Nashville Doesn't Disappoint as Hosts of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft
For the second time in franchise history, the Nashville Predators hosted the NHL Entry Draft. It was one to remember for many reasons, including Connor Bedard being drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks.
It was a loaded draft class in the first round, and one that was unpredictable for mock drafts. There was no consensus after Bedard. Even the top-5 was unclear.
As for the Predators, they had two first round draft picks and there was speculation they might try to trade up into the top-10. That didn't happen, and instead Trotz stayed put by selecting Matthew Wood and Tanner Molendyk. Both picks were overall well received by NHL scouts.
The Predators went on to make 11 draft selections, which was their most since 2004 in a draft where they selected Pekka Rinne in the 8th Round, and Alexander Radulov in the 1st Round.
Four of the 1st Round selections from the 2023 NHL Entry Draft have already made their NHL debuts; Bedard with 35 games and 32 points, Leo Carlsson for Anaheim with 23 games and 15 points, Adam Fantilli for Columbus with 38 games and 23 points, and Zach Benson for Buffalo with 27 games and 14 points.