Connor Bedard wore No. 98 with the WHL Regina Pats. Will he pull on a red Blackhawks sweater with the same number at the 2023 NHL Draft? Chicago fans can hold their breaths collectively at team-sponsored watch parties in Chicago and Nashville.
It's a tradition. An player will be given the team's sweater to pull on after their name is called at the NHL draft and they come to the podium.
If the player is highly touted, like Connor Bedard, the jersey will have their name and number on the back. Bedard chose No. 98 with the WHL Regina Pats because no NHL player wore that number.
So will Bedard's name be called by Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson – or someone he designates — when Chicago selects first overall at the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville on June 28? And if Bedard is called, will he come to the podium and don the jersey?
Or will Bedard.... gasp... drape the jersey over his arm as Eric Lindros did with a Québec Nordiques sweater at the 1991 draft in Buffalo?
Blackhawks can sweat it out together.
The Chicago watch party will take place at the (Morton) Salt Shed at 1357 N. Elston Ave. It opens at 3 and runs to 10 p.m.
All fans must download the Chicago Blackhawks official mobile app and use it to claim a free ticket prior to entering The Salt Shed. To expedite entry into the event, fans are encouraged to download their ticket in advance to and have it pre-loaded in their Blackhawks app as they arrive. QR codes will be available to assist in this process for walk-ins on a first-come first-serve basis until capacity is reached.
The event will include appearances by Blackhawks alumni players Bryan Bickell, Adam Burish, Ben Eager, Steve Larmer and Denis Savard. Current and former broadcasters Caley Chelios, Pat Foley, Darren Pang and Chris Voster also will be there.
The party will have live music and a kids activity zone.
For fans who travel to Nashville, the Blackhawks will take over the Skydeck at Assembly Food Hall for a pre-draft and after-party celebration. The facility is located at 5055 Broadway in Nashville,
No ticket required is required for the pre-draft celebration that runs from 1 to 6 p.m., but entry is subject to capacity.
For the after-party, a VIP package purchase required. It includes meet-and-greets with Blackhawks alumni and all-inclusive food and beverage service for two hours. Fans can also select a package option that includes a ticket to the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. To purchase, click here.
Fans traveling to Nashville can receive a 15% discount on flights through presenting sponsor, United Airlines, with code BLACKHAWKS2023 for flights from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Nashville International Airport (BNA) between June 26 and July 1. . Travel must be booked by June 8 and limited to the first 100 fan redemptions. See link for details.