Maybe it's going to sound a little bit odd, but I really like Leon Draisaitl. Big guy, really good on protecting the puck, can use his body well, got good vision and his hockey IQ is impressive. I still have a long journey to be like him but I've got the size to do it. I just need to be focused and work hard.
The first round of the 2023 NHL entry draft has just concluded, and to no one's surprise: Connor Bedard goes first overall to Chicago. Five out of the next 31 picks are WHL players, and four out of five of them are in the top half of the round.
This past season, the WHL has had a lot of eyes on it, partially due to Connor Bedard's exceptional performance during the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championships. A lot of people turned to the WHL to watch Bedard and in the process, found other great players that may have been otherwise overlooked.
While watching Bedard, scouts see other players, and how they may fit into improving their team.
I'm so happy to see that the WHL had such a large presence in the first round of this year's draft, and I'm hoping that it continues into the next rounds.