The Chicago Blackhawks received positive grades from ESPN for their performance in the 2023 NHL draft, with general manager Kyle Davidson being praised for his enthusiasm and strategic moves. The team secured top pick Connor Bedard and fast skater Oliver Moore, along with several promising centers and wingers, bolstering their farm system. In addition to the draft, the Blackhawks made key acquisitions, including Taylor Hall, Nick Foligno, and the rights to Corey Perry, aiming to inject leadership and experience into their young team. While there is still work to be done, the Blackhawks took a significant step forward in their rebuild during the draft.
The Pittsburgh Penguins made three late-round picks in the 2023 NHL Draft, selecting forward Cooper Foster in the sixth round, forward Emil Jarventie and defender Kalle Kangas in the seventh round. Foster is described as a smart offensive player with a good shot, while Jarventie is praised for his speed and offensive skills. Kangas, the biggest player picked by the Penguins, is competing in a U-20 league in Finland. These prospects will require time and development to potentially make an impact in the future.
The 2023 NHL draft is underway, with a pick tracker available for all 32 teams. The first round will be broadcasted on ESPN, with subsequent rounds airing on the NHL Network. ESPN will provide updates and analysis on team fit for each selection.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded forward Ross Colton to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for the 37th pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Colton, who recorded 16 goals and 16 assists last season, brings immediate help to the Avalanche and adds depth to their center position. The Avalanche still have two first-round picks and room for further moves as they look to round out their roster.
Top prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft participated in a youth hockey clinic in Nashville the day before the draft. The players, including expected No. 1 pick Connor Bedard, played games and had fun with the kids before meeting with the media. Many of the prospects expressed excitement and nerves about the upcoming draft, which will take place over two days at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
The Colorado Avalanche traded Alex Newhook to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for draft picks and defenseman Gianni Fairbrother. Newhook showed flashes of top-six potential but had an up-and-down season, remaining in the bottom-six. The Canadiens believe in their development model and are focused on competing soon, which is reflected in their trade for Newhook. The Avalanche have a depleted prospect pool and adding two picks will help them bolster that.
Kevin Weekes presents his projections for every first-round pick of the 2023 NHL draft, which will take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. He notes that while the draft is important, it is not the only factor in a player's success, as some late picks or undrafted players have gone on to have successful careers. The picks are based on his predictions, but trades and other factors could change the outcome.
The 2023 NHL Draft is approaching and the final draft order has been set. The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to select Connor Bedard as the first overall pick, while other top prospects include Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Matvei Michkov. Teams will consider positional needs and results from the NHL draft combine as they make their selections.
Each NHL team has specific needs as they enter the 2023 NHL Draft, focusing on what they have in their farm system and projecting five years down the road. Teams like the Anaheim Ducks need a goaltender, while the Arizona Coyotes require defensemen. The Boston Bruins need centers, and the Buffalo Sabres require size at forward. The Calgary Flames need defensemen, and the Carolina Hurricanes require centers. The Chicago Blackhawks need forwards with skill, and the Colorado Avalanche require centers. The Columbus Blue Jackets need a goalie, and the Dallas Stars require a goalie. The Detroit Red Wings need scoring and skill, and the Edmonton Oilers require defensemen. The Florida Panthers need defensemen, and the Los Angeles Kings require defensemen. The Minnesota Wild need centers, and the Montreal Canadiens require centers. The Nashville Predators need defensemen, and the New Jersey Devils require scoring and skill. The New York Islanders need centers, and the New York Rangers require centers. The Ottawa Senators need defensemen, and the Philadelphia Flyers require defensemen. The Pittsburgh Penguins require skill and scoring, and the San Jose Sharks need defensemen. The Seattle Kraken require defensemen, and the St. Louis Blues need defensemen. The Tampa Bay Lightning require defensemen, and the Toronto Maple Leafs need defensemen. The Vancouver Canucks require defensemen, and the Vegas Golden Knights require forwards with skill. The Washington Capitals require a goalie, and the Winnipeg Jets require defensemen.
Nashville Predators' general manager Barry Trotz traded center Ryan Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche for forward Alex Galchenyuk ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft, which Nashville is hosting. The Predators will have a league-high 13 selections in the draft, thanks to four trades made prior to the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. Trotz said the trade will free up space under the salary cap and give more opportunity to younger centers. Nashville missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 this season and has not won a round since 2018.
The 2023 NHL Draft is an opportunity for Metropolitan Division teams to strengthen positions of need with young talent. The Carolina Hurricanes will look for the best available player, while the Columbus Blue Jackets will focus on skilled forwards. The New Jersey Devils will aim to add depth at forward and defense, while the New York Islanders and New York Rangers will prioritize lineup depth and forward depth, respectively. The Philadelphia Flyers will look to deepen their prospect pool at forward and defenseman, and the Pittsburgh Penguins will prioritize center depth. The Washington Capitals will also look for the best available player.
The consensus big board for the 2023 NHL Draft shows a strong forward class, with no defensemen in the top 10. Connor Bedard is the unanimous number one, followed by Adam Fantilli and Leo Carlsson. The top defensemen include David Reinbacher, Axel Sandin Pellikka, and Tom Willander. The rankings also reveal some outliers, including Russian winger Daniil But and WHL winger Andrew Cristall. Teams will have to decide what risks they're willing to take on these players.
Corey Pronman shares his favorite prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft, including Nate Danielson, Charlie Stramel, David Edstrom, Tanner Molendyk, Daniil But, Dmitri Simashev, Arttu Karki, Gavin McCarthy, Daniil Karpovich, Scott Ratzlaff, Samuel Mayer, and Matteo Fabrizi. Pronman explains why he is high on each player and why he disagrees with some scouts and media rankings.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will have six selections in the 2023 NHL Draft, including the 14th overall pick in the first round. The team acquired its third-round pick from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for John Marino and its two seventh-round picks in trades with Toronto and Florida. The Penguins do not have selections in the second or fourth round, or their original third-round pick, due to previous trades.
Russian hockey phenom Matvei Michkov, who is expected to be a top pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is causing intrigue among teams by reportedly refusing to talk to certain teams before the draft. Rumors are swirling that he may be maneuvering to be selected by a specific team. Some teams are concerned about his character and behavior off the ice. The Washington Capitals, who have a history of drafting Russian players and recently signed Ivan Miroshnichenko, are a potential landing spot for Michkov. Despite his talent on the ice, Michkov's lack of interactions with NHL teams may impact his draft stock.
