Reporter Goes Off On The NHL And Gary Bettman For Awarding Blackhawks With The 1st Overall Pick

On Monday night, the NHL held its annual Draft Lottery, with the Chicago Blackhawks emerging as the lucky winners of the Connor Bedard sweepstakes.

Opinions about the draft have been mixed within the hockey world, with some even questioning its legitimacy. Despite NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's assertion that "teams don't tank," the actions of the Blackhawks seem to contradict this statement. The Blackhawks' General Manager, Kyle Davidson, seemingly committed to a tanking strategy before the season even began by trading away notable players such as Kirby Dach and Alex DeBrincat.

Taylor Haase, a reporter from DK Pittsburgh Sports, has openly criticized both the NHL and Gary Bettman for awarding the Blackhawks this opportunity. Haase raised several valid concerns about why the Blackhawks may not have deserved this pick, including the team's handling of a scandal involving former NHL player, Kyle Beach.

The scandal centered around allegations that Beach was sexually assaulted by Brad Aldrich, a former assistant coach for the Blackhawks, during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs. Instead of taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future, Blackhawks' owner, Rocky Wirtz, seemingly prefers to bury the past.

Regardless of public opinion, the decision has been made: the Blackhawks have secured the pick and will likely draft Connor Bedard first overall. Whether we like it or not, we have to accept the outcome.

Sources:

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Jack Sutherland Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Jack Sutherland Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Jack Sutherland David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES