A week past the 2023 NHL draft, the initial chaos has subsided, allowing fans to familiarize themselves with potential new roster additions. This is an exhilarating phase for sports bettors, as emerging talent promises to reshape team prospects moving forward.
Out of seven Canadian teams, three secured playoff berths last season. Notably, the Winnipeg Jets and Edmonton Oilers were later defeated by the Las Vegas Golden Knights, who clinched the Stanley Cup.
How each team performed in the Nashville draft and the effect on their betting odds are open questions as we look ahead. best betting sites in Canada
As we gear up for the 2023/24 season, let's dive into the latest draftees from each Canadian franchise.
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Last season, the Leafs cleared the first playoff round but fell to the Panthers in the second. Over recent years, the team has consistently pursued high ranks but often lacked the necessary draft positions.
Easton Cowen was the sole top 150 draft pick for the Leafs, taken 28th from the London Knights. While Mitch Marner was a past success story from the Knights, Cowen's selection was more unexpected.
Many experts projected Cowen to go late in the second or early in the third round, so his first-round selection was surprising. His strong playoff stats last year make him a gamble for new GM Brad Treliving. The Leafs also picked Hudson Malinoski at 153 and Noah Chadwick at 185.
The Leafs sit at +1200 to win the Stanley Cup next year. Despite a solid team core, playoff momentum has been elusive, and while talent is there, the psychological edge seems to be lacking.
Following their 2021 Stanley Cup Finals appearance, the Habs have struggled through two disappointing seasons. They chose David Reinbacher with the 5th pick, the only Austrian selected, aiming to strengthen a defense that conceded 307 goals last season.
Jacob Fowler was spectacular in goal during the playoffs for USHL's Youngstown Phantoms. His impressive stats as the 69th pick played a pivotal role in securing their first Clark Cup victory.
With seven selections between 101 and 197, the team has bolstered its reserves. Whether those picks will make NHL impact remains to be seen, but fans hope there's hidden talent the competition overlooked.
At +15000, the odds for the Montreal Canadiens to claim the Stanley Cup in 2024 reflect their recent decline. Despite a finals appearance just a few years back, their recent shortcomings signal potential ongoing struggles.
Defending their low draft rating, the Sens had their first pick at 108—Hoyt Stanley, an agile defenseman from the Victoria Grizzlies with strong offensive stats. Experts anticipated a higher selection, hinting at a potential long-term asset.
Owen Beckner was taken 204th following decent performance stats with Salmon Arm, even as the BCHL league is often underrated. Vladimir Nikitin, the only Kazakh pick at 207, joins the rare few from Kazakhstan to enter the NHL.
Ottawa's last trophy win dates back to 1927. Ever since their 1992/93 establishment, they've come close, reaching the finals in the 2006/07 season. Recent reconstructions demand a strong start to justify the +4000 odds.
With only a single top 180+ pick, the Oilers had a subdued draft. While housing premier offensive talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, their rear guard demands attention. This might make 56th pick Beau Akey a significant acquisition.
Akey's not the biggest player, but he compensates with tenacity, tallying 47 points in 66 games last season—an asset for an offensive powerhouse in the making.
Matt Copponi, finally drafted in the third eligible year at 216, seeks to prove his mettle after earlier rejections, potentially being a valuable late-round find.
With Connor McDavid driving generational talent, the Oilers have +900 odds. McDavid, alongside Leon Draisaitl, requires robust support both in net and defensively to vie for the Stanley Cup once more.
The Flames, aiming future-forward, grabbed six picks including top choice Samuel Honzek at 16.
Standing 6’4”, Honzek is a formidable puck protector who also excels offensively. His 56 points in 43 WHL games with the Vancouver Giants suggest a swift transition to the Flames lineup.
Etienne Morin's selection at 48 followed a prolific season with Monkton Wildcats. With 21 goals, 51 assists, and 50 penalty minutes, Morin's readiness for physical play was evident despite his youthful age.
Aydar Suniev, chosen at 80, could outperform his draft position due to mixed views on the BCHL's strength. 90 points in 50 games last season mark his potential.
Though scoring 51 points with the Vancouver Giants, Jaden Lipinski’s 112th selection, leading his team with five game-winning goals, indicates promise despite limited ice-time with fellow draftee Samuel Honzek.
The Flames currently sit at +3000 odds. In recent seasons, inconsistency has plagued them; despite winning the Pacific Division twice in five years, they missed playoffs in other instances.
Colby Barlow appears a golden pick for the Jets at 18. The Owen Sound Attack captain led in goals and points, making him a bargain at this draft position.
Barlow's goal-scoring instincts and willingness to play physical up front compensate for his less refindeing passing, as his defensive contributions add value.
Zach Nehring at 82 was their only other top 100 pick. With strong family ties to the Jets, his 85 points over 54 games at Shattuck St. Mary's reflect solid performance but await NHL validation.
Thomas Milic, drafted 151st, stood out for the Seattle Thunderbirds, helping them reach the Memorial Cup Final with impressive numbers. Overlooked previously, his potential development might benefit the Jets.
The Jets reached postseasons four of the last five years, twice losing to eventual cup winners. The +6600 odds reflect their current instability, further clouded by captain Blake Wheeler's waiver and questions on Connor Hellebuyck's future.
Tom Willander became the inaugural draft choice to a Canadian team this year at 11. Addressing their defensive needs, the Canucks made a strategic choice with Willander.
Willander is recognized for his adept skating, contributing at both ends of the ice. Many regarded him the premier defenseman in the draft, making his third position selection advantageous for the Canucks long-term.
The subsequent picks only arrived at 75, including Hunter Brzustewicz and then four more times before 120. His offensive blue line contributions for the Kitchener Rangers emphasized his value.
Continuing to bolster defense, Sawyer Mynio was chosen at 89, having achieved a +50 rating with the Seattle Thunderbirds on their Memorial Cup journey. A left-handed speedster with potential for future impact.
Matthew Perkins, an understated selection at 119, compensates size with precision passing. Undrafted in 2022, his grit and determination will drive him to prove skeptics wrong.
+6000 is the Canucks' current Cup pursuit expectation. An effective attack overshadowed by defensive vulnerabilities has consistently kept them away from playoffs, a draft capitalization on defense portends gradual enhancements.
Calgary Flames fans should feel most optimistic from the Canadian draft results. The team's first-round powerful forward selection was just the start, as they secured significant late-round value.
The Jets and Oilers are both satisfied with their initial selections, aiming for immediate contributions, while the Canucks focused on future defensive solutions which were imperative.
Assessing the 2023 NHL Draft: How did the Canadian teams perform?
With the conclusion of the 2023 NHL entry draft in Nashville, people are turning their attention to how these newcomers might shift the Stanley Cup betting odds. What can we expect from these rookies?
