The selections and the surprises of the first round of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft were discussed on the latest episode of the "NHL Draft Class" podcast.
Co-hosts Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale were joined by several of the top prospects moments after they were selected at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, including Connor Bedard, the No. 1 pick by the Chicago Blackhawks.
"It was crazy," Bedard said. "It's hard to put into words. To be here with my family and stand up and give them a hug, it was incredible. The history behind the organization and the fan support, everything there, it's incredible."
Leo Carlsson, the No. 2 pick by the Anaheim Ducks and Adam Fantilli, the No. 3 selection by the Columbus Blue Jackets, also joined the show to discuss their big nights.
Fantilli also discussed the custom suit and vest he wore, which included the names of everyone he felt helped him along the way, topped by his parents and his older brother, Luca Fantilli.
"On the back of my vest I've got a list of everyone that's helped me," Fantilli said. "To give my jacket away and walk down the whole way with my vest showing, I wanted them to know they're walking up there with me."
Kimelman and Morreale also covered their surprises and standout selections from the first round Wednesday.
The podcast is free, and listeners can subscribe on all podcast platforms, including iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts. It also is available on NHL.com/multimedia/podcasts and the NHL app.
