The 2023 NHL Draft has come to a close, and it’s time to analyze the outcomes and assess which teams emerged as winners and which ones faced setbacks in the first round. Among the franchises that made significant strides were the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Arizona Coyotes encountered some obstacles.
The Blackhawks, who held the 11th overall pick, made a splash by selecting a highly-touted defenseman, Owen Power. Power, known for his exceptional skating ability and offensive prowess, is expected to make an immediate impact on the Blackhawks’ blue line. With his size and skill set, Power has the potential to become a cornerstone player for Chicago in the coming years. This selection solidifies the Blackhawks’ commitment to building a strong defensive core and sets them up for success in the future.
In addition to Power, the Blackhawks also made a shrewd move by trading up in the draft to acquire the 17th overall pick. With this selection, they chose forward Matthew Coronato, who was widely regarded as one of the top offensive prospects in the draft class. Coronato’s scoring ability and hockey IQ make him a valuable asset for the Blackhawks’ forward group. By adding both Power and Coronato, Chicago has significantly bolstered their roster and positioned themselves as one of the top winners of the 2023 NHL Draft.
On the other hand, the Arizona Coyotes faced some setbacks in the first round. The Coyotes had high hopes heading into the draft but were unable to secure a top-tier talent with their 9th overall pick. Instead, they selected forward Mason McTavish, who possesses a solid all-around game but may not have the same level of potential as some of the players taken before him. While McTavish is still a promising prospect, the Coyotes missed out on some highly coveted players who could have had an immediate impact on their roster.
Furthermore, the Coyotes’ draft woes continued when they traded away their 11th overall pick to the Blackhawks. This move allowed Chicago to select Owen Power, who was widely regarded as one of the top defensemen in the draft class. Losing out on a player of Power’s caliber is undoubtedly a setback for the Coyotes, as they missed an opportunity to add a potential franchise cornerstone to their roster.
Overall, the 2023 NHL Draft had its fair share of winners and setbacks. The Chicago Blackhawks emerged as top winners by selecting highly skilled players like Owen Power and Matthew Coronato, solidifying their future roster. On the other hand, the Arizona Coyotes faced setbacks by not securing a top-tier talent with their first-round pick and trading away an opportunity to select a potential game-changer in Owen Power. Only time will tell how these draft selections and decisions will impact the teams’ fortunes in the coming seasons.
