The Florida Panthers have clinched their spot in the playoffs after the Pittsburgh Penguins lost to the Chicago Blackhawks last night. As a result, the team’s 2023 first-round pick, which is currently held by the Montreal Canadiens under the direction of Kent Hughes, will not be included in the Connor Bedard lottery.

Unfortunately, the first-round pick that the Habs have is likely to be only in the second half of the selection, at best.

This is a real setback, as last Christmas, we had considered the possibility that this pick would be in the top 5, which is now unimaginable.

Here are the details: