Summer is officially here and that means it’s time for the NHL Draft!
The first round of the 2023 NHL Draft gets underway on Wednesday, June 28 and all eyes will be on the proceedings from across the hockey world. After all, the draft is a place of new beginnings for teams, where hope for the future is high and the possibilities for success are nearly endless.
The 2023 NHL Draft may be the deepest one we’ve had in some time. There’s a reason why the draft lottery was so highly contested this year, as every team wanted the chance to pick high given the talent available this summer.
MORE NHL: Where each NHL team will pick in the first round.
Ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft, let’s take a look at how we here at ForTheWin believe the first five picks of the night will shake out.
1
Chicago Blackhawks: F Connor Bedard, Regina Pats (WHL)
Hockey fans have known for some time that Connor Bedard is destined for the No. 1 overall spot and I don’t see that changing here. Bedard is an electric hockey player and a generational talent, one that should help the Blackhawks kick off their rebuild in earnest. Chicago’s front office will have their work cut out for them building a team around Bedard, but their cornerstone piece is all but secured with their No. 1 selection.
MORE: Who is Connor Bedard, the prospective No. 1 pick at the 2023 NHL Draft?
2
Anaheim Ducks: F Adam Fantilli, Michigan (NCAA)
The Ducks have no reason to despair about missing out on the No. 1 overall pick, because Adam Fantilli is set to be a star in his own right in the NHL. Fantilli lit up the NCAA this past season with 30 goals and 65 points for Michigan en route to the Hobey Baker Award for the top college player. Fantilli alongside Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry, and Mason McTavish is going to make one incredible forward core.
3
Columbus Blue Jackets: F Will Smith, United States National Team Development Program
Will Smith is definitely a player that would catch the eye of the Blue Jackets. And with Jarmo Kekalainen’s penchant for out-of-left-field moves — especially this offseason — Smith feels like a likely candidate for Columbus to go for. Smith broke out hard at the 2023 IIHF World U18 Championships, scoring a tournament-leading 20 points en route to helping the United States capture gold. Billed as a highly-talented offensive center, Smith would fit well in the Blue Jackets’ system looking for some juice.
4
San Jose Sharks: F Leo Carlsson, Orebro HK (SHL)
The Sharks have a chance to really kick off their rebuild in earnest with the No. 4 overall pick. After a strong showing at the 2023 World Juniors, Leo Carlsson has shown himself to be a high-octane forward with the makings of a true No. 1 center. Carlsson’s two-way play is his biggest strength, but he’s no slouch either on offense. Plus, Carlsson is a big forward, standing at 6-foot-3, and we all know how much NHL teams love size on their No. 1 centers!
5
Montreal Canadiens: F Matvei Michkov, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL)
Despite being an incredibly talented player, Matvei Michkov has a high potential to slide in this year’s draft. Michkov will not be available to play in the NHL right away, as he plans on finishing out his deal in the KHL. And given how stingy Russia has been in the recent past with letting their players play in the NHL — alongside the ongoing war in Ukraine — many believe Michkov will fall as a result.
Still, given Montreal’s rebuilding timeline, they could very well take on Michkov, as he’s a stunning hockey talent that many believe could rival Bedard in more ways than one.
