The first round of the 2023 NHL Draft is complete, and it’s time to assess the highlights and low points of the evening. While some teams had reasons to celebrate, others faced disappointment at Bridgestone Arena.
The Chicago Blackhawks were undoubtedly the most pleased franchise on Wednesday night. They had the privilege of selecting Connor Bedard, a player who will have a significant impact on the team’s future. The Columbus Blue Jackets also experienced a similar sensation just two picks later.
Conversely, there were teams that may have reached too far in a first round that had talent available at every position. Additionally, fans hoping for trades were let down by the lack of activity in the market.
Let’s review the biggest winners and losers of the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
Winner: Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks made a clear and significant victory. By securing Connor Bedard as the first overall pick, they acquired a once-in-a-generation talent that will greatly impact their rebuild. In addition to Bedard, the Blackhawks also drafted Oliver Moore, a highly skilled speedster from the U.S. National Development team, with the 19th overall pick. If Bedard and Moore live up to their potential, the Blackhawks will have an impressive duo for years to come.
Loser: Arizona Coyotes
The Coyotes had two picks in the top 12 of this draft, which turned out to be surprises for the wrong reasons. With the 6th overall pick, they chose Russian defenseman Dmitriy Simashev, and with the 12th pick, they went for Russian winger Danil But. Both players are currently under contract in the KHL, which complicates their NHL timeline.
While both players have the potential to contribute significantly to the Coyotes, the team could have taken advantage of the draft’s trade interest. They might have been able to acquire future assets for one of their picks while still obtaining either Simashev or But. However, hindsight is always 20/20.
Winner: Columbus Blue Jackets
The Anaheim Ducks surprised many by selecting Leo Carlsson with the 2nd overall pick, allowing the Blue Jackets to choose Adam Fantilli with the 3rd overall pick. Fantilli was considered by many to be the second-best player in this draft class, providing the Blue Jackets with a decent consolation prize after missing out on Bedard.
In his first season with the Michigan Wolverines, Fantilli recorded an impressive 65 points (30 goals and 35 assists) in just 36 games. He received the Hobey Baker Award and Big Ten Tournament MVP honors. While in other years he might have been the top pick, this year he fell behind Bedard. However, this turn of events worked in favor of the Blue Jackets, who have had poor draft lottery luck in the past.
Loser: The trade market
In the hours leading up to the first round, there were reports of teams desperately trying to trade up into the top five or top ten picks. There were also rumors of the Toronto Maple Leafs considering trading their first-round pick to make a significant move. Unfortunately, none of these trade scenarios materialized.
The San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens made their selections at the 4th and 5th overall picks respectively. The Maple Leafs retained the 28th pick and selected Easton Cowan from the London Knights. In a year with a strong draft class, teams felt no urgency to make drastic moves. Most franchises chose to remain at their draft positions and focus on building their prospect pool.
Winner: Philadelphia Flyers
Among the teams reportedly seeking to trade up were the Flyers, who wanted to secure their desired player. As it turned out, they were able to acquire their target without giving up any assets.
Matvei Michkov, considered one of the most skilled players in the draft, dropped to the 7th overall pick due to concerns about his KHL contract and the geopolitical climate surrounding Russia. Despite these concerns, the Flyers took a chance on Michkov, potentially acquiring incredible value. If Michkov joins the team in the next couple of years and fulfills his potential, the Flyers will have a superstar on their hands.
Loser: Legendary goaltenders announcing picks
Carey Price and Pekka Rinne have each delivered incredible performances in front of thousands of fans. However, during the first round of the 2023 draft, they provided unintentional humor.
Price struggled with announcing David Reinbacher’s last name when he joined the Montreal Canadiens’ brass to announce the 5th overall pick. Ultimately, GM Kent Hughes came to his aid.
Rinne had the honor of announcing the Nashville Predators’ pick at the 24th overall spot, and though he had no trouble with Tanner Molendyk’s first name, he needed a reminder for pronunciation of the last name. After a brief pause, Rinne remembered Molendyk’s full name, and the new Predators’ player celebrated the moment with the hometown fans.
