The 2023 NHL Entry Draft began tonight with a big splashy show for the first 32 players selected. The week began in Nashville with the NHL Awards on Monday night, and players, GM's , team officials, and media stayed in town all week getting ready for the draft. We saw plenty of trades and speculation ahead of the draft, with some big names on the move. Also the Maple Leafs signed a couple of depth players.

Maple Leafs Re-signing David Kämpf and Pontus Holmberg
Four more years for Kämpf.

Pre-Draft

Trades and signings!

Barbashev signs 5-year, $25 million contract to stay with Golden Knights
Ivan Barbashev signed a 5-year, $25 million contract to stay with the Vegas Golden Knights after Reilly Smith was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.

The Stanley Cup Champions make a move to keep a player around. For now.

They also got rid of a guy.

BREAKING NEWS: Golden Knights trade Reilly Smith to Penguins for 2024 third-round pick
The Vegas Golden Knights have traded forward Reilly Smith to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2024 third-round draft pick, the club announced Wednesday. NEWS: The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired a 2024 third round pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Reilly Smith. #VegasBor…

The Lightning had to move more players because they keep running out of money.

Ross Colton traded to Colorado for second round pick - Update
First reported by Elliotte Friedman, pending RFA Ross Colton has been traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Colorado Avalanche. We do not know the return as of yet but this article will be updated as more news comes in so refresh and stay tuned. Hearing Ross Colton will

And the rest from before today are here:

FTB: Keep the Awards and Draft together forever
Trying to keep up with all the trades? So are we. Man, we need to pair the awards and draft together forever.

THE DRAFT

Up first, Chicago made the obvious pick.

#1 - Chicago Blackhawks - Connor Bedard
Position: C - Team: Regina Pats (WHL) - 57GP - 71G - 72A - 143Pts

You’ll never guess who the Blackhawks selected No. 1 overall at the 2023 NHL Draft
The suspense nearly killed us.

#2 - Anaheim Ducks - Leo Carlsson
Position: F - Team: Örebro HK (SHL) - 44GP - 10G - 15A - 25Pts

Anaheim Ducks Draft Leo Carlsson 2nd Overall
With the second pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the Anaheim Ducks have selected Leo Carlsson from Örebro HK of the Swedish Hockey League.

#3 - Columbus Blue Jackets - Adam Fantilli
Position: C - Team: University of Michigan (NCAA) - 36GP - 30G - 35A - 35Pts

2023 NHL Draft: Columbus Blue Jackets select Adam Fantilli with Third Overall Pick
The Hobey Baker Award winner slipped to third and Columbus could not pass on the opportunity to take the big center.

#4 - San Jose Sharks - Will Smith
Position: C - Team: US National Team U18 - 80GP - 66G - 103A - 169Pts

*Pick originally belonged to Ottawa Senators, acquired in Chychrun trade.

BREAKING: Sharks Select Will Smith No. 4
The San Jose Sharks have selected forward Will Smith out of USNTDP with the 4th overall pick. Smith scored 51 goals and racked up 76 assists in 60 games for the National team and was named the MVP of the Under 18s this spring. Smith is known for his offensive skill, elite vision, […]

#5 - Montréal Canadiens - David Reinbacher
Position: D - Team: EHC Kloten (NLA, Swiss) - 46GP - 3G - 19A - 22Pts

2023 NHL Draft: Montreal Canadiens select David Reinbacher with number 5 pick
The Canadiens take a right-shot defenceman at fifth overall.

#6 - Arizona Coyotes - Dmitri Simashev
Position: D - Team: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL/MHL)
KHL: 18GP - No Points / MHL: 29GP - 1G - 9A - 10Pts

Coyotes select defenseman Dmitri Simashev 6th overall
The 2023 NHL Entry draft started with the safe pick, but things quickly spiraled into chaos for the second pick. The Arizona Coyotes joined in the fun, surprising everyone with the selection of Russian defenseman Dmitri Simashev 6th overall. The #Yotes select Dmitri Simashev sixth overall! #2023NHL…

#7 - Philadelphia Flyers - Matvei Michkov
Position: RW - Team: SKA St. Petersburg / HK Sochi (KHL) - 30GP - 9G - 11A - 20Pts

2023 NHL Draft: Flyers select Matvei Michkov 7th overall
The Flyers did it. They drafted Matvei Michkov.

#8 - Washington Capitals - Ryan Leonard
Position: C - Team: USNTDP - 74GP - 62G - 52A - 114Pts

2023 NHL Draft: Capitals Select Ryan Leonard
With the 8th pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Capitals have selected forward Ryan Leonard from the USNTDP. Here’s how he was ranked by various scouts heading into this draft: Check out Leonard in…

#9 - Detroit Red Wings - Nate Danielson
Position: C - Team: Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) - 68GP - 33G - 45A - 78Pts

Red Wings select Nate Danielson at pick no. 9
Wings pick up a strong pivot with impressive WHL numbers.

#10 - St. Louis Blues - Dalibor Dvorsky
Position: F - Team: AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden) - 38GP - 6G - 8A - 14Pts

St. Louis Blues Draft Dalibor Dvorský 10th Overall
With the 10th pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the St. Louis Blues have selected Dalibor Dvorský from AIK of the HockeyAllsvenskan

#11 - Vancouver Canucks - Tom Willander
Position: D - Team: Rögle BK U20 (Sweden) - 39GP - 4G - 21A - 25Pts

Vancouver Canucks select defenceman Tom Willander with 11th overall pick
There were some shakeups in the first round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draf…

#12 - Arizona Coyotes - Daniil But
Position: LW - Team: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (MHL/KHL) -
MHL: 26GP - 15G - 11A - 26Pts / KHL: 15GP - 2G - 0A - 2Pts

Coyotes select Daniil But 12th overall
For their second pick of the first round the Arizona Coyotes went back to Russia with the selection of Daniil But. The #Yotes make their second pick of the first round, taking Daniil But! #2023NHLDraft 🔗: https://t.co/4W28F8ZyWF pic.twitter.com/rrDNouBv7z — Elite Prospects (@eliteprospects) June…

#13 - Buffalo Sabres - Zach Benson
Position: F - Team: Winnipeg Ice (WHL) - 60GP - 36G - 62A - 98Pts

Buffalo Sabres draft Zach Benson No. 13 overall in 2023 NHL Draft
The 5-foot-10, 159-pound forward notched a Winnipeg Ice team-leading 98 points in 60 games this past season.

#14 - Pittsburgh Penguins - Brayden Yager
Position: C - Team: Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) - 67GP - 28G - 50A - 78Pts

Pittsburgh Penguins Draft Brayden Yager 14th Overall
With the 14th-overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins have selected Brayden Yager of the Moose Jaw Warriors.

#15 - Nashville Predators - Matthew Wood
Position: F - Team: University of Connecticut (NCAA) - 35GP - 11G - 23A - 34Pts

Nashville Predators select Matthew Wood 15th overall
The #Preds add forward Matthew Wood with the 15th overall pick in the #NHLDraft

#16 - Calgary Flames - Samuel Honzek
Position: C - Team: Vancouver Giants (WHL) - 43GP - 23G - 33A - 56Pts

Calgary Flames select Samuel Honzek at 16th overall in 2023 NHL Draft
<strong><em>Brought to you by odds site <a href=“https://betway.com/en…

#17 - Detroit Red Wings - Axel Sandin Pellikka
Position: D - Team: Skellefteå AIK (Jr/SHL)
Jr: 31GP - 16G - 20A - 36Pts / SHL: 22GP - 2G - 3A - 5Pts

*Pick originally belonged to NY Islanders, acquired from Vancouver for Filip Hronek

Red Wings select Axel Sandin Pellikka at pick no. 17
A Swedish defenseman!! In this economy!!!

#18 - Winnipeg Jets* - Colby Barlow
Position: LW - Team: Owen Sound Attack (OHL) - 59GP - 46G - 33A - 79Pts

BREAKING: Winnipeg Jets land Orillia’s Colby Barlow
Barlow, a rugged winger, was named the youngest captain in Owen Sound’s history last year

#19 - Chicago Blackhawks - Oliver Moore
Position: C - Team: USNTDP - 84GP - 39G - 61A - 100Pts

*Pick originally belonged to Tampa Bay Lightning, acquired for Brandon Hagel

Chicago Blackhawks select Oliver Moore with No. 19 pick in 2023 NHL Draft
Moore is the fastest skater in the draft class, drawing comparisons to previous speedsters like Jack Hughes.

#20 - Seattle Kraken - Eduard Šalé
Position: RW - Team: HC Kometa Brno (Czechia) - 43GP - 7G - 7A - 14Pts

Kraken take forward Eduard Sale with 20th pick in 2023 NHL draft
The Kraken had a plethora of choices picking 20th at Wednesday’s opening of the NHL Draft but went after a left wing in Eduard Sale, 18, from Czechia.

#21 - Minnesota Wild - Charlie Stramel
Position: F - Team: University of Wisconsin (NCAA) - 33GP - 5G - 7A - 12Pts

Wild take Rosemount native Charlie Stramel in first round of 2023 NHL Draft
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Stramel currently plays center for the University of Wisconsin.

#22 - Philadelphia Flyers - Oliver Bonk
Position: D - Team: London Knights (OHL) - 67GP - 10G - 30A - 40Pts

*Pick originally belonged to LA Kings, acquired from Columbus in three way deal.

Flyers’ Oliver Bonk: High-floor, low-ceiling D goes 22nd
Flyers’ Oliver Bonk: High-floor, low-ceiling D goes 22nd

#23 - New York Rangers - Gabriel Perrault
Position: RW - Team: USNTDP - 86GP - 72G - 105A - 177Pts

Rangers select winger Gabriel Perreault with No. 23 pick in NHL draft
With their first-round pick in the NHL Draft, the Rangers are adding some offense.

#24 - Nashville Predators - Tanner Molendyk
Position: D - Team: Saskatoon Blades (WHL) - 67GP - 9G - 28A - 37Pts

*Pick originally belonged to Edmonton Oilers, acquired for Mattias Ekholm

Nashville Predators select Tanner Molendyk 24th overall
The #Preds have added D Tanner Molendyk with the 24th pick in the #NHLDraft.

#25 - St. Louis Blues - Otto Stenberg
Position: F - Team: Frölunda HC (Jr/SHL)
Jr: 29GP - 11G - 15A - 26Pts / SHL: 23GP - 1G - 2A - 3Pts

*Pick originally belonged to Toronto Maple Leafs, acquired for Ryan O'Reilly

St. Louis Blues Draft Otto Stenberg 25th Overall
With the 25th pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the St. Louis Blues have selected Otto Stenberg from Frölunda HC J20 of the J20 Nationell.

#26 - San Jose Sharks - Quentin Musty
Position: LW - Team: Sudbury Wolves (OHL) - 53GP - 26G - 52A - 78Pts

*Pick originally belonged to New Jersey Devils, acquired for Timo Meier

San Jose Sharks Draft Quentin Musty 26th Overall
With the 26th pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the San Jose Sharks have selected Quentin Musty from the Sudbury Wolves.

#27 - Colorado Avalanche - Callum Ritchie
Position: C - Team: Oshawa General (OHL) - 59GP - 24G - 35A - 59Pts

2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: C Calum Ritchie
The Colorado Avalanche hold the 27th overall selection in June 28’s NHL draft, and we’ll be beginning our draft prep with some profiles of players who may be available when the Avalanche make their pick. In addition to these profiles, CHN will also soon have draft commentary from a CHL scout, as wel…

#28 - Toronto Maple Leafs - Easton Cowan
Position: C - Team: London Knights (OHL) - 68GP - 20G - 33A - 53Pts

*Pick originally belonged to Boston Bruins, pick acquired in Rasmus Sandin trade from Washington

With the 28th pick in the 2023 Entry Draft, the Maple Leafs select
The Toronto Maple Leafs kept their 28th overall pick after all, and used it to select Easton Cowan from the London Knights.

#29 - St. Louis Blues - Theo Lindstein
Position: D - Team: Brynäs IF (Jr/SHL)
Jr: 14GP - 2G - 5A - 7Pts / SHL: 32GP - 1G - 1A - 2Pts

*Pick originally belonged to Dallas Stars, acquired from NY Rangers for Vladimir Tarasenko.

St. Louis Blues Draft Theo Lindstein 29th Overall
With the 29th pick of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the St. Louis Blues have selected Theo Lindstein from Brynas IF.

#30 - Carolina Hurricanes - Bradly Nadeau
Position: C - Team: Penticton Vees (BCHL) - 54GP - 45G - 68A - 113Pts

#31 - Colorado Avalanche - Mikhail Gulyayev
Position: D - Team: Omskie Yastreby (MHL) - 22GP - 2G - 23A - 25Pts

*Pick originally belonged to Florida Panthers, acquired from Montreal Canadiens for Alex Newhook

At pick No. 31 in the NHL Draft, the Avalanche take a defenseman
Mikhail Gulyayev is listed at 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, and the draft broadcast mentioned he could’ve been a top-5 pick if he were taller

#32 - Vegas Golden Knights - David Edstrom
Position: C - Frölunda HC (Jr/SHL)
Jr: 28GP - 15G - 13A - 28Pts / SHL: 11GP - 2G - 2A - 4Pts

David Edstrom - 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile
David Edstrom is a big, two-way centerman who has shot up draft boards following his breakout performance at the U18 World Juniors.

Whew, that's it. Round one is done.

No trades, surprisingly.

Round two begins tomorrow, June 29th. Coverage on Sportsnet begins at 11AM.