#2 wouldn't be a hook up. That would be probability finally falling in our favor. Us winning Bedard without any video evidence of ball being selected and brought right to the broadcast would be a Bettman hookup. A clip of the ball machine, cut to commercial, and then all of a sudden pick number 6 is Montreal. That's the Bettman hookup
| 1 | Gabe Perreault | 2022-23 | 132 |
| 2 | Will Smith | 2022-23 | 127 |
| 3 | Auston Matthews | 2014-15 | 117 |
| 4 | Jack Hughes | 2017-18 | 116 |
| 5 | Jack Hughes | 2018-19 | 112 |
| 6 | Clayton Keller | 2015-16 | 107 |
| 7 | Cole Eiserman | 2022-23 | 104 |
| 8 | Patrick Kane | 2005-06 | 102 |
| 9 | Cole Caufield | 2018-19 | 100 |
| 10 | Phil Kessel | 2004-05 | 98 |
| 11 | Matthew Tkachuk | 2014-15 | 95 |
| 12 | Ryan Leonard | 2022-23 | 94 |
| 1 | Cole Caufield | 2018-19 | 72 |
| 2 | Cole Eiserman | 2022-23 | 69 |
| 3 | Auston Matthews | 2014-15 | 55 |
| 4 | Cole Caufield | 2017-18 | 54 |
| 5 | Gabe Perreault | 2022-23 | 53 |
| 6 | Patrick Kane | 2005-06 | 52 |
| 7 | Phil Kessel | 2004-05 | 52 |
| 8 | Phil Kessel | 2003-04 | 52 |
| 9 | Will Smith | 2022-23 | 51 |
| 10 | Ryan Leonard | 2022-23 | 51 |
Ok when Toronto and Edmonton tank. Bad when AZ does it. Got it.
Serious question: at present time do you think anyone involved in NHL outside of AZ would like to see AZ win the lottery? I suspect in a few years with new arena built the NHL would absolutely love for the Coyotes to get a Star Player but right now I highly doubt anyone wants Bedard playing in Tempe for next few years. It's just not the best showcase for the new shiny toy.
We could say the same about having McDavid playing in Edmonton. There are better markets for him to play that would help grow revenues more in US.
Jesus, they need some f***ing coping mechanisms.
We definitely could and no one outside Edmonton wanted them to win that lottery either and it was talked about everywhere. That's my point. It's not about people hating the Coyotes or tanking, it's about the current situation.
It’s very short sited though considering the vote in a week could solidify the Yotes future in AZ and completely ignores how Arizona is becoming a hotbed for hockey talent and how the hype of a Bedard in this market could accelerate that even more.
Let the chips fall where they may. No one, including the NHL have any say in this matter. The only place Bedard showcasing would be limited would be in Arizona. I would think most anyone involved in the NHL would be fine with Bedard coming to AZ. With Bedard and new arena the franchise would finally be stabilized and Bettman could spend all his time with expansion. Most north of the 49th. would be pissed, but they are always pissed.
Fine with does not equal would like to see, that's the point. Of course they are fine with it, everyone gets fair treatment.
It could be 1/4 of Bedard's career. As I said if the NHL could get a Star to AZ in a few years I think they would be ecstatic about it but if they were forced to answer I doubt AZ winning Bedard would be anywhere near their top choice. Everything else you wrote is 100% correct. I suspect in 5 years AZ will be near top of list for NHL Players but not for next few.
I believe many would "like to see" the Coyotes get Bedard. Doesn't really matter, our chances of getting his is slim to none, and slim just left town.
It’s 3 years. They can suck it up. They also play games on the road.
