The Daily: Bedard Wins Big; Memorial Cup Final Today

As if Chicago Blackhawks fans need any more reason to be amped about Connor Bedard being the top selection for its franchise in three weeks:

Connor Bedard has won the CHL’s Top Prospect Award, the Top Scorer Award, and the David Branch Player of the Year Award.

He becomes the first player in @CHLHockey history to win all three awards in the same season. 👏 pic.twitter.com/VJ22MxZaIF

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 3, 2023

So to recap, he’s the first player in CHL history to win all three awards in the same season. Remember, it’s the same league Connor McDavid played in and he’s arguably one of the best to come out of the Ontario Hockey League and Canadian junior hockey.

Bedard just swept the awards, shattered records, and was nearly a point-per-game player three times over.

For sure, expectations need to be reasonable. But this is just another reason for Blackhawks fans to dream about what could turn their fortunes around faster than anyone could have anticipated.

Blackhawks Prospects In Memorial Cup Final

In more positive news with the prospect pool, Blackhawks prospects Nolan Allan, Colton Dach, and Kevin Korchinski are readying for their rematch with Quebec in the Memorial Cup Final today. Each of the three have factored in prominently throughout the postseason, with Dach scoring in Friday’s 4-1 victory over Peterborough. The game can be caught on NHL Network tonight at 6pm.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• An opening primer as Chicago Hockey Now begins focusing on the upcoming draft. In short, what the heck should the Blackhawks do with the 19th overall pick: Trade Up, down, away, or hold steady?
• Don’t give up on Ian Mitchell just yet
• Connor Bedard brings more to the table than just gaudy numbers

Stanley Cup Final Coverage from the Florida Side of Things

•  Matt Tkachuk had a rough night in Game 1 of the Final
• A recap of how the night went for the Panthers
• There’s no panic from the Florida Panthers despite the loss

Stanley Cup Final Coverage from the Vegas Side of Things

• One Hill of a save – watch and read the breakdown of Adin Hill’s save of the season
• A recap of the Golden Knights taming the “Kitties”
• The Golden Knights are enjoying the physical side of things so far in the series

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Welp, it sure sounds like the end of Dmitry Orlov’s time with the Boston Bruins

Detroit: Wait, would the Detroit Red Wings consider a trade for Connor Hellebuyck?

Montreal: A pressing new need for the Montreal Canadiens prospect pool

Pittsburgh: The long and winding road that led the Pittsburgh Penguins to Kyle Dubas