2023-06-29 11:18:00
The 61st NHL Draft began Thursday, June 28, with the first-round picks. A few hours before the rest and the end of the ceremony, here is what to remember from the first 32 choices of the 2023 NHL Draft.
The 2023 NHL Draft opened last night, with the first round of the ceremony. If there are still six rounds, which will take place this Thursday, June 29, the first 32 choices have seen the most anticipated prospects being drafted and the first lessons can be learned. Superstars, surprises and breakdown by country, here are the four things to remember from this first round.
Connor Bedard, choice without surprise
The identity of first pick There was little doubt, and the Blackhawks did not surprise by choosing the Canadian Connor Bedard with the first choice. Impressive with the Regina Pats in Western Hockey League (WHL), then with Canada during the junior world championship – which he won, he allowed Chicago to enter a new era. Considered the most anticipated prospect since Connor McDavid, recently named MVP for the third time in his career, he should quickly start in the NHL and show the world why so many hopes are placed in him.
Connor Bedard, welcome to Chicago. ☝️
The @NHLBlackhawks select forward Connor Bedard with the first overall selection in the 2023 #NHLDraft! pic.twitter.com/So6pRM5Kfg
— NHL (@NHL) June 28, 2023
Carlsson in front of Fantilli, risky bet
Behind Connor Bedard, the place of n°2 seemed promised to his compatriot Adam Fantilli. However, the Anaheim Ducks, holders of the pick #2, preferred the Swede Leo Carlsson. Powerful and intelligent, he has everything to become a star at center and prove that he deserved to be chosen in second position. This choice also made the happiness of the Columbus Blue Jackets who were able to recover Fantilli, a real star at the university level (NCAA). Anaheim took a risk, but it could be a win-win for the Ducks and Blue Jackets.
Matvei Michkov, steal de la draft?
Ice virtuoso, Matvei Michkov was one of the biggest bets in this 2023 NHL Draft. Considered one of the best players in this vintage, the Russian (18) left some doubts about his desire to come and play outside -Atlantic. The Philadelphia Flyers, however, did not hesitate to choose him with the 7th choice, and would have even tried to go up to secure this selection. Matvei Michkov now seems determined to join Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia could, if the youngster right wing confirms its potential, having achieved one of the steals of this first round.
Philly, we got a game-breaker. #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/rNK0vGBYEV
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) June 29, 2023
Canada still well represented
As often – if not always – in recent years, Canada is the best represented country in this first round of the 2023 NHL Draft. If we stay far from the 18 players chosen in the first round in 2021, 12 Canadian prospects have been called the last night. A fairly broad domination, far ahead of the USA (6) and Sweden (6), the two other countries with the most players in the first round. Other countries represented in the top 32 include Russia (4), Slovakia (2), Austria (1) and the Czech Republic (1).
NHL Draft 2023: All First Round Picks
1. Chicago Blackhawks : Connor Bedard [C, Canada]
2. Anaheim Ducks : Leo Carlsson [C, Suède]
3. Columbus Blue Jackets : Adam Fantilli [C, Canada]
4. San Jose Sharks : William Smith [C, USA]
5. Montreal Canadiens : David Reinbacher [D, Autriche]
6. Arizona Coyotes : Dmitry Simachev [D, Russie]
7. Philadelphia Flyers : Matvei Michkov [RW, Russie]
8. Washington Capitals : Ryan Leonard [RW, USA]
9. Detroit Red Wings : Nate Danielson [C, Canada]
10. St. Louis Blues : Dalibor Dvorsky [C, Slovaquie]
11. Vancouver Canucks : Tom Wilander [D, Suède]
12. Arizona Coyotes (via trade) : Daniil But [LW, Russie]
13. Buffalo Sabres : Zach Benson [LW, Canada]
14. Pittsburgh Penguins : Brayden Yager [C, Canada]
15. Nashville Predators : Matthew Wood [LW, Canada]
16. Calgary Flames : Samuel Honzek [LW, Slovaquie]
17. Detroit Red Wings (via trade) : Axel Sandin Pellikka [D, Suède]
18. Winnipeg Jets : Colby Barlow [LW, Canada]
19. Chicago Blackhawks (via trade) : Oliver Moore [C, USA]
20. Seattle Kraken : Eduard Sale [LW, République tchèque]
21. Minnesota Wild : Charlie Stramel [C, USA]
22. Philadelphia Flyers (via trade) : Oliver Bonk [D, Canada]
23. New York Rangers : Gabe Perreault [RW, USA]
24. Nashville Predators (via trade): Tanner Molendyk [D, Canada]
25. St. Louis Blues (via trade) : Otto Stenberg [C, Suède]
26. San Jose Sharks (via trade) : Quentin Musty [LW, USA]
27. Colorado Avalanche : Calum Ritchie [C, Canada]
28. Toronto Maple Leafs (via trade) : Easton Cowan [RW, Canada]
29. St. Louis Blues (via trade) : Theo Lindstein [D, Suède]
30. Carolina Hurricanes : Bradley Nadeau [LW, Canada]
31. Colorado Avalanche (via trade) : Mikhail Gulyayev [D, Russie]
32. Vegas Golden Knights : David Edstrom [C, Suède]
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#remember #1st