The first round of the 2023 NHL Draft is over, and although there are six more rounds to go, there’s still plenty of awards to hand out after Thursday’s initial set of picks.
Our Mary Clarke graded every pick in the first round, but we’ll add in some of the winners and losers from a fun night that included the once-in-a-generation Connor Bedard getting taken by the Chicago Blackhawks. Beyond Bedard, there are some really intriguing names who might have been No. 1 in any other year (see below).
So let’s talk winners and losers as we get set for Day 2 of the NHL Draft:
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Winner: Columbus Blue Jackets
Sometimes, in a draft, a name just falls in your lap who could end up being among the best players in the class.
That was the case with Adam Fantilli, who was available because the Ducks took Leo Carlsson instead. A no-brainer for Columbus that could seriously pay off.
Winner: Philadelphia Flyers
Whoever took Matvei Michkov knew the circumstances: It might be three years until he could play in the NHL. The Flyers, smartly, are in no hurry and will wait for the player who could be the second-best in this class. A brilliant pick at No. 7 overall.
Winner: Chicago Blackhawks
They were going to win the night by getting Bedard. But that Oliver Moore pick was terrific, too.
Loser: Any of the top rebuilding teams who didn't take Michkov
Looking at you, Sharks, Candiens and Coyotes.
Loser: Fans who wanted trades
C’mon, where are the deals beyond Taylor Hall and the Pierre-Luc Dubois swap?
Loser: Goaltenders
Both those not taken in the first round and those announcing picks.
Carey Price just forgot the last name of the Canadiens' pick 😂pic.twitter.com/Aiivn4AlBd
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) June 28, 2023
Although I think Pekka Rinne was joking about Price here:
Pekka Rinne poking some fun at Price pretending to forget the last name of the player Preds selected? 😂 pic.twitter.com/fdlyrhHav8
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 29, 2023
The tendies are having a tough night selecting picks
— Strombone (@strombone1) June 29, 2023
