The Montreal Canadiens might not have the first overall pick this summer, but they still have plenty of picks to help alter their franchise for the better at the upcoming 2023 NHL Draft.
The Montreal Canadiens are heading in the right direction. Their recent contract news regarding Cole Caufield will definitely benefit the team for years to come, and the 2023 NHL Draft is the next spot to improve the organization.
All the draft picks the Montreal Canadiens have for the 2023 NHL Draft
The 2023 NHL Draft is scheduled for Wednesday June 28, and Thursday June 29 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Canadiens have a handful of picks available to them this summer thanks to some trades bringing in four additional picks outside of their own this upcoming draft.
For the second year in a row, an original six team will draft the first overall, unfortunately it is not the Canadiens this summer. The Chicago Blackhawks won the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery and will pick first overall, a position the Canadiens are familiar with after draft Juraj Slafkovsky first overall last season.
So, let’s discuss the picks the Montreal Canadiens have. Going into the draft, the Canadiens have 11 picks. The 2023 NHL Draft class has the potential to be a big benefit to the Canadiens organization. Here is where the team is drafting.
Montreal Canadiens 2023 Draft Pick Positions:
Round 1: Fifth Overall
Round 1: 31 or 32 Overall*
Round 2: 37 Overall
Round 3: 69 Overall
Round 4: 101 Overall
Round 4: 110 Overall (Pittsburgh)
Round 4: 128 Overall (Vegas)
Round 5: 133 Overall
Round 5: 144 Overall
Round 6: 165 Overall
Round 7: 197 Overall
The Canadiens second first round pick was originally the Florida Panthers. Should the Panthers find a way to win the Stanley Cup the pick will be the last in the first round, but if they lose it will be the 31 pick in the draft.
Last summer the Canadiens drafted twice in each of the first three rounds adding a lot of talent to their organization. While they do not have as many first round picks this time around, they will be making some big selections this summer as well.