NHL-Chicago Blackhawks select Bedard with first pick of NHL Draft

Chicago Blackhawks selected Connor Bedard with the first pick of the NHL Draft on Wednesday in hopes the young centre can help bring the franchise back into contention for a Stanley Cup.

The 17-year-old Canadian, known for his creative passing and lethal wrist shot, will be a critical piece of the rebuilding of Blackhawks after three consecutive losing seasons.