The 2023 NHL Draft is officially in the books with 224 players hearing their named called over a two-day period in Nashville.
Here are our biggest draft surprises:
No first-round trades
Not one pick was traded during the first round for the first time since 2007. That didn’t seem like a reality in the hours before the draft, as national experts and gurus discussed how the 2023 draft could have a record number of first-round trades.
Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz was notably the most aggressive in trying to move up from the No. 15 pick into the top five, while other teams like the Montreal Canadiens (No. 5), Philadelphia Flyers (No. 7), Washington Capitals (No. 8) and St. Louis Blues (No. 10) were rumored to be shopping their respective picks.
No trades in the first round. Why? Too many good players to pick. Too many players who fell were high on lists of teams they fell to.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) June 29, 2023
"Everyone talked about what a good draft it was, and I think if your player was there, you had to strike," Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said.
Leo Carlsson over Adam Fantilli at No. 2
Most scouting services had Fantilli, who won the Hobey Baker Award this season as the top player in college hockey, as the No. 2 prospect in the draft class behind No. 1 pick Connor Bedard. It was all but assumed that Fantilli was the slam-dunk pick for the Anaheim Ducks, who have just one center in their top 10 organizational prospects and desperately needed a blue-chip player at the position.
However, Ducks GM Pat Verbeek told reporters after grabbing Carlsson with the second pick that his ability to dominate in both the offensive and defensive zones made him the smarter option for him over Fantilli.
Matvei Michkov falling to No. 7
Perhaps no player in the 2023 draft class was talked about more than Michkov. Some scouting services ranked him as high as No. 2, while others slotted him in the No. 8-10 range due to his contract status in Russia that prevents him from coming to North America until after the 2025-26 season. But most were in agreement that Michkov has top-of-the-draft talent and whichever team took him was getting a future offensive difference-maker.
On the draft floor, the feeling was the 18-year-old forward wouldn’t make it past the Canadiens at No. 5, who ended up taking a defenseman. While Michkov didn’t have an Aaron Rodgers-like fall, most draft experts believe the Flyers got a steal at seventh overall with Michkov, who could end up being the second-best player from this draft class.
Danny Briere speaks very highly of Matvei Michkov, Danny is very fortunate that he fell to the Flyers:
— Dylan Robillard (@DylanRobillard_) June 29, 2023
“Having him fall to 7, we felt was a gift for us”
Per @FlyerItUp // @FlyersKnitty #Flyers | #FueledByPhilly pic.twitter.com/N3UKdhduib
Teams reaching for centers
Twelve of the top 32 picks were centermen, including the first four selections. While it’s not surprising that there was a run on centers (arguably the most important offensive position), what was puzzling was some of the names that were called and how high they went.
Wisconsin’s Charlie Stramel, who most scouting services had projected to go in the 30-45 range, went 21st overall to Minnesota. Otto Stenberg went four picks later to St. Louis despite being projected in the 30-35 range. Vegas grabbed David Edstrom with the No. 32 pick, around 10 to 15 spots higher than where he was expected to go. While all could turn into fine NHL players, all three were reaches for their respective draft slots.
Two defensemen go in top six picks
Leading into the draft, David Reinbacher was considered by most as the top-ranked defenseman in the class. However, scouts rarely agreed where he would go. So when the Canadiens grabbed him with the No. 5 pick, it wasn’t overly unexpected despite most draft pundits calling the pick a slight reach.
After Reinbacher, there were arguably only two other blue-liners with a first-round grade, but most mock drafts had them going in the 15-20 range. So when the Arizona Coyotes took Dmitri Simashev, who was projected to go in the mid-20s, with the No. 6 pick, the gasps were quite audible from inside Bridgestone Arena. Had Arizona not taken Simashev, it would have been the first time since 2018 that at least two defensemen didn’t go in the first six picks.
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Top NHL analyst Stephan Roget of 'Canucks Army' believes the Canucks could definitely offer sheet Mason McTavish or Marco Rossi, but they likely won't. Offer sheets remain one of the less common NHL deals, so a midsummer offer sheet from the Vancouver Canucks would remain highly unlikely. The player must be a restricted free agent (RFA) to be offer-sheet eligible, and come mid-July, there are not many remaining who are. Two of them are strong possibilities for whom the Canucks would consider making an offer sheet: Anaheim Ducks' Mason McTavish and Minnesota Wild's Marco Rossi. And offer sheets are a two-part process. Your team has to first make an offer. And then there has to be acceptance of a player before his current team is in a position to counter. That is uncertainty enough. Any offer sheet from the Canucks would have to be at least $11.7 million per year The Canucks would only be able to give Mason McTavish or Marco Rossi at the absolute highest compensation level, above $11.7 million annually. That would cost four protected first-rounders across five drafts to the Canucks. While both Rossi and McTavish would certainly appreciate an offer of this nature, whether either is truly worth this kind of investment of this size, especially for Vancouver, a club not comfortably in a playoff position, is questionable. 'As it stands, the Canucks are still eligible to make offer sheets to McTavish and Rossi - but only certain offer sheets. 'Whether it's realistic to expect a mid-summer offer sheet from the Canucks, is no'. - Stephan Roget Bottom line: While theoretically, a Canucks summer offer sheet is conceivable, too high a price, in cap space and future equity, makes it extremely unlikely, per NHL analyst Stephan Roget of 'Canucks Army.'
Emma Raducanu brought Naomi Osaka’s Washington Open campaign to an end with a performance full of confidence. Raducanu, enjoying her best form in some time, has looked sharp since crossing over from Wimbledon to the US hard courts and is now putting together a strong run on both sides of the draw. Her timing couldn’t be better, with the summer swing in full flow and eyes already turning towards Flushing Meadows later in August. For Osaka, though, this was another frustrating defeat by a player she might have expected to beat. In the aftermath, she was even asked whether it was worth facing Raducanu again anytime soon. Naomi Osaka shares thoughts on Emma Raducanu after defeat at Washington Open After the loss, Osaka took time to break down her performance and also spoke about what impressed her about Raducanu’s game. Starting with her own play, she mentioned: “I think honestly I have been working on my return a lot, and ironically I don’t think it was that bad today. I think she served quite well. I guess just keep working on that, working on my serve. I know it’s one of my biggest weapons. “Today the percentages were off, so hopefully improving that. Then I guess just baseline tennis. I feel like from the baseline, like, I was doing pretty well. I think there are certain situations where she got one more ball back and I was kind of just looking and waiting. So kind of getting more accustomed to being comfortable being aggressive. When asked how facing Raducanu compared to watching her previously, Osaka said: “Oh. So when I say I watched her, it might not have necessarily been her tennis. Might have been like interviews and stuff like that. “Yeah, I mean, I watched her in Wimbledon, but I think it is different playing someone in real life than playing them or seeing them on TV. “So I think for me, honestly, it was really good to get the experience, to feel how her ball is. Yeah, hopefully we meet again.” Naomi Osaka comments on her relationship with fellow players Osaka didn’t just talk about the match itself – she also shared how she’s been interacting with other players off the court. For example, the Japanese star was asked if she’d like to get to know Raducanu or other players better, to which she replied: “I mean, yes, but I don’t know. “I don’t know if I’m, like, I look scary or something, but I have been saying hi to everyone for the past year and a half since I have been back, and I think they still think I’m kind of like extremely introverted and/or have RBF. So we haven’t really, like, proceeded past the ‘Hi, how are you doing’ phase.” Osaka admitted she felt confused after her defeat to Raducanu, having played much better than the scoreline suggested. It’s Raducanu who moves forward into the quarter-finals while Osaka once again finds herself reflecting on what comes next.
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
After a busy and noteworthy week, players from the Las Vegas Raiders are vying for spots on the roster as training camp heats up. With the goal of improving from last year’s performance, head coach Pete Carroll is energizing and motivating the team. Currently, there are no pads, but many of those pads will be cracking on July 31. Before that date, it will be crucial for players to excel in seven-on-sevens and one-on-ones. Additionally, just in case you missed it, Christian Wilkins has been released. Jamal Adams was signed just before training camp and has been practicing with the linebackers. It was certainly an intriguing development, but you could argue that he fits with what Carroll is trying to implement—a player-coach at this point in his career. It is crucial to understand that the starting lineups will change before the preseason starts. Nonetheless, the lineups on day one are significant. The “Starters” on Day 1: Dont’e Thornton Jr. gets early praise There are not many humans who stand at six foot five and run 4.3 forty-yard dashes. He has been receiving most of the first-team reps during training camp. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly believes he has been performing well. “He has a great skillset for someone that tall and that fast,” Kelly said. “It is comforting to Geno [Smith].” Nonetheless, Thornton Jr. is being placed in a position to be a focal point of this offense. After averaging 25.4 yards per reception in college, he will be the field stretcher for Las Vegas. Thayer Munford Jr. missed Day 1 of Raiders training camp For the purpose of maintaining unpredictability against opponents, injuries do not need to be disclosed. Thayer Munford Jr. missed the first day of training camp, but no details were reported. Additionally, the 2022 seventh-round draft pick is competing for a starting position on the offensive line. He needs to improve upon his 45.9 Pro Football Focus grade in 2024. Right now, only the offensive guard positions are up for grabs. Last season, he primarily played as an offensive tackle. On the second day of training camp, the former Ohio State Buckeye was back on the practice field. Can the 25-year-old offensive lineman win a starting job? Who has been performing in the first two days? Maxx Crosby has clearly been the standout player in practice. His relentless effort and tenacity have become a daily hallmark for this Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Tyree Wilson is also beginning to showcase his potential as a strong pass rusher. Meanwhile, the defensive backs have been actively making plays throughout practice. Isaiah Pola-Mao and Trey Taylor both caught interceptions on Thursday. These were the first turnovers of training camp. Taylor also broke up a pass on day one. Additionally, Sam Webb broke up a short route on Wednesday and almost caught an interception. Day one was an evenly matched practice, but the second day was won by the defense. On the first day, tight end Ian Thomas had the best highlight of the day with a one-handed touchdown snag. Overall, the defensive line has emerged as the strongest position group during these practices. July 31 is set to be a crucial day for evaluating the potential of this roster. In terms of roster changes, a significant development occurred on Thursday, leaving the defensive tackle position relatively thin. Maybe you heard? Fallout from Christian Wilkins’ release by the Raiders… The fact is, there was considerable hope from Raider Nation as Wilkins recovered from his foot injury. A healthy Wilkins in the middle would have created numerous opportunities for Crosby and Malcolm Koonce. However, the Raiders did not wait for the depth chart to become unmanageable; they chose to claim defensive tackle Keondre Coburn off waivers from the Tennessee Titans. Still, no one can replace Wilkins’ impact at this juncture with training camp in full swing. Wilkins and the Raiders will be back in the news, especially with the legal and ethical issues that will arise from this mess.