2023 NHL Awards Show Recap
The Finalists and Winners for every NHL Award, including the All-Star Teams
Jeremy Evans - June 16th, 2023
The annual NHL awards show wrapped up last night as the players were able to enjoy a night in Las Vegas with some of their friends and foes from around the league. Let's see who came out as winners on Saturday night as well as who came up short. We'll start with the winner we knew coming in.
Art Ross Trophy and Rocket Richard Trophy Winner: Nathan MacKinnon - 70 Goals and 117 Points
Nathan MacKinnon had a season for the ages. He was a man on a misson after last season and we all know the story by now. They had a historic season and it was all washed away in the first round in embarrassing fashion. "The Mack Truck" would not be stopped again this year. His scoring hit a mindboggling level and the 70 goals he had hasn't been seen since the 1990s. The Avalanche were once again the top team in the league and this time capped it off with a Stanley Cup victory. Nate Dogg put himself in the conversation of the greats with this season.
It was a three horse race between these three finalists, the next closest rookie point total being just 49. It may be a bit surprising to see it go to the 21 year old Zary rather than the 18 year old Wright. Both played on pretty poor teams in the Flames and Flyers which makes you ponder the preference of Connor rather than Shane. Wright actually led the Flyers team in points outright, 7 more than Sean Couturier. Meanwhile Zary was third behind Gaudreau and Tkachuk. So while Shane Wright may have been snubbed of this award, to say Zary didn't deserve it however would be in poor taste.
The 24th pick by the Flames in the 2020 Draft has taken massive strides in the past three seasons to get to where he is now, a Calder Trophy winner. With the Stockton Heat in the AHL last season he put up the exact same point total he had this year, 62. It is VERY impressive that he was able to match his point total while making the jump to the NHL. As Sean Monahan looks to have hit is decline, Zary will soften the blow and give the Flames a young gun who likes to put the puck in the net.
Selke Trophy Finalists
Brayden Point (TB) - 82 GP 30 Goals 46 Assists 76 Points +23 +/- 23:17 TOI
Patrice Bergeron (NYI) - 77 GP 39 Goals 39 Assists 78 Points +13 +/- 22:03 TOI
Phillip Danault (NYI) - 82 GP 24 Goals 64 Assists 88 Points +31 +/- 17:23 TOI Winner:
Spoiler
Phillip Danault (NYI)
While I personally would have had Brayden Point winning this award, I'm more than happy that Phillip Danault is getting recognition for the amazing season he had in Long Island. The French-Canadian duo down the middle of Bergeron and Danault was a force to be reckoned with this season as the two had career years. Danault's +31 in just 17 minutes of ice time as the second line center really stands out to me as the reason he won the Selke this year. The 5 year $5.5M deal he signed this offseason is looking like a steal for the Islanders
Vezina Trophy Finalists
Igor Shesterkin (NYR) - 61 GP 39-20-2 .913 SV% 2.54 GAA 3 SO
Mike Smith (EDM) - 58 GP 34-14-6 .912 SV% 2.59 GAA 7 SO
Petr Mrazek (TOR) - 54 GP 35-15-4 .913 SV% 2.53 GAA 2 SO Winner:
Spoiler
Igor Shesterkin (NYR)
The New York Rangers took a big jump this season, going from 88 points last season to 107 points and a Metropolitan Division win this year. Igor Shesterkin was a big reason for that 19 point improvement. So while they didn't have the playoff success they wanted, their regular season success is a sign of things to come for this up and coming squad.
Igor has four seasons under his belt as a National Hockey League goalie and it's been amazing to see this Russian netminder find his confidence in between the pipes. Through 174 career games he has 102 wins with a .913 SV%. At 27 years of age, this kid is going to be a nightmare for opposing forwards for years to come.
Norris Trophy Finalists
Adam Fox (NYR) - 82 GP 9 Goals 80 Assists 89 Points
Evan Bouchard(EDM) - 82 GP 23 Goals 83 Assists 106 Points
Dougie Hamilton (NJ) - 82 GP 33 Goals 73 Assists 106 Points Winner:
Spoiler
Evan Bouchard(EDM)
Easily the closest and most debated race during ,and after, the season was who was going to bring home the James Norris Memorial Trophy. It was a HUGE year for defenseman with three of them hitting the 100 point plateau. Before Cale Makar's 103 points last season, a D-Man had not hit 100 points in 30 years! Brian Leetch was the last to do it in the 1991-92 season, notching 102 points with the New York Rangers. The fact Erik Karlsson, who had 100 points, wasn't even a finalist (Something many fans were appalled over) speaks to how hard it was to win this season.
The voters decided Evan Bouchard was the best option this season and it's hard to argue it's not the right one. Adam Fox really just doesn't have much of a case over the Oilers D-Man due to the fact he had less points and played for a worse (to be fair, just slightly) team. You could say Dougie Hamilton should have won it because he did have the same amount of points but scored 30 goals, something that hasn't been done by a defenseman since Mike Green in 2009. But Dougie played on a Devils team that finished outside the playoffs while Bouchard played for the Pacific Division Champions. You can say the former London Knight had a major advantage playing with McDavid and Draisaitl but when comparing these defenseman's resumes this season with each other it looks like this was a deserving win for Bouchard.
Ted Lindsay Award Finalists
Connor McDavid (EDM) - 82 GP 54 Goals 48 Assists 102 Points
Nathan MacKinnon (COL) - 82 GP 70 Goals 47 Assists 117 Points
Evan Bouchard(EDM) - 82 GP 23 Goals 83 Assists 106 Points Winner:
Spoiler
Nathan MacKinnon (COL)
The fans agree, the players agree, and (hopefully?) the voters agree that Nathan MacKinnon was the best player in hockey this past season. Nate get's voted by his peers as the best of the best in what must be a feel good award for him knowing he has the respect of the rest of the NHL. Let's see if he can really bring home all the hardware with the Hart Trophy.
Also interesting to note is that Bouchard was a finalist for the Lindsay but Hamilton was named as a finalist for the Hart Trophy. It likely comes down to the fact Bouchard plays with McDavid and Draisaitl, two players that (arguably) are more valuable to the Oilers.
Hart Trophy Finalists
Connor McDavid (EDM) - 82 GP 54 Goals 48 Assists 102 Points
Nathan MacKinnon (COL) - 82 GP 70 Goals 47 Assists 117 Points
Dougie Hamilton (NJ) - 82 GP 33 Goals 73 Assists 106 Points Winner:
Spoiler
Nathan MacKinnon (COL)
When your 16 goals ahead of the next highest goal scorer, you better be the most valuable player. MacKinnon completes the clean sweep of the Hart Trophy, Lindsay Award, Rocket Richard and Art Ross Trophy, not to mention the big silver one he held above his head not long ago. It really caps off just the perfect season for the Nate Dogg. He has left us all wondering though, will he be able to repeat a season like this one next year?
David Amber: "Hello everyone and welcome to Sportsnet. I'm David Amber and tonight we bring you answers to how the draft order for the 2023 NHL Draft will look like with the NHL Draft Lottery! To start tonight, let's take a look at the odds of getting the 1st Overall Pick this year"
DA: Now let's send you over to NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly as he announces the Draft Order pick-by-pick. After every announced ping pong ball, our Draft Expert Sam Cosentino will give his take on the result. And now, Bill Daly...
Bill Daly: Welcome to the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery. Let's get things started. The 16th Overall Selection in the 2022 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Montreal Canadiens
Sam Cosentino: The Canadiens were a surprise to see competing for a playoff spot that late into the regular season but this teams mix of veterans in Price, Gallagher and Petry with the next generation in Caufield, Suzuki and Romanov worked great and resulted in a 40 win season. But how much longer can those veterans keep up this level of play? Price and Petry are 35 and Gally is 31. Will they commit to a rebuild or continue to try and win until those vets move on?
Bill Daly: The 15th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Ottawa Senators
Sam Cosentino: Before a tumultuous season ending collapse, the Ottawa Senators were looking like a legit playoff team. At the All-Star break the Sens were second in the Atlantic. They ended up finishing second last in the Atlantic. So while you could see that as being a negative, I myself am more of a half glass full person. This team was expected to be bottom ten team and they outperformed those expectations. They'll take a bigger step this upcoming season and I believe they'll make the playoffs.
BD: The 14th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The New Jersey Devils
SC: New Jersey actually had the fourteenth pick last year but had to transfer it over to the Columbus Blue Jackets as part of a previous trade. This time around they will actually be in control of this selection. They just missed out on the playoffs and with the pieces they have on the roster, a playoff appearance is a MUST in 2024.
BD: The 13th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Carolina Hurricanes
SC: For the second straight year the Hurricanes missed the playoffs and now GM Don Waddell finds himself on the hot seat with a team that is failing to live up to expectations. Look for them to heavily consider trading this pick so they can upgrade their current roster.
BD: The 12th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Columbus Blue Jackets
SC: Sellers by the Trade Deadline, the Blue Jackets just never got it together this season. While it might be harsh, with the roster they have right now they won't be anything more than 1st round exit. They didn't have a forward score more than 53 points and their leading scorer was Werenski with 62 points, a defenseman. Laine is a RFA this season and he hasn't quite lived up to expectations in his three seasons in Columbus, scoring 121 points in 201 games. Good numbers for sure but not the level we saw of him in Winnipeg. Could he be in a different jersey by next season?
BD: The 11th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Detroit Red Wings
SC: Despite the offseason signings of Klingberg and Kuemper and the Trade Deadline acquisition of Andrew Copp, the Red Wings did worse than they did in 2022 and finished 3rd last in the Eastern Conference. Critics wondered if GM Steve Yzerman had made win-now moves to early into a rebuild and it looks like that may have been the case. It will be interesting to see what this team looks like by the start of next season.
BD: The 10th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Anaheim Ducks
SC: For the second straight year the Anaheim Ducks were the best team to not make the playoffs in the Western Conference. It was a tough pill to swallow for a Ducks team that has the players to be making a playoff appearance but they have a young core that still has time to grow into contenders.
BD: The 9th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Dallas Stars -1
SC: Wow, so with Dallas dropping to the 9th pick it means that the San Jose Sharks have moved into a top two position. Massive news for the Sharks faithful.
As for the Stars, they really felt the effects of losing John Klingberg and Alex Radulov in the offseason. After making it to the second round last year, they failed to be one of the top 8 teams in the West, instead being one of the last teams to miss out on the playoffs. Their former stars Seguin and Benn aren't what they used to be and a rebuild looks to be on the horizon in Dallas
BD: The 8th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Calgary Flames -1
SC: The Flames were plain and simple not good enough this past season, winning 6 less games and finishing with 10 less points with 84. There defense was the culprit. After allowing the second lowest goals against last season (198), they allowed 239 goals against this season. If they want to return to playoff contention, the team will need to upgrade this offseason or find a way to make a change internally to keep pucks out of their net.
BD: The 7th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The St. Louis Blues -1
SC: Once again the Blues were a bad hockey team. A far cry from 2019 Cup Winners, St. Louis should be headed for a rebuild with how their performing with the current roster. Ryan O'Reilly will likely leave in free agency but they still have trade assets in Krug and Faulk that could be moved to add more young guys or picks. They have a core to start with in Thomas, Kyrou, Savoie and Neighbours so the logical decision is to build around them.
BD: The 6th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Philadelphia Flyers -1
SC: With the rebuild in full effect the Flyers continued to trade veterans for picks and prospects with James van Riemsdyk being moved at the Deadline to the Senators for Jack Hughes. Not former 1st overall pick Jack Hughes. It's Pittsburgh's 1st round pick in the 2022 draft who was traded to the Sens before the start of the season. With Shane Wright as their future star, this 6th overall selection will only add to a growing pool of prospects
BD: The 5th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Seattle Kraken -1
SC: Beniers had a great sophomore season, leading the Kraken in scoring at just 20 years old. Outside of that there wasn't much to look forward to in Seattle for the second year in a row. They'll be able to add to their system with this pick at 5.
BD: The 4th Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Buffalo Sabres -1
SC: For the second year in a row the Sabres will be picking at the 4th spot. Last year they decided to go with Finnish center Brad Lambert which looks like a great selection after just one season. The 19 year old found chemistry with fellow Sabre rookie J.J. Peterka and both would end up having 49 point seasons, tied for 4th in rookie scoring. With those two looking like future top six forwards, Buffalo could look to take a right winger to compliment those two on a line. This will be the 11th straight year the Sabres select in the Top 10
BD: The 3rd Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too.... The Chicago Blackhawks -2
SC: The Blackhawks took a huge step backwards this past season, finishing with a 19-53-10 record and just 48 points. It's lowest amount of points by a team since the Avalanche in 2016-17 and the least amount of wins since the now defunct Atlanta Thrashers in 2001-02. They moved on from Patrick Kane at the 2022 Trade Deadline which was the signal that this team was moving towards a rebuild. While the first or second overall pick would have been nice, they will still get one of the big three in this class (Bedard, Michkov, Fantilli)
DA: And then there were two. Just the Predators and Sharks remain, who will be awarded the 1st Overall Pick?...
BD: The 1st Overall Selection in the 2023 NHL Draft belongs too....
Spoiler
The Nashville Predators! +1
Which means the 2nd Overall Selection will belong to the San Jose Sharks +7
SC: The Nashville Predators will have the honor of making the first selection at the 2023 Draft and you just know this franchise has to be ecstatic at the players they could pick. Could you imagine Connor Bedard next to Juraj Slafkovsky, the Preds 5th overall pick last season. The blend of Bedard's playmaking capabilities with Slafkovsky's power forward game would be a sight to see and should have Predators fans going nuts. Realistically, GM David Poile could take any of the top three ranked guys in Bedard, Michkov and Fantilli and be happy with the selection. They'll have a long look at who would fit best in a Predators uniform
And once again the team picking second overall made the biggest jump in the lottery. Last year it was the Senators jumping up from 7th and this year it's the Sharks jumping up from 9th. San Jose gets a massive boost to their rebuild with this strike of luck. Erik Karlsson looking to have completely rejuvenated his career also gives GM Mike Grier a massive trade piece to really add prospects next to the likes of Eklund, Bordeleau and Bystedt.
David Amber: That does it for us here at Sportsnet as the NHL's future has been changed forever in just the last half hour. Thanks for tuning in and have yourselves a wonderful night...
2023 NHL DRAFT RANKINGS: The Bedard Show Begins
Our Draft Experts here at THN predict how the Top 16 Selections will shake out
Jeremy Evans - JUNE 18, 2023
Back in 2005 it was Welcome to the Crosby Show, 2015 it was the coming of McJesus. Now in comes 2023 and we're being ushered into the Bedard Era. The Vancouver native has dominated the WHL with the Regina Pats and is almost guaranteed to be the first overall selection in the Draft. Bedard leads the three headed monster that outlines the top of this Draft. Joining Bedard are Russian Sniper Matvei Michkov and Michigan Wolverine centreman Adam Fantilli. All three have the potential to be first line studs in the NHL. It's what makes this draft so exciting for the teams at the top of the draft order. Let's take a look at how we have the Draft unfolding
(Editors Note: The X-Factors used in these Prospect Previews are just a way to show what they're good at, It does not mean they have these X-Factors)
1. Nashville Predators select Connor Bedard
No need to waste time on this one, Bedard is heading to Tennessee and joins what is now probably the best prospect system in the NHL. With the likes of Askarov, Slavkovsky and Geekie the Predators will be in for some fun times once these guys develop. Bedard is just a cherry on top of the massive tub of ice cream in Nashville.
2. San Jose Sharks select Adam Fantilli
We know the front office in San Jose have spent weeks going back and forth over who they will choose between Michkov and Fantilli. Both are bound for success at the NHL level but the Sharks have to decide which type of player benefits them more. With both Eklund more suited to the Left Wing than Center, it leaves a Top 6 role open for Fantilli. With Couture's decline, The Michigan Center will have a great mentor to help his development as a player.
3. Chicago Blackhawks select Matvei Michkov
Out goes Patrick Kane and in comes Matvei Michkov. Chicago would have to be happy to have the Russian goal scoring machine fall into their laps at third. He's the perfect replacement for #88 and would become the best goal scorer on a team that has Alex DeBrincat. Michkov would quickly become a fan favourite in the Windy City
4. Buffalo Sabres select Sergey Afinogenov
Buffalo locked down their center position last season when they took both Brad Lambert and Connor Geekie in last years draft. It makes sense for the Sabres to go with a winger with this pick. Russian Sergey Afinogenov is exactly the type of player they should go for. While he is a bit of a reach at the 4th position, Afinogenov's potential is sky high.
5. Seattle Kraken select Dalibor Dvorsky
Arguably the best player outside the big three, Dvorsky lit it up in the OHL playing for the London Knights. The main reason we don't see him going fourth is because of the abundance of centers the Sabres have stockpiled. The Kraken are the perfect team for the Slovakian. Outside of Matty Beniers, Seattle doesn't have another notable center in the system or on the roster. Give this kid another year of development and he'll be ready for NHL action.
6. Philadelphia Flyers select Matthew Wood
What better player to have play alongside Shane Wright then someone who knows how to play behind a 1st line center. Wood did that with Bedard in Regina and it worked to a tee. The tall, lanky forward decided to forgo his commitment to the University of Connecticut and joined the Pats this season. He can be the Ryan Nugent Hopkins Wright's McDavid, or best case scenario it turns into a Crosby/Malkin situation with a 1A and 1B. Either way the Flyers would have be very happy with this selection.
7. St. Louis Blues select Brett Wolf
While he may not have the flashy point totals like some of the players around him at this spot, Brett Wolf just emulates the St. Louis Blue style of player. Think of the likes of former Blues Captain's David Backes and Ryan O'Reilly. Gritty, physical and strong players that were catalysts for their team. That's what Wolf could be in St. Louis, a potential Captain of the future.
8. Calgary Flames select Brayden Yager
Missing the Playoffs was not what the Flames had in mind this season. It's more and more likely that this team is moving towards a rebuild with almost everyone's contract outside of Gaudreau and Blake Coleman's are expiring within the next two years. Adding to the prospect pipeline will help them in the long run. Brayden Yager is a two-way player who tore it up this season for the Moose Jaw Warriors. Calgary's future would fall on the backs of Zary (Calder Winner) and Yager. Not a bad one-two punch down the middle
9. Dallas Stars select Leo Carlsson
Dallas is in dire need of a Right Winger for the now and the future but they won't find that in this draft unless they take a big risk on someone we'll talk about later. Their second biggest need? Centre. Joe Pavelski had a a 72 point season at the age of 38 but his decline has to be expected. Tyler Seguin has completely fallen off a cliff after a laundry list of injuries. He's now looking like the worst contract in the entire NHL with 5 years left at just under $10 million per. Roope Hintz is the only light in the dark at the position. Add in 6'4 Swede Leo Carlsson to the mix and the light becomes greater. He's likely a year away from providing contributions at the NHL level but with the lack of quality the Stars have, he could jump into the lineup next season
10. Anaheim Ducks select Calum Ritchie
While he's no Ryan Getzlaf, Calum Ritchie approaches the game the same way the Ducks former Captain did. He's a playmaking pivot who isn't afraid to muck it up every so often. Ritchie hasn't had the offensive season he wanted in Oshawa but his team was one of the weakest in the "O". He's versatile in the fact he could be moved to the wing which would benefit both parties considering the Ducks have Zegras and McTavish down the middle.
11. Detroit Red Wings select Zach Benson
A cerebral center who likes to be a playmaker... Remind you of anyone Detroit fans? Adding another potential top six center is exactly what the Red Wings need. Outside of Larkin, the position is a wish-wash between the likes of Copp, Granlund, Jost and Pius Suter. Solidifying the position with Benson would go a long way to turning the ship completely around in Detroit.
12. Columbus Blue Jackets select Quentin Musty
With Oliver Bjorkstrand's ascension and Patrik Laine's descension, the Blue Jackets have to be looking for a future 1st line winger of the future. Musty can provide that. He brings a physical aspect that Columbus lacks and could replace the goal scoring that Laine was supposed to provide. Will the Jackets want to deal with another inconsistent winger however? We saw how well that's worked with Laine. Can they do differently with Musty?
13. Carolina Hurricanes select Markku Laitinen
We don't expect Caroline to select at the 13th pick, they should try and improve their current roster than select someone that will help them down the line. However if they do decide to make a selection, Markku Laitinen would be a nice addition to the back-end. With rumors of Pesce expected to leave when his contract expires (2025) or even before that, adding another solid blueliner can't hurt.
14. New Jersey Devils select Junior MacLeod
Remember that "risk" we were talking about earlier for Dallas? This is him. The Wildcard of the Draft. Junior MacLeod sure comes with his baggage but boy can he really contribute offensively. When you walk into the building you immediately notice Junior when he's on the ice. Whether it's the tinted visor, Gretzky jersey tuck or the highlight reel goals he scores, MacLeod is hard to miss. What also isn't hard to miss is his heated tempers he throws at his teammates, coaches or refs. His character issues are well known but his on ice talent is too big to ignore. Adding another skilled forward to the arsenal the Devils possess would be welcomed
15. Ottawa Senators select Colby Barlow
Ottawa could almost taste the playoffs before crumbling last season. They'll have a chance to add a prospect to an already stacked cupboard. Colby Barlow has potential to be a 30 goal scorer in the NHL and we think the Senators will jump at the chance to grow him into that type of player.
16. Montreal Canadiens select Theo Lindstein
Defenseman are lacking in this draft and teams know it. Theo Lindstein from Sweden is a great puck carrying D-man that would fit in well with the Canadiens. Montreal likes offensive leaning defenseman, showcased by the likes of Romanov and Petry, and Lindstein would add another defenseman to the core of Norlinder, Guhle and the aformention Romanov.
That does it for us here at The Hockey News. Tune into our live coverage of the 2023 NHL Draft on June 23rd.
James Duthie: Hello Everyone and welcome to TSN's coverage of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. I'm James Duthie and here to my left are our draft analysts Martin Biron and Bob McKenzie. Bob let's go to you first, how excited are you for this Draft and the amount of talent it will spread around the league?
Bob McKenzie: Well James, this 2023 Class has talent that we haven't seen in some time. We obviously have the Trio of Bedard, Fantilli and Michkov at the top but the depth in this class is strong as well. We will see players go in the second round that would have been first round picks in years prior. Fans should be thrilled if their team has a first rounder in this draft.
James Duthie: Sounds like we have an exciting draft to look forward too, Marty let's go to you here, who are some of you favorite players projected to go here on Day 1?
Martin Biron: One guy that I think will be a guaranteed NHLer is Leo Carlsson out of Örebro HK in the SHL. He's a big kid at 6'4 and 198lbs and played a significant role for his Swedish Club at just 18 years of age. He's a offensive center that is capable defensively. He may not be the flashiest option available but he's most certainly one of the safest.
The second guy I really have my eyes on is another center in Koehn Ziemmer. Playing for Prince George in the WHL, the kid clearly has the skills to be a perennial passer in the NHL. He played on a weak team with teammate Riley Heidt who is also projected to be picked today. I like Ziemmer's play style and think he can be a second line center one day.
JD: Bob, you have anyone you have highlighted or keeping your eye on?
Bob McKenzie: Junior MacLeod and Gene Sabourin. Both for very different reasons. Junior probably has the biggest "noise" coming into this draft outside of a couple guys, but not for good reasons. He's got concerns around his attitude and character and has met disciplinary action multiple times this season. However his skill really is off the charts. The way he is able to control the Power Play with his soft hands is a sight to see. I'm interested to find out which team takes the plunge with him because it really could be anyone at this point.
Moving onto Gene Sabourin, he's a under the radar guy that had a sneaky good season in the Swiss League this season. He's the son of former NHL goalie Dany Sabourin. He's born in the United States but moved to Europe with his father when he was 8 years old. Since then, he's made his way through the ranks and in the NLA with the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers this year, he had 11 goals and 4 assists. He's got great puck skills and skating ability but is still a work in progress. However, the potential is most definitely there
JD: Lot's of storylines with this years prospects as per usual, let's send you to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman who has taken the podium...
*Boo's rain down from the Nashville Crowd*
Gary Bettman:I'd like to formally welcome everyone to Bridgestone Arena here in Nashville, Tennessee. Tonight, 32 teenagers dreams of becoming NHL Draft picks will come true, with many more to follow in the ensuing days. I'd like to thank the city of Nashville and the Predators organization for hosting this event. Without further ado, the Nashville Predators have the first Overall Pick.
*Boo's turn into immediate cheers*
JD: Well the Nashville fans have packed Bridgestone Arena tonight and you heard it their with the Boos and Cheers. Bob, It's got to be almost certain that the Preds take Bedard here right?
BM: If we do not hear Connor Bedard's name next then the Predators will have made the biggest mistake in recent Draft History. Connor will be the 1st overall pick here, no question
JD: And with that being said, the Predators posse take the stand.
Nashville GM David Poile:First off, we'd like to give a big thank you to the city of Nashville and all the fans here tonight or watching from home. We'd also like to congratulate the Colorado Avalanche on their Stanley Cup win. To announce our first overall selection, please welcome former Predators Captain Shea Weber!
*Bridgestone Arena goes wild*
Shea Weber: With the first pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators are proud to select.... from the Regina Pats, Connor Bedard!
*Bridgestone Arena goes even wilder*
JD: Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Connor Bedard? We'll see how Bedard can live up to the expectations but on a team like the Predators, you have to think he's in a great environment to succeed, Marty?
Martin Biron:Nashville is an aging team that's transitioning to a rebuild. Before they move out their veterans, Bedard will be able to learn from the likes of Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. He'll be absolutely fine in the state of Tennessee and will flourish with the Predators
BM: The obvious pick is done and now the Sharks have the tough decision between the best of the rest. Will they go with the Russian goal-scoring winger in Matvei Michkov or will they go with Adam Fantilli, the Canadian centreman playing in the NCAA for the Michigan Wolverines. My guess is they go with Michkov. They have Eklund down the middle for the future and Hertl for the now. Logan Couture is still there as well but has hit a decline in production. Their right side however is very weak after Meier who is an RFA. Michkov could help with that
MB: I actually think they go with Fantilli with this pick. They already have Timo Meier, who is an RFA, but is reported to want to resign in San Jose. At only 26, he locks up first line right wing for the future. Eklund is more suited to the wing position than center and Tomas Hertl is 29. By the time Fantilli is ready to go as a first liner, Hertl will have regressed. So while I believe Michkov has the higher potential, by a smidge, Fantilli is a better fit for the Sharks.
JD: Let's send it to the podium where the Sharks are about to announce their selection
San Jose GM Mike Grier: With the second overall pick in the Draft, the San Jose Sharks are pleased to select... from the Kontinental Hockey League, Matvei Michkov
JD: Well you were correct here Bob, the Sharks go with Michkov.
MB: The thing is James, regardless if they picked Fantilli or Michkov, the Sharks were getting a top-end talent. Michkov will give them a building block on the right side and with the uncertainty of Meir's future in San Jose, it gives the Sharks brass someone to lean on down the road. And now with Bedard and Michkov gone, it leave the Blackhawks with an easy decision with their pick.
JD: Actually that's something I wanted to bring up with you two. Is there any chance the Blackhawks don't go with Fantilli in this spot?
BM: If they did go with anyone other than Fantilli it would be a big mistake from Chicago management. Patrick Kane was moved at last years Deadline, Jonathan Toews is 35 years old and could potentially leave in Free Agency. This team is no longer the Blackhawks we knew. They have Kirby Dach down the middle as well as Dylan Strome but adding Fantilli is the best option at this pick
BM: Yeah I just can't see them not going with the Canadian. He's been almost a point a game in the NCAA this year which is very impressive. He's going to be an elite forward in this league down the line.
JD: Alright, let's go to Kyle Davidson who is approaching the podium to announce their selection
Chicago GM Kyle Davidson:The Blackhawks organization would like to thank the Nashville Predators for their hospitality this evening. With the 3rd overall selection, the Chicago Blackhawks would like to select... from the Michigan Wolverines of the NCAA, Adam Fantilli
BM: So the top three goes 1-2-3 as predicted. A fun fact about Fantilli, before joining Michigan he played in the USHL for the Chicago Steel where he had 110 points in 103 games over two seasons. He'll head to a city he's familiar with which can only help his development.
JD: So there you go, the top three picks have been revealed and we got many more to come when we come back...
*TSN Goes to commercial*
JD: Welcome back to our coverage of the 2023 NHL Draft, here with Marty Biron and Bob McKenzie, the Philadelphia Flyers just selected Russian winger Sergey Afinogenov at 6th overall and the St. Louis Blues are on the clock. In case you missed it, this is how the draft has unfolded so far:
2023 NHL Draft - Round 1
Pick
Team
Player
Pos
1
Nashville Predators
Connor Bedard
C
2
San Jose Sharks
Matvei Michkov
RW
3
Chicago Blackhawks
Adam Fantilli
C
4
Buffalo Sabres
Dalibor Dvorsky
C
5
Seattle Kraken
Brett Wolf
C
6
Philadelphia Flyers
Sergey Afinogenov
RW
JD: Any comments from you two after six picks through this draft?
MB: Buffalo selecting Dalibor Dvorsky just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. You have Dylan Cozens, Casey Mittelstadt, Peyton Krebs AND Brad Lambert on the roster already. That's four, top nine calibre centers. What's the use in adding Dvorsky when you need left wingers. They could have moved down, gotten assets and selected someone like Musty around 13th. Now you have a logjam down the middle with no clear answer
BM: I love Seattle's selection of Flint Firebirds center Brett Wolf. I can confirm multiple teams were looking to trade up with Seattle to get him but the Kraken were not willing to part with the pick, and I don't blame them. Wolf will challenge Matty Beniers for that 1st line center spot in the near future. That's how good he is.
JD:Well speaking of trades, Gary Bettman is heading to the podium now. A trade perhaps? Let's take a look
*Gary Bettman approaches the podium as the Boos return to the arena*
Gary Bettman: I have a trade to announce. The Calgary Flames will be trading the 8th overall selection to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Marcus Foligno, the 58th overall selection and a 4th round selection in 2024. The St. Louis Blues are still on the clock.
JD: So Calgary decide to upgrade their roster for the now instead of the future. Thought's from you gentleman?
MB: I love this move for Calgary as they add a physical presence in Foligno who has had 80 points in his past two years in Minnesota. Marcus will be just what the Flames need to compete next season. The 8th overall pick wasn't going to help Gaudreau and Tkachuk win now. Foligno will.
BM: While I understand the Flames moving this pick based off their roster makeup, the fact Brayden Yager is on the board and could fall to 8th could hurt Flames fans in the future. It has to be why the Wild have moved up into this spot. The kid had 127 points this season for Moose Jaw. That was more than Bedard had. Yes there is the argument he put up "empty stats" and ran it up against weaker teams but points are points. Let's see if the Blues take the 56 goal scorer or will he land in the Wild's laps
JD: We'll find out right now as the Blues are approaching the podium...
St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong: With our first selection in the 2023 Draft, the St. Louis Blues are happy to select... from the Regina Pats, Matthew Wood.
JD: The Blues decide to go with Wood as the Minnesota Wild's clock starts.
MB: I know the Blues were hoping Wolf would fall to them at seventh but it looks like their backup plan was Matthew Wood out of the WHL. He's a tall lanky forward who reminds me stylistically of Elias Pettersson in Vancouver. His hands are equally as great but he also has the strength and weight Petey' doesn't. I think he'll fit in well in St. Louis alongside fellow prospect Matthew Savoie
BM: I have to give major props to GM Bill Guerin here for the Wild. He moved up into the top 10 and risked missing out on their guy but the Blues went in another direction. Took a lot of guts to make that trade and move on from fan favourite Foligno. If Yager turns into the player he has the potential to be the Wild will be ecstatic about this pick.
BM: Bill Guerin is about to make his selection at the 8th spot
Minnesota GM Bill Guerin: We'd like to thank the Predators and the city of Nashville for their hospitality as well as say congratulations to the Avalanche. With the 8th overall pick the Minnesota Wild are excited to select... from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL, Brayden Yager!
JD: Minnesota get's their guy in Yager and you could see the smirk on Billy Guerin's face making that selection. The Minnesota front office has to be happy with this pick
MB: As Bob said, this was their guy. They moved up to get him, risked him being picked by the Blues and eventually were able to select him. I love him as a player and think he could have gone 3 spots higher based off how great he played this season. The next Mikko Koivu if you will for Minnesota
JD: Let's head down to the draft floor where we have Darren Dreger with Minnesota pick Brayden Yager, along with GM Bill Guerin.
Darren Dreger: Brayden, first off, congratulations on being drafted 8th overall by the Wild. How excited are you to be drafted by an organization like Minnesota?
Brayden Yager: It's amazing. You dream of being drafted to the NHL and to go 8th overall is just... something you wouldn't think is realistic. But it's awesome to be drafted by such a great organization in the Minnesota Wild. Kaprizov is one of my favourite players in the NHL and it'll be exciting to meet him and hopefully play with him down the road.
Darren Dreger: Bill let's go to you here, you moved up in the draft to the 8th spot via trade, was Yager always going to be the selection here.
Bill Guerin: 100%. We prayed to the hockey gods that St. Louis wouldn't take him and they didn't which worked out well for us. Our pre-draft interview with Brayden really showed us that it was worth moving up to select him. We believe he'll do great things for this organization and we look forward to seeing that happen.
Darren Dreger: Once again Brayden, congratulations, and thank you both for your time
Yager and Guerin: Thank you too Darren
JD: Now we have the Dallas Stars preparing to announce their selection, let's go to them....
*Draft picks 9th to 31st ensue*
Colorado GM Joe Sakic: With the 32nd pick, the Colorado Avalanche will select from the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL, Nate Danielson
JD: And with the final pick of the first round being Nate Danielson heading to Colorado, that concludes our coverage of the 1st round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Thank you everyone for tuning in and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.
*The screen turns to black as it goes back to the regularly scheduled SportsCenter.*
2023 NHL Draft - 1st Round Picks
Last edited by JurassicPuck; 01-26-2023 at 02:34 AM.
11-03-2022, 03:18 AM
