NHL 2023 Mock Draft: Blackhawks lead a generational year
The third overall pick is actually where the intrigue begins in this year’s draft.
. C/W. Columbus Blue Jackets. Leo Carlsson. 3. player. 113
The Columbus Blue Jackets are going to be making the third overall pick in this year’s draft. That is not where they thought they’d be entering the season after being one of the big spenders in free agency the summer before.
Injuries and a tough start to the year had a lot to do with it. They also didn’t have much lottery luck as they dropped out of the top two so they won’t be getting Bedard or Fantilli.
They do have a chance to take a few very good players but this feels like a situation where Leo Carlsson is going to be their guy. They have a heavy presence in the European hockey world and he will be the first European player to go off the board.
The Swedish forward can play both center and wing but we will have to wait and see which one he sticks with at the NHL level.
This will end up being a good pick for the Blue Jackets as he can do a lot of things well as a forward but there might be some regret down the line. It is not because of Carlsson, it is because of a player that they are passing up.