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5 Questions with The Sporting Tribune’s Derek Lee ahead of Kings-Ducks matchup

By Cameron Franck

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 20: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates a goal with Anze Kopitar #11 and Kevin Fiala #22 against the Anaheim Ducks in the second period at Crypto.com Arena on December 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 20: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates a goal with Anze Kopitar #11 and Kevin Fiala #22 against the Anaheim Ducks in the second period at Crypto.com Arena on December 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Question No. 2: How do Ducks fans feel about Connor Bedard? Do they like him? Or do they see Trevor Zegras as the center of the future in Anaheim?

"Lee’s response: “Bedard is one of the reasons—maybe even the sole reason—why fans have been willing to stomach all of the losses this season. If the ping pong balls fall the right way and you get him, it’s great. At this point, I don’t think anyone is too concerned on who plays center because the possibility of drafting Bedard is still up on the air. Once that becomes clearer, then maybe you start thinking about that.”"

The Blackhawks, Ducks, and Blue Jackets are in a battle for last place, particularly this season unlike any other because the availability of Connor Bedard changes the potential of a franchise overnight. As Derek said, potentially the only reason why Ducks’ fans have been able to handle all of the losses this season is due to the possibility of landing Bedard.

LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JANUARY 25: Forward Connor Bedard #98 of the Regina Pats skates for Team Red during the 2023 Kubota CHL Top Prospects Game Practice at the Langley Events Centre on January 25, 2023, in Langley, British Columbia. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JANUARY 25: Forward Connor Bedard #98 of the Regina Pats skates for Team Red during the 2023 Kubota CHL Top Prospects Game Practice at the Langley Events Centre on January 25, 2023, in Langley, British Columbia. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images) /

If the ping pong ball does fall in Anaheim’s way, then the Ducks could very well have a Connor McDavid-Leon Draisaitl situation on their hands much like Edmonton does right now.

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