Gary Bettman Conducts 2023 NHL Draft Lottery

Bettman Oversees Live Event Determining First 16 Picks

Chicago Blackhawks Win Connor Bedard Sweepstakes

The 2023 NHL Draft Lottery, held live on the NHL's official YouTube channel, determined the order of selection for the first 16 picks in the first round of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft. Gary Bettman, the NHL's commissioner, oversaw the event. The Chicago Blackhawks emerged victorious, securing the No. 1 pick and the rights to highly touted prospect Connor Bedard.

The NHL has used a lottery system to determine draft order since the 2014-15 season, with the weighting system changed for the 2023 event. The order is determined by a combination of lottery, regular season standing, and playoff results.

Entering the lottery, the Anaheim Ducks were considered the favorite to win this year's lottery. However, the Blackhawks ultimately prevailed, bolstering their rebuild plans with the top overall pick.