Top Five Surprises From The First Round Of The 2023 NHL Entry Draft
Christopher Hanewinckel - USA Today Sports
While the Chicago Blackhawks had the easiest decision of Wednesday evening, the 2023 NHL Entry Draft was quite unpredictable after their pick was made. Here are the top five surprises and shocks from round one:
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5. Gary Bettman Did Not Have Any Trades To Announce
All 32 NHL teams shocked the hockey world by not completing a single trade on Wednesday evening. This marks the first NHL Entry Draft since 2007 no deals were made on the first night of the two-night event. With this draft class being considered one of the deepest and most impressive in years as well as many of the top-ranked prospects still on the board for Thursday, the calmness may have an explanation. Despite an explanation to some extent, it was still quite surprising to see teams not feeling the need to make last-minute trades for the first time in over 15 years.
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4. Toronto Takes Easton Cowan With The 28th Pick
The Toronto Maple Leafs went off the board with their first-round pick this year and drafted center Easton Cowan. The forward’s childhood team drafted him into a sea of excitement, happiness, and positivity, but also confusion. Cowan was not ranked past being a second or third-round pick in the majority of mock drafts created before Wednesday. As a member of the OHL London Knights, a team that has produced several NHL stars, the 18-year-old may be worth the risk. His tremendous play in the Knights’ most recent playoff run, strong motor, consistent hockey IQ, and genuine passion for the Toronto Maple Leafs are just a few of the reasons why Cowan ended up exceeding the predictions.
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3. Oliver Moore Falls To No. 19
Oliver Moore, who was widely considered to be the best skater in the entire draft, was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks at 19th overall. While there ended up being zero trades made in the first round, Kyle Davidson admitted afterward that he was making phone calls left and right to ensure that Moore would be a Blackhawk. It turns out, though, that he did not have to do a thing. The speedy center now completes a trifecta along with Bedard and Frank Nazar down the middle for Chicago. Oliver Moore was absolutely on the Blackhawks’ wishlist, but a complete shock to be available at 19.
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2. Matvei Michkov Not Selected In The Top Five
Russian prospect Matvei Michkov has been one of the consensus best players available in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft for a long time. At one point, he was seen as the second-best after Connor Bedard. Despite the exuding talent, five teams passed on him, after Bedard was selected at No. 1, and the Philadelphia Flyers seized their opportunity. Michkov currently has a contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL until 2025-26, which is why there was so much skepticism surrounding the 18-year-old. The Flyers, however, were willing to see past that contract because they are confident that he will be worth the wait.
Christopher Hanewinckel - USA Today Sports
1. Adam Fantilli Goes To The Columbus Blue Jackets
Leading up to Wednesday, Adam Fantilli was expected to be taken by the Anaheim Ducks with the second-overall pick. With Michkov’s stock falling due to his KHL contract, Fantilli slid into the second spot after Bedard. The Anaheim Ducks, though, had other plans. They decided to take Leo Carlsson, which left the Columbus Blue Jackets with the second-easiest decision of the night. Fantilli has already won the Hobey Baker Award as a freshman at the University of Michigan and helped Team Canada in winning gold medals at the IIHF World Junior and World Championships. While it is too early to tell whether this decision will haunt the Anaheim Ducks, Fantilli being available at No. 3 was definitely the top surprise of the evening.
