Every Oilers' 2023 Draft Pick: Beau Akey, Nathaniel Day & Matt Copponi
The Edmonton Oilers held the 56th, 184th and 216th overall picks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
The Edmonton Oilers went into the 2023 NHL Entry Draft with three selections. They didn't select until today, during the second round of the event. Over the course of the day they selected three players: Beau Akey, Nathaniel Day & Matt Copponi.
Akey is a 6-foot and 174-pound two-way defender. A scout told The Hockey News, "He's just a solid all-around defenseman. He doesn't possess elite skills, and he's not going to be a No. 1 guy, but he's solid. He's a stocky kid who can handle physical play and also produce offensively." In the 2022-23 Ontario Hockey League Season, Akey produced 47 points in 66 games.
Nathaniel Day is a goaltender for the OHL's Flint Firebirds. His numbers were not incredibly impressive; 3.91 goals against average, .874 save percentage and a 17-10-0 record in 32 games. In the very least he will provide the organization with AHL goaltending.
Matt Copponi is a 20-year old center who just finished his 2nd year playing NCAA hockey. He saw a big jump in production compared to his first year, collecting 29 points in 37 games for Merrimack College. The 5-foot-11 and 174-pound forward is expected to play another year in the NCAA, barring a change of plans.
It was an okay draft for the Oilers, considering they only had three selections to make. They added a couple of longshots who should help out their AHL team in the future while adding a defenceman who should take a step into the Oilers' top four in five to six years.