The 2023 NHL Entry Draft was the 61st NHL Draft, held from June 28, 2023, to June 29, 2023, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. Players drafted from Massachusetts include Will Smith, Ryan Leonard, Sean Kehone and Matt Copponi.  

Will Smith: Will Smith, born on March 17, 2005, is a 6-foot, 180-pound center from Lexington, MA. Will was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the 1st round (No. 4 overall). Will’s youth team was the Boston Jr. Eagles, from there Will went to play on the U.S. National team and USA Hockey’s NTDP. Will is committed to play at Boston College this fall.  

Ryan Leonard: Ryan Leonard, born January 21, 2005, is a 6-foot, 190-pound right wing from Amherst, MA. Ryan was selected by the Washington Capitals in the 1st round (No. 8 overall). Ryan grew up playing for the Springfield Rifles then went on to play for the U.S. National Team and USA Hockey’s NTDP. Ryan is committed to play at Boston College this fall.  

Sean Keohane: Sean, born on November 4, 2004, is a 6-foot-4, 195-pound defenseman from Milton, MA. Sean was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 6th round (No. 173 overall). Sean grew up playing for the Cape Cod Whalers and went on to play at Dexter Southfield School, serving as captain his senior year. Notably, Sean was named a recipient of the John Carlton Memorial Trophy this year. This award is given annually by the Boston Bruins to the outstanding athletes in Massachusetts high school or junior hockey. Sean is committed to play at Harvard for the 2024-2025 season after playing for the Tri-City Storm in Nebraska this coming season.  

Matt Copponi: Matt, born June 4, 2003 is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound center from Mansfield, MA. Matt was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the 7th round (No. 216 overall). Matt grew up playing for the Neponset Vally River Rats and went on to play at Dexter Southfield School and is currently a player at Merrimack College.  

Congratulations to the four Massachusetts draft picks and their families! For more information on the 2023 NHL Draft please visit: https://www.nhl.com/nhl-draft