanche

Detroit: A look at Jordan Oesterle and his place on the Detroit roster: Detroit Red Wings

Florida: Why are the Panthers up 3-0 in the series? Shutting down Toronto’s top guns. Florida Panthers

Nashville: How have the Predators drafted historically in the top 15? Nashville Predators

Pittsburgh: Is Kyle Dubas already half way to Pittsburgh by now? Pittsburgh Penguins

Philadelphia: Cutter Gauthier leaves the World Championships with an injury: Philadelphia Flyers

San Jose: How far might the Sharks trade up? San Jose Sharks 

Vegas: Zach Whitecloud’s classy response to a tough situation shows his true character. Vegas Golden Knights