FOUR KNIGHTS SELECTED IN 2023 NHL DRAFT
The London Knights extended their CHL record of 55 straight years of having a player drafted into the NHL after Knights rookies Oliver Bonk and Easton Cowan were selected on Wednesday night in Nashville.
Second generation talent Oliver Bonk would be the next OHL player selected, hearing his name called by the Philadelphia Flyers with the 22nd overall pick. Bonk’s selection extended the London Knights’ CHL record run of 55 straight years of a player chosen at the NHL Draft. The son of former third overall NHL Draft pick Radek Bonk, Oliver took huge strides in his first full OHL season, recording 40 points (10-30–40) in 67 games for the Western Conference champions.
London Knights winger Easton Cowan completed the run of OHL selections, being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs at 28th overall. Cowan, who emerged as a key performer for the Western Conference champion Knights in the OHL Playoffs, put up 21 points (9-12–21) in 20 postseason contests. The Mt. Brydges, Ont. native joins teammate Oliver Bonk to give the Knights multiple first round picks at the NHL Draft for the first time since 2018 (Evan Bouchard, Liam Foudy).
Denver Barkey was the Knights first pick on day two of the draft going off the board and joining Oliver Bonk with the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round at 95th overall. Barkey finished fifth in OHL playoff scoring and helped the Knights reach the OHL Finals in just his second season in London.
Jacob Julien was the fourth Knight off the board to the Winnipeg Jets in round five at 146th overall. Julien signed with the Knights in November after a strong start to the season with the GOJHL’s London Nationals. Julien was the Knights third selection in the 2021 U18 Priority Selection and now joins the Winnipeg Jets ahead of his second season in the OHL.
The Knights all-time record for players drafted into the NHL now stands at 195, good for first among in junior/amateur hockey team in the world. The newly NHL drafted Knights will head to their respective development camps ahead of training camp in London in August. Looking ahead to the 2024 NHL Draft, Knights first time eligibles Sam Dickinson, Sam O’Reilly, and William Nicholl will all look to continue the Knights streak and strong tradition in the NHL Draft.
