Blackhawks: Grading their first round of the 2023 NHL Draft

The 2023 NHL Draft’s first round is officially in the books. The Chicago Blackhawks started things off by making the first overall pick of the night.

With the selection, Chicago took Connor Bedard first overall. He is a generational talent that is going to change the franchise forever.

He is an elite goal scorer that just so happens to be a very high-end playmaker as well. He should hit the ground running right away once he reaches the NHL next fall.

With pick 19, a selection that was given to the Chicago Blackhawks by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Brandon Hagel trade, they selected Oliver Moore.

Moore is a very speedy player that has elite skating ability. He is the fastest player in the draft and could be one of the fastest in the NHL once he gets there.

The Chicago Blackhawks should be happy with how round one went in 2023.

Bedard will hit the NHL much quicker than Moore. The latter is going to play next season at the University of Minnesota with some amazing teammates.

Following that season, his status will be evaluated. Going back to school for a sophomore season would not be a bad idea but neither would be signing his entry-level deal and becoming a rich pro hockey player.

Chicago fans can leave this first round incredibly happy with how things have gone. Two very skilled players that can drive offense in different ways are coming into the system.

Draft Grade: A+

The Chicago Blackhawks deserve an A+ for this pair of first-round selections. Of course, it is hard to go against the Connor Bedard pick. That was sort of handed to them with some luck.

The Moore pick, however, was not lucky. That was them making a smart decision when their name came up to pick. Together, they could be a part of a very good top-six one day.

When you think about some of the other prospects that Chicago has in the pipeline now, it makes these selections even more special.