With the 2023 NHL Draft kicking off Wednesday, generation prospect Conor Bedard can finally officially call home in Chicago after the Blackhawks took him with the first overall pick.
There were a few upsets after that, with the Anaheim Ducks, who were widely expected to take Canadian center Adam Fantilli with the #2 pick, instead picking Swedish center Leo Carlsson at #2. The Blue Jackets jumped at the opportunity taking Fantilli with the third pick before the Sharks took USNTDP star Will Smith at fourth.
With the drafting mystery man, Russian phenomenon Matvey Michkov, still available at fifth overall, the Canadiens threw a curveball and took the first defense in the draft in David Reinbacher before the Flyers took Mishkov with the seventh pick. Talented WHL center Zach Benson was the hottest slider in the first round, falling to the Sabers in 13th place.
With the first 32 picks in the book and the second through seventh rounds set to land on Thursday, you can follow along and pick up every pick here.
2023 NHL Draft Results
first round
1. Chicago Blackhawks – Connor Bedard, C, Regina Bates (WHL)
2. Anaheim Ducks – Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro HK (SHL)
3. Columbus Blue Jackets – Adam Fantelli, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)
4. San Jose Sharks – Will Smith, C, US National Team Development Program
5. Montreal Canadiens – David Reinbacher, D, EHC Kloten (Swiss National League)
6. Arizona Coyotes – Dmitry Symashev, D, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
7. Philadelphia Flyers – Matvey Michkov, F, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL)
8. Washington Capitals – Ryan Leonard, F, USNTDP
9. Detroit Red Wings – Nate Danielson, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
10. St. Louis Blues – Dalibor Dvorsky, F, IK Oskarshamn (SHL)
11. Vancouver Canucks – Tom Willander, D, Rogle BK (SHL)
12. Arizona Coyotes (from OTT) – Danil But, F, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
13. Buffalo Saber – Zack Benson, C, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
14. Pittsburgh Penguins – Brayden Yagar, C, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
15. Nashville Predators – Matthew Wood, University of Connecticut (NCAA)
16. Calgary Flames Samuel Hunzick, C, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
17. Detroit Red Wings (from NYI via VAN) – Axel Sanden-Belica, MD, Skelleftea AIK (SHL)
18. Winnipeg Jets – Colby Barlow, F, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
19. Chicago Blackhawks (from TB) – Oliver Moore, C, USNTDP
20. Seattle Kraken – Eduard Sall, F, HC Cometa Brno (Czech Republic)
21. Minnesota Wild – Charlie Strammel, C, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Los Angeles via CBJ) – Oliver Bonck, DR, Knights of London (OHL)
23. New York Rangers – Gabriel Perrault, F, USNTDP
24. Nashville Predators (from EDM) – Tanner Molendyk, DE, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
25. St. Louis Blues (from TOR) – Otto Stenberg, C, Frolunda HC Jr. (Sweden)
26. San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey) – Quentin Mustey, F, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
27. Colorado Avalanche – Callum Ritchie, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
28. Toronto Maple Leafs (from BOS via WSH) – Easton Cowan, London Knights (OHL)
29. St. Louis Blues (from DAL via NYR) — Theo Lindstein, MD, Brenas (Allsvenscan)
30. Carolina Hurricanes – Bradley Nadeau, Penticton Veese (BCHL)
31. Colorado Avalanche (from FLA via MTL) – Mikhail Gulyaev, D, Omsk Jr. (KHL)
32. Vegas Golden Knights – David Edstrom, C, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden)