The Anaheim Ducks will select third overall in the upcoming 2023 NHL Entry Draft, marking the third time in four years that the team has secured a top-three pick. Despite a disappointing season that saw the Ducks finish with the third-worst record in the league, the team remains optimistic about the future, with a strong core of young players already making an impact at the NHL level.
Ducks’ Draft Lottery History
While the Ducks have never held the first overall pick in the NHL Draft, they have had success with high selections in recent years. In 2005 and 1994, the team chose second overall, selecting Bobby Ryan and Oleg Tverdovsky, respectively. Last year, the Ducks picked second once again, drafting Swedish forward Leo Carlsson, who had an impressive rookie season with 12 goals and 17 assists in 55 games.
In 2021, the Ducks held the third overall pick and selected center Mason McTavish. The 21-year-old had a strong sophomore campaign, contributing 19 goals and 23 assists in 64 games. With a young, talented core already in place, the Ducks are well-positioned to add another high-caliber prospect to their roster.
Top Prospects in the 2023 NHL Draft
The 2023 NHL Draft is considered to be a deep class, with several promising prospects expected to be selected in the top 10. Leading the pack is Boston University forward Macklin Celebrini, who is widely regarded as the top player available. The 17-year-old freshman made history this year by becoming the youngest player to win the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top player in college hockey.
Other top prospects include defensemen Artyom Levshunov and Zayne Parekh. Levshunov, an 18-year-old from Belarus, currently plays for Michigan State University and is known for his offensive prowess from the blue line. Parekh, also 18, had an impressive season with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League, tallying 96 points in 66 games.
Ducks’ Young Core Provides Foundation for Future Success
Despite the disappointment of missing the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season, the Ducks have reason to be optimistic about the future. The team opened the 2022-23 season with the fourth-youngest roster in the NHL, with an average age of just 26.7 years. This young core, led by players like Mason McTavish, Trevor Zegras, and Troy Terry, has already shown significant promise and growth.
With the addition of another top prospect in the upcoming draft, the Ducks will continue to build a strong foundation for long-term success. General Manager Pat Verbeek expressed his enthusiasm for the team’s draft position, stating, “While it’s disappointing to not win a lottery, we remain in a position to draft one of the best players available and add to our young, strong core of top young players already in the NHL.”
Looking Ahead to the 2023 NHL Draft
The 2023 NHL Draft is set to take place on June 28-29 at the Sphere music and entertainment arena in Las Vegas. The San Jose Sharks will have the first overall pick, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks at second overall. The Ducks, selecting third, will have the opportunity to add another high-caliber prospect to their already impressive young core.
As the draft approaches, the Ducks’ scouting staff will continue to evaluate the top prospects and determine which player best fits the team’s needs and long-term goals. With a deep draft class and a promising young roster already in place, the future looks bright for the Anaheim Ducks.
Key Takeaways
- The Anaheim Ducks will select third overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft
- This marks the third time in four years that the Ducks have secured a top-three pick
- The Ducks have a strong core of young players, including Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish
- Macklin Celebrini, Artyom Levshunov, and Zayne Parekh are among the top prospects in the 2023 draft class
- The Ducks are well-positioned to add another high-caliber prospect to their roster and continue building for future success
