CLEVELAND – The NHL held their draft lottery last night… and many people are unhappy…

Many people believe that the lottery was “fixed”, with the Chicago Blackhawks getting the #1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, with an 11.5% chance of getting the first pick. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets received the 3rd overall pick, with a 13.5% chance of getting the #1 overall. The Anaheim Ducks, who had the best chance of the #1 pick at 18.5%, received the #2 overall pick.

So now it looks like 17 year old, top prospect, Connor Bedard, is going to be playing in the Windy City.

Below is my mock draft for the Top 10 picks in the 2023 NHL Draft.

1. Chicago Blackhawks – Conor Bedard, C, Regina
2. Anaheim Ducks – Adam Fantilli, C, University of Michigan
3. Columbus Blue Jackets – Leo Carlsson, F, Orebro HK
4. San Jose Sharks – Will Smith, C, USDP
5. Montreal Canadiens – Matvei Michkov, RW, SKA
6. Arizona Coyotes – Zach Benson, F, Winnipeg
7. Philadelpiha Flyers – Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK
8. Washington Capitals – Oliver Moore, C, USDP
9. Detroit Red Wings – Eduard Sale, RW, HC Kometa Brno
10. St. Louis Blues – Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna

The 2023 NHL Draft will be Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.