When anyone thinks about the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the first thing that is likely to come to mind is Connor Bedard as he went first overall and is the most impressive player from the draft.
Nick Lardis (Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images)
Bedard has been called a generational talent and he has been the best player on the Chicago Blackhawks since coming into the league last season. That being said, the 2023 draft for the Blackhawks is so much deeper than just him.
Chicago had another first-round pick, three second-round picks, two third-round picks, and then one pick from each of the four rounds remaining after that. The Blackhawks definitely didn't waste their draft capital and greatly bolstered their cupboards with talent.
Looking at the players who have popped or stood out this season beyond Bedard, prospects like Oliver Moore (first round), Roman Kantserov (second round), Martin Misiak (second round), Nick Lardis (third round), and Alex Pharand have done well.
As for second-round pick Adam Gajan, he has struggled this season as a rookie in the NCAA, but I wouldn't give up on him by a long shot. He is still the top goalie prospect in the system and has lots of time.
Of that group, Lardis has made the most noise lighting up the OHL this season with 71 goals and 115 points in 64 games. He has done what very few have been able to do goal-scoring wise. If someone scores that many goals in any league, it's worth the attention. How he was passed on until the third round is shocking, but great for Chicago.
In the OHL, Misiak and Pharand have done solid jobs. At their age in the OHL, near point-per-game seasons aren't that impressive, but at least they are producing and playing well. It's better than struggling or looking bad during their development. I think both should take the step into the AHL and we'll see where they go from there. A little more pressure is on Misiak because of where he was drafted.
You'll start to hear the name Kantserov more and more and the hope is that he will be able to come over from the KHL at a beneficial time for both him and the Blackhawks and step right into the NHL. He's played in Russia's top league all season at his age and has 13 goals and 37 points in 46 games for Metallurg Magnitogorsk. There's not necessarily a rush, but he's developing well overseas and that's a great thing.
Moore is in his second season in the NCAA and has improved, but not a ton. College is tough competition and even though he does have one fewer point in two fewer games this season, he has scored three more goals. It remains to be seen whether he'll go back for another year at the University of Minnesota, but whatever he decides, the Blackhawks will be looking for even more of a step forward next season.
With so much talent in the recent drafts for the Blackhawks, it is just a testament to the great scouting, choices, and development from the organization. It will continue to really benefit the Blackhawks moving forward and for a long time if it also keeps up.
