The Daily: Blackhawks Lessons from Picking First; Vegas Wins

After nearly a week of looking back at the #1 picks from the Cap Era, the Chicago Blackhawks can learn from what went well and what didn’t. Last year’s choice, as written out earlier, has not looked good early on. The picks from 2015-18 were unusually strong with potentially three generational players in a four year span.

Luck has a lot to do with it. So, too, does development and putting things in place. It’s why it’s so important that the patience general manager Kyle Davidson has shown so far continues even after selecting Connor Bedard. Projected to be generational, it’s crucial the right players are placed around him and patience, not pressure takes precedence.

For more evidence on that, look no further than the contrast between Vegas and Edmonton.

Vegas Advances, Edmonton Frustrated Again

The Oilers have been one of the most fortunate teams when it comes to lottery luck. Yet they’re out again, bounced in six games by Vegas who are a group of castoffs versus a team assembled with high draft picks. The lesson? It goes beyond those high picks. Regardless of having Connor McDavid (1st overall) and Leon Draisaitl (3rd overall), the Oilers cannot solve their failures because the other pieces just aren’t right.

Vegas now waits for Dallas or the second-year Seattle Kraken.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• Edmonton’s Failure should be a Cautionary Tale for Chicago
• No Kane? No Toews? No Problem. Davidson is making the right move going forward without the past
• Calgary Interested in Stan Bowman. Blackhawks fans and Calgary Hockey Now writer says woof to it.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: What does Don Sweeney’s vote of confidence mean for Matt Grzelcyk? Boston Bruins

Buffalo: Quentin Musty’s journey from Buffalo the NHL Draft. Buffalo Sabres

Colorado: With Gabriel Landeskog out next season, Colorado needs to find a second line center. Colorado Avalanche

Detroit: A closer look at Gustav Lindstrom, who often looked like the odd man out. Detroit Red Wings

Florida: After a busy week of vanquishing Toronto, the Panthers have earned a break. Florida Panthers

Los Angeles: What are the Kings missing without a first round pick? Los Angeles Kings

Montreal: Lessons the Canadiens can learn from the playoff teams. Montreal Canadiens

Pittsburgh: A far fetched Mike Sullivan and Kyle Dubas rumor grows louder. Pittsburgh Penguins

San Jose: Who might the Sharks go after later in the first round? San Jose Sharks