Nemec made his North American debut skating with the Utica Comets, the Devils' AHL affiliate. On July 2, Montréal Hockey Now's Marc Dumont reported Slafkovský is training in Czechia in preparation for rejoining the Canadiens in 2023-24. The 6'3', 238-pound left wing led the four first-rounders in this draft class to play in the NHL's 2022-23 campaign, tallying 10 points in 39 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury in January. Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovský Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. Here's a look at the status of the 32 players chosen in the opening round of the 2022 draft as per their order in that round. Most, however, returned to their respective Junior A, NCAA, or European league clubs to continue their development. Those players are basking in the same glow as those chosen a year ago in the first round of the 2022 draft in Montréal.Ī handful of those players, such as first-overall pick Juraj Slafkovský, made their NHL debuts in 2022-23. Some, like Chicago's Connor Bedard, chosen first overall, are projected to become superstars. They're the ones considered the most likely to reach the big league. It's been over two weeks since the 2023 NHL Draft was held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on June 27-28.īy now, every prospect chosen in that draft is adjusting to the fact that they've taken a big step on the path toward an NHL career, especially those chosen in the first round. 2022 1st overall pick Juraj Slafkovský poses with 2nd overall pick Šimon Nemec (left) and 3rd overall pick Logan Cooley.

Nhl 17 roster