COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.  – Six Americans were selected in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft tonight at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, and, for the fifth straight year, a player from USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program was among the top five picks. Will Smith (Lexington, Mass.) was selected fourth overall by the San Jose Sharks.

Oliver Moore (Mounds View, Minn.) joined his NTDP and 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship teammates as the next American called, going 19th overall to the Chicago Blackhawks. Moore is committed to the University of Minnesota.

Charlie Stramel (Rosemount, Minn.) of the University of Wisconsin was selected with the 21st pick by the Minnesota Wild. Also a product of the NTDP, Stramel helped team Team USA to a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.

The New York Rangers selected Gabe Perreault (Hinsdale, Ill.) with the 23rd pick. He set the NTDP record for most points (132) and assists (79) in a single season in 2022-23. Perreault, another Boston College commit, recorded 22 points, including seven goals, in eight games at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.

The sixth American selected in the first round was Quentin Musty (Hamburg, N.Y.) by the San Jose Sharks with the 26th pick.

The NHL Draft continues tomorrow (June 29) at 11 a.m. ET with rounds 2-7, and coverage will air live in the U.S. on NHL Network.

NOTES: The six players drafted represent four different states, including Illinois (1), Massachusetts (2), Minnesota (2), and New York (1) … Five of the six American players drafted tonight have spent time with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program … The USHL, the only Tier I hockey league in the United States, had six first round draft picks, tied for the most of any league.