The 2023 NHL Draft could prove to be a franchise-defining one for the Blue Jackets, as they hold the No. 3 overall pick. Here's everything you need to know heading into Wednesday's NHL Draft.
- When: Round 1 is on Wednesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. ET and Rounds 2-7 are on Thursday, June 29 at 11 a.m. ET
- Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
- How to Watch: Round 1 will be on ESPN and Rounds 2-7 will be on NHL Network
- How it works: Each team will have approximately three minutes to make their first-round selection, that is, if they have a first-round pick to begin with. Philadelphia, Nashville, Chicago, Arizona, St. Louis, Montreal, San Jose, and Detroit have multiple first-round selections. Chicago will make the first overall pick after winning May's Draft Lottery which saw the Blue Jackets fall from the second spot to the third overall pick. Now, when the Blue Jackets make their selection at No. 3, assuming they do, that player does not have to be on the roster on opening night or even for a few years, for that matter. That applies to all the players selected in the draft. Most will go back to junior, Europe, or college before making their NHL debuts.
- Blue Jackets selections: 1st round: 3rd overall, 2nd round: 34th overall, 3rd round: 66th overall, 4th round: 98th & 114th overall, 5th round: 156th overall, 7th round: 194th overall
#CBJs picks in the 2023 #NHL Draft:
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) June 15, 2023
1st round: 3rd overall
2nd round: 34th overall
3rd round: 66th overall
4th round: 98th & 114th overall
5th round: 156th overall
6th round: No picks
7th round: 194th overall
The possibilities of the No. 3 selection are likely all centers with Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Will Smith. Those three players are all projected to be high-end centers at the NHL level.
It's safe to say that whatever the Blue Jackets decide to do during the draft will go a long way in determining the franchise's future success.
