DRAFT: Blackhawks to Draft No. 1 Overall in 2023 NHL Draft

For the second time in franchise history, the Chicago Blackhawks will select the No. 1 overall pick at the 2023 NHL Draft, winning the top spot via Monday’s NHL Draft Lottery.  

Chicago has only drafted first overall once before back in 2007 where the team selected Patrick Kane, who helped lead the team to three Stanley Cups in his 16 seasons with the Blackhawks. This will also be the team’s highest selection for the team since they drafted Kirby Dach at third overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.  

With a projected 11.5% chance at No. 1 overall heading into this year’s NHL Draft Lottery, the Blackhawks held the third-highest odds at winning the top pick. Chicago passed the lottery favorites in the Anaheim Ducks (No. 2) and Columbus Blue Jackets (No. 3).  

Center Connor Bedard from the WHL’s Regina Pats and center Adam Fantilli from Michigan are the top-ranked North American skaters, according to the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. 

The complete order of the top 16 picks is as follows: 

1. Chicago Blackhawks 2. Anaheim Ducks 3. Columbus Blue Jackets 4. San Jose Sharks 5. Montreal Canadiens 6. Arizona Coyotes 7. Philadelphia Flyers 8. Washington Capitals 9. Detroit Red Wings  10. St. Louis Blues  11. Vancouver Canucks  12. Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa) 13. Buffalo Sabres  14. Pittsburgh Penguins 15. Nashville Predators 16. Calgary Flames 

Going into the 2023 NHL Draft, the Blackhawks currently own 11 total selections through seven rounds, including two picks in the first round and four in the second. The Draft will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville with Round 1 taking place on Wednesday, June 28 and Round 2 following on Thursday, June 29.  

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