With the first pick in 2023 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks select…
The Blackhawks have 11 picks in the 2023 NHL Draft, but their first pick could be worth more than the other 10 over the long term. It's no secret that the Blackhawks and wunderkind Connor Bedard are a on a collision course come Wednesday night, with Bedard expected to go to Chicago at No. 1 overall.
Barring a big trade, their night won't be done after taking Bedard at No. 1. The Blackhawks also hold the No. 19 overall pick, a selection that went to them courtesy of a 2022 trade that saw Brandon Hagel shipped to the Lightning.
MORE: The Sporting News NHL Mock Draft 2023 — How the first round will play out
Coming off a 22-win season, the Blackhawks are entering a new franchise chapter, and it starts at the 2023 NHL Draft. Here's what to know about their picks, needs and more:
Blackhawks NHL Draft picks 2023: When does Chicago pick?
The Blackhawks are working with a pretty gaudy amount of draft capital: They have 11 picks over all seven rounds of the draft, including nine picks in the top 100 selections and four in the top 50.
Here's their list of picks entering draft night:
- Round 1, Pick 1: Connor Bedard, C, Regina Pats
- Round 1, Pick 19: Oliver Moore, C, USA Development
- Round 2, Pick 35: Adam Gajan, G, Chippewa
- Round 2, Pick 44: Roman Kantserov, RW, Magnitogorsk Jr.
- Round 2, Pick 55: Martin Misiak, RW, Youngstown
- Round 3, Pick 67: Nick Lardis, LW, Hamilton
- Round 3, Pick 93: Jiri Felcman, C, Langnau Jr.
- Round 4, Pick 93: Alex Pharand, C, Sudbury
- Round 4, Pick 99: Marcel Marcel, LW, Gatineau
- Round 5, Pick 131
- Round 6, Pick 167
- Round 7, Pick 195
Blackhawks NHL Draft order
| Round | Pick (Overall) |
| 1 | 1 |
| 1 | 19 (from TB) |
| 2 | 35 |
| 2 | 44 (from OTT) |
| 2 | 55 (from NYR) |
| 3 | 67 |
| 3 | 93 (from DAL via ARI) |
| 4 | 99 |
| 5 | 131 |
| 6 | 167 (from PHI) |
| 7 | 195 |
Blackhawks NHL Draft need
While Connor Bedard will provide an automatic improvement to the center ranks, there's still a dearth of center talent throughout the Blackhawks' minor league system.
Lukas Reichel has opened some eyes for the organization and its fans after a few cups of coffee at the top level, but he still may need some time to develop in AHL. Outside of that, some of the Blackhawks most well-regarded prospects are wingers and defensemen, leaving a big need for center throughout.
Blackhawks mock draft 2023
According to The Sporting News' Bryan Murphy, the Blackhawks will not shock the world, and in fact take Connor Bedard at No. 1 overall.
Here's who Chicago will take in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft:
No. 1. Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL): At the end of one era starts another. With the Blackhawks winning the draft lottery, Chicago gets its next superstar in Bedard. Between his historic World Juniors performance and his dominance in the WHL, there's no denying who's going No. 1 this year. The Blackhawks' rebuild speeds up about two, maybe three years with the addition of the talented center.
No. 19 (from Lightning) Daniil But, LW, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL): The intriguing forward is 6-5 and over 200 pounds already. His shot is what scouts are drawn to, but he is also a force along the boards and down low. But needs to work on his skating, but the Blackhawks can add a player of his size to help create space for Bedard.