The first round of the 2023 NHL Draft showcased unexpected twists and turns, leaving fans and experts intrigued by the winners and losers emerging from the selection process.
The 2023 NHL Draft’s first round delivered its fair share of surprises and head-scratching moments, leaving fans and analysts eager to analyze the selections for years to come. Let’s take a deeper look at the winners and losers from this exciting day.
Winners:
Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks kicked off the draft by selecting Connor Bedard as the first overall pick. Bedard, considered a potential superstar, brings electric puck skills and goal-scoring ability to Chicago. The team’s acquisition of Bedard marks a significant step in their rebuild, and they further solidified their success by snagging Oliver Moore at 19th overall, a player known for his impressive skating prowess.
Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets emerged as winners by capitalizing on the Anaheim Ducks’ surprising selection of Leo Carlsson at second overall. Instead, Columbus secured Adam Fantilli, a consensus top prospect who possesses exceptional physical strength and scoring abilities. With one of the best young defensive corps in the league, the Blue Jackets now have a future number one center in Fantilli.
Philadelphia Flyers: Despite their ongoing rebuild, the Flyers made a significant move by selecting Matvei Michkov seventh overall. Michkov, an elite offensive talent, had been expected to be picked within the top five. Although his NHL transition remains uncertain due to his contract with SKA St. Petersburg in Russia, the Flyers’ selection could prove crucial when the team turns the corner. They also addressed their defensive needs by choosing Oliver Bonk, a reliable defenseman with strong offensive contributions.
Colorado Avalanche: Despite having a late pick, the Avalanche made the most of their selections. They grabbed Calum Ritchie, a highly regarded prospect who was once projected as a top-10 pick. Ritchie’s fit within Colorado’s system and style of play bodes well for their future success. At pick 31, they also secured Mikhail Gulyayev, a smooth-skating modern defender, showcasing their astute drafting skills.
Losers:
Toronto Maple Leafs: The Maple Leafs raised eyebrows with their selection of Easton Cowan in the first round. Many viewed this pick as a reach, and it leaves Toronto fans concerned about their team’s drafting decisions. With only a few remaining picks in the draft, the Maple Leafs may have missed an opportunity to make more impactful selections.
Montreal Canadiens: Montreal’s draft day was marred by missed opportunities. Passing on Matvei Michkov, an exceptional talent who fell to fifth overall, raised questions about their decision-making. Additionally, the team’s trade to acquire Alex Newhook from the Avalanche appeared to be a significant overpayment. While David Reinbacher is a promising defenseman, it feels like Montreal could have achieved more during the draft.
Arizona Coyotes: Arizona’s choices in the draft were met with scrutiny. Opting for Dmitry Simashev and Danil But with their sixth and 12th overall picks, respectively, they passed on highly regarded talents like Michkov. These picks could either turn into hidden gems or haunt the organization in the years to come. The Coyotes’ future success will depend on their ability to translate their prospect pool into regular playoff appearances.
Ottawa Senators: The Senators missed an opportunity to capitalize on their position and potential trade assets during the opening round. Although they have the chance to make moves in subsequent rounds, passing on available players like Axel Sandin Pellikka, Oliver Moore, Gabe Perreault, and Eduard Sale left fans wondering if they could have addressed their needs more effectively.
The first round of the 2023 NHL Draft was full of exciting surprises and fascinating selections. As the teams prepare for the next round, the winners will attempt to build on their success, while the losers will look to capitalize on their missed opportunities. Only time will tell how these decisions will affect the NHL’s future.
First-round order
- Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard, center
- Anaheim Ducks: Leo Carlsson, center
- Columbus Blue Jackets: Adam Fantilli, center
- San Jose Sharks: William Smith, center
- Montreal Canadiens: David Reinbacher, defenseman
- Arizona Coyotes: Dmitriy Simashev, defenseman
- Philadelphia Flyers: Matvei Michkov, right winger
- Washington Capitals: Ryan Leonard, right winger
- Detroit Red Wings: Nate Danielson, center
- St. Louis Blues: Dalibor Dvorsky, center
- Vancouver Canucks: Tom Willander, defenseman
- Arizona Coyotes (via Senators): Daniil But, left winger
- Buffalo Sabres: Zach Benson, left winger
- Pittsburgh Penguins: Brayden Yager, center
- Nashville Predators: Matthew Wood, right winger
- Calgary Flames: Samuel Honzek, left winger
- Detroit Red Wings (via Islanders): Axel Sandin Pellikka, defenseman
- Winnipeg Jets: Colby Barlow, left winger
- Chicago Blackhawks (via Lightning): Oliver Moore, center
- Seattle Kraken: Eduard Sale, left winger
- Minnesota Wild: Charlie Stramel, center
- Philadelphia Flyers (via Kings): Oliver Bonk, defenseman
- New York Rangers: Gabe Perreault, right winger
- Nashville Predators (via Oilers): Tanner Molendyk, defenseman
- St. Louis Blues (via Maple Leafs): Otto Stenberg, center
- San Jose Sharks (via Devils): Quentin Musty, left winger
- Colorado Avalanche: Calum Ritchie, center
- Toronto Maple Leafs (via Bruins): Easton Cowan, right winger
- St. Louis Blues (via Stars): Theo Lindstein, defenseman
- Carolina Hurricanes: Bradley Nadeau, left winger
- Montreal Canadiens (via Panthers): Mikhail Gulyayev, defenseman
- Vegas Golden Knights: David Edstrom, center
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