Arizona Coyotes selected Dmitri Simashevat the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgeport Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. 

To no one’s surprise, the Chicago Blackhawks kicked off the night with Connor Bedard as the No. 1 pick, followed by Leo Carlsson and Adam Fantilli.

Simshev is a Russian defenseman for Yaroslavl. The Coyotes can look forward to the advantage his size and mobility will bring to the team.

FloHockey Mock Draft 2.0

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Wednesday determines the first-round picks and the remaining rounds will continue on June 29.

The FloHockey Mock Draft predicted Dalibor Dvorsky to be chosen by the Coyotes specifically because of their need to strengthen their defense.

Watch Dmitri Simashev Join The Arizona Coyotes! 

IT’S OFFICIAL! Dmitri Simashev is the next Coyote. Welcome to the desert, Dmitri! ?️ pic.twitter.com/QPM6RNA70X

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 29, 2023

Dmitri Simashev Unexpectedly Goes 6th Overall Pick At NHL Draft 2023

At pick 6, the Coyotes have selected LHD Dmitri Simashev. Simashev is a defensive stalwart with incredible size and skating. He was so impressive in his KHL games this year as he consistently shutdown rushes and had no issues handling the speed and physicality of the league.

— Jordan Harris (@Jordan_NHLDraft) June 28, 2023

Scouting Report: No. 6 Arizona Coyotes Select: Dmitri Simashev, D

Dmitri Simashev was No. 28 on our Top 100, but that had a lot more to do with the Russian factor and the uncertainty surrounding Russians because of geo-political issues. Simashev is a 6-foot-4 defenseman who defends at a high level and skates extremely well. His offensive upside is limited as I don't think he'll be a big point producer which gives me concern about his long-term projection and if he can be a top-pairing defenseman. His ability to defend though is exceptional. He has so many skills that will allow him to play at a high level and play a lot of minutes, but if he adds more offense, he'll be even better.

-Chris Peters

NHL Draft 2023 Order

1. Chicago Blackhawks- Connor Bedard
2. Anaheim Ducks - Leo Carlsson 
3. Columbus Blue Jackets - Adam Fantilli
4. San Jose Sharks - Will Smith
5. Montreal Canadiens - David Reinbacher
6. Arizona Coyotes - Dmitri Simashev
7. Philadelphia Flyers
8. Washington Capitals
9. Detroit Red Wings
10. St. Louis Blues
11. Vancouver Canucks
12. Arizona  Coyotes (from Ottowa)
13. Buffalo Sabres
14. Pittsburgh Penguins
15. Nashville Predators
16. Calgary Flames
17. Detroit Red Wings (from New York)
18. Winnipeg Jets
19. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay) 
20. Seattle Kraken
21. Minnesota Wild
22. Philadelphia Flyers(from Los Angeles) 
23. NY Rangers
24. Nashville  Predators (from Edmonton)
25. St. Louis Blues (from Toronto)
26. San Jose Sharks(From New Jersey)
27. Colorado Avalanche
28. Toronto Maple Leafs (From Boston)
29. St. Louis Blues (From Dallas)
30. Carolina Hurricanes
31. Montreal Canadiens (from Florida) 
32. Vegas Golden Knights

How to Watch the NHL Draft 2023

The NHL draft first round will air on ESPN, ESPN+ and the rest on the NHL Network.

FloHockey’s podcast, Talking Hockey Sense, is providing breakdowns before and during the draft.