- NHL. NHL Draft 2023 Ranking: Who are the players to look out for?
- NHL. NHL Draft 2023 Order: Complete list for both rounds
The NHL season has come to an end with the Vegas Golden Knights taking home the Stanley Cup, and now it's almost time for the highly anticipated NHL Draft. This year's draft is going to be a real showstopper, especially with all the attention on Connor Bedard, the center from the Regina (Saskatchewan) Pats and the MVP of the world junior championships.
Bedard had an outstanding season in the WHL, scoring a whopping 143 points in just 57 games. The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to snatch him up, but there are other exciting players making waves too, like Adam Fantilli, Will Smith, and Matvei Michkov.
Now, let's talk about how you can catch all the action of the NHL Draft. If you're in the US, mark your calendars for June 28th and 29th. The first round kicks off on June 28th at 7 p.m. ET, and the remaining rounds, 2 through 7, will take place the next morning, on June 29th at 11 a.m. ET. The NHL Draft will be held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Where to watch the NHL Draft?
To watch the draft on TV in the US, tune in to ESPN or the NHL Network. If you prefer streaming, you can catch it on ESPN+ or Fubo. Round 1 will be broadcasted on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+ on June 28th at 7 p.m. For rounds 2 to 7, switch over to the NHL Network, starting at 11 a.m. on June 29th.
Now, what about the top picks in this year's draft? Connor Bedard is undoubtedly the center of attention, but keep an eye on other talented players. Curious about the draft order? The first 16 picks have already been determined through the draft lottery. The Chicago Blackhawks snagged the No. 1 pick, followed by the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and San Jose Sharks. The remaining order was established during the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs.
So there you have it, folks! Get ready for an exhilarating NHL Draft, packed with talent and excitement. Don't forget to tune in to your favorite TV channel or streaming platform to catch all the action. Let's see which teams make the smartest picks and set the stage for the season.