BREAKING: Top Draft Prospect to Play for Canada in Place of Connor Bedard

With the recent news that Connor Bedard declined an offer to represent Team Canada at the Men's World Hockey Championships this spring, may have wondered who will take his place? Another young star in this year's draft has stepped up to fill the role.

Adam Fantilli is the consensus second overall pick in the upcoming draft, and for good reason. The 18 year old dominated the NCAA in his freshman season with the University of Michigan this year, and his performance won him the Hobey Baker Award, which goes to the best player in college hockey.

The rate at which Fantilli produced in the NCAA has eclipsed that of almost every draft eligible prospect ever, making him a great consolation prize to whoever misses out on Bedard. In almost any other year, Fantilli would be a lock for the first overall pick, but this year's draft is flooded with game-breaking talent.

Fantilli will look to dominate at his first international showing against men, and will get his first looks alongside and against NHLers. Hopefully for Canada's sake, Fantilli can live up to the role left by Bedard's absence.

Jeff Marek on Twitter

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