Matvei Michkov had one wish granted when the Philadelphia Flyers selected him seventh overall in the 2023 NHL draft Wednesday night. But he has another wish for his NHL career: To honor his late father by lifting the Stanley Cup.

Michkov's father, Andrei, died in April at the age of 51, according to the Russian Hockey Federation.

Matvei Michkov, an 18-year-old right wing who played for the Russian national team, was thinking about his late father as he wore a Flyers jersey for the first time.

"Right now, it's important for me to finish the goal that my dad had for me, and that's winning the Stanley Cup," he said through an interpreter.

The Anaheim Ducks made it known they were going to take a center with the second pick of Thursday night's NHL draft, but they kept whom they were going to select a secret.

Many considered University of Michigan freshman Adam Fantilli the favorite, but the Ducks instead opted to take Orebro HK center Leo Carlsson, presenting the first bit of intrigue on draft night after the Chicago Blackhawks used the No. 1 overall pick on Regina Pats center Connor Bedard.

"I had a meeting with the Ducks yesterday," Carlsson told reporters after he was drafted. "I had a good feeling."

The Chicago Blackhawks made the obvious official Wednesday night, selecting Regina Pats center Connor Bedard with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft.

Bedard, 17, has been called a generational talent thanks to his shooting ability and puck possession skills. The North Vancouver native was the most hyped prospect since Connor McDavid was drafted first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2015.

From banner raising to outdoor games to a full plate on the Friday after Thanksgiving, NHL fans can plan their season after Tuesday's release of the 2023-24 league schedule.

The Stanley Cup champion Las Vegas Golden Knights face the Seattle Kraken on Oct. 10 to round out the opening-day slate.

Connor Bedard, this year's projected No. 1 overall pick in the NHL draft, might play his first NHL game that night. Chicago -- which owns the first pick in Wednesday's opening round -- is scheduled to play Pittsburgh, and most believe Bedard is NHL-ready.

Connor Bedard still isn't ready to admit what the rest of the hockey world has long assumed: that he'll be selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in this month's NHL draft.

"If they decide to take me, that would be unbelievable," the 17-year-old forward told reporters Monday ahead of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. "But we'll see what happens."