THN.com/podcast. From THN American Pipeline: 2023 NHL Draft Prospects to Watch from NCAA to High School

The journey for the 2023-24 season begins with the NHL draft that is set to take place June 28 and 29 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. This year’s consensus No. 1 overall pick is the young stud Connor Bedard from the WHL’s Regina Pats.

Expected to be a generational talent, the Chicago Blackhawks have first bid for Bedard after winning the draft lottery. While some prospects live up to the hype, others don’t. Here’s a look at the last 10 No. 1 overall draft selections, with their ranking based on their NHL career so far.

1. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers (2015)

To no surprise, McDavid comes in at No. 1. Undoubtedly the best player in the world, McDavid has lived up to all the hype he had coming into the draft. Trophies, scoring records, speed, skill…McDavid has it all. The only thing missing from what looks like a legendary career is a Stanley Cup.

2. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche (2013)

Not only is he No. 2 on this list, but many believe MacKinnon is the second-best player in the world, even No. 1 when it comes to the playoffs. Though he doesn’t have a Hart Trophy and has never led the league in points or goals, he’s something that none of the others on this list can call themselves: a Stanley Cup champion.

3. Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs (2016)

There’s a case to be made to put Matthews at No. 2, but the playoff success – or lack thereof – comes into play. Matthews has been a star ever since coming into the league, scoring four goals in his NHL debut. The 2021-22 season saw him take the Hart Trophy as league MVP. The only glaring issue is whether he can he lead this Leafs core to playoff success.

4. Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils (2019)

This may seem too high for Hughes, as this past season was his first as a superstar player, but it was enough to merit his lofty ranking. When you’re able to score basically 100 points – 99 to be exact – you’re truly one of the NHL’s elite. Now the question is, can he repeat his magical season next year?

5. Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers (2014)

Though Ekblad has never cracked 60 points in a season, his defensive game, physical presence and overall experience put him in this ranking’s top five. The blueliner has been a staple for the Panthers for nearly a decade and almost kissed the Cup this year while battling through a foot fracture and shoulder dislocation.

6. Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres (2018)

Dahlin was a stud for Team Sweden at the 2018 world juniors, and the Sabres knew they got a gem with the first overall pick later that year. He started strong with 44 points in his rookie season and 40 points in 59 games the year after. This past season saw Dahlin take it up another notch and truly realize his No. 1 potential, racking up 73 points in 78 games.

7. Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils (2017)

Coming in at No. 7 is Devils captain Hischier, who has been a solid two-way player for a few years. He truly ascended into stardom this season, scoring 80 points in 81 games. Given the captaincy at a young age, he’s the leader for a Devils team that is poised to contend for years to come.

8. Owen Power, Buffalo Sabres (2021)

In the eight-spot, we have another Sabres defenseman in Power. He just completed his rookie season, and it was highly impressive, scoring 35 points as a freshman blueliner and finishing the year with a plus-10 rating. Buffalo has a star in the making.

9. Alexis Lafreniere, New York Rangers (2020)

Entering the 2020 NHL draft, many believed Lafreniere would be a superstar in the league, but he hasn’t blossomed yet. Next year will be his fourth NHL season, so a breakout is still possible.

10. Juraj Slafkovsky, Montreal Canadiens (2022)

Coming in at 10 is 2022 first overall pick Slafkovsky, and he hasn’t really played enough – or shown enough – to be ranked higher than any of the other No. 1s. His 10 points in 39 games this season weren’t particularly eye-popping, but he’s still only 19, and he’ll be given every chance to succeed in Montreal.

Ranking the Past 10 No. 1 NHL Draft Picks from McDavid to Slafkovsky