Matthew Wood Is Embracing the Process
The Nashville Predators' first pick in the 2023 NHL Draft is embracing the process at development camp this week.
Matthew Wood Is Embracing the ProcessWhen University of Connecticut forward Matthew Wood heard his name called on Wednesday night at the NHL Draft by David Poile, he realized how special the moment was.
"It's super special," Wood said. "Obviously he's had a really special career in management. That was the moment that I'm never going to forget for sure."
It's been a whirlwind few days for Wood since hearing David Poile call his name with the fifteenth pick in the draft. He's moved into a new hotel and explored the city a bit before jumping into development camp on Sunday. The 18 year old is embracing the next steps in his hockey career with confidence and maturity and credits his season at U Conn for helping him prepare for this new chapter.
"I think that's a huge credit to the U Conn culture and the coaches there and my teammates," Wood shared on draft night when asked about being a younger player on the team.
"I was able to accept my role and try and step in and play the best I can and try and win as many games as I can. I'm really grateful that there were able to accept me. I love it there."
In his freshman season with the Huskies, Wood finished with the team lead in points (34) and assists (23) in 35 games. He finished third in goal scoring as well. Wood is looking forward to returning to U Conn for his sophomore season, but this week he is focused on development camp in Nashville.
"We have great staff here helping us out, and it's a great learning experience," Wood said of development camp.
Being a teams' first pick in the draft might make some players feel extra pressure, but Wood is embracing this week's opportunity. When asked about that potential pressure, Wood shared his thoughts.
"It's obviously a long process and Nashville is going to get a lot of time to watch me play," Wood said. "They're not going to base it all off the first practice."
He also trusts in his own process that has gotten him this far.
"I feel like if anyone's prepared to do stuff like this, it's me. I believe in my training and what I've done to get to this point."
Wood and Nashville's other prospects will end their week with the Future Stars game Thursday morning at Ford Ice Center Bellevue.