The Winnipeg Jets have made their first selection of the 2023 NHL Draft.
As of Wednesday night, the Jets have a new trending topic. And his name is Colby Barlow.
Despite his hectic week, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff calmly made his way to the podium at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena and called the name of his team's first round selection, before presenting him with a team-issued ball cap and sweater.
With the 18th overall selection, Winnipeg opted to go with a Canadian winger as Barlow hails from Orillia, Ontario.
Playing the past two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League's Owen Sound Attack, Barlow has seen his game develop, serving as the team's captain during the 2022-23 season.
Tipping the scales at 6-foot-1 pounds, the former Toronto Marlboros AAA star also has some height, as he comes in at 190 pounds.
He scored 46 goals and added another 33 assists for 79 points in 59 games with the Attack last season. In 118 career games for Owen Sound, Barlow has 76 goals and 126 points, to go alongside 47 penalty minutes.
Looked upon by scouts as a high-character player, a former CHL Scholastic Player of the Year winner, and has a knack for finding the net. He will hope to find a way into the Jets' room as soon as possible.
Barlow will now prepare for Jets' development camp, which is set to run from July 4-8 at the Hockey For All Centre in Winnipeg.