University of Connecticut Athletics
Matthew Wood taken 15 overall in NHL Draft by Nashville Preadators
6/28/2023 10:07:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
STORRS, Conn. -Â UConn rising sophomore Matthew Wood (Nanaimo, British Columbia) became the highest draft pick in program history when he was drafted by the Nashville Predators with the 15th overall pick Wednesday night from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Â
Wood becomes the second Husky to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft, joining former UConn and NHL star Tage Thompson, and the 23rd UConn player drafted. Wood now becomes the fifth NHL prospect on the UConn roster, joining Chase Bradley (Detroit/ 7th RD/2020), Nick Capone (Tampa Bay/ 6th RD/2020), Samu Salminen (New Jersey/ 3rd RD/2021) and Arsenii Sergeev (Calgary/ 7th RD/2021). Â
In the final NHL Draft Prosect Rankings released by NHL Central Scouting, Wood was ranked 4th among North American skaters. He was the 2nd NCAA skater listed following Michigan's and Hobey Baker Award winner Adam Fantilli.Â
The 6-3 winger enjoyed a breakout rookie season where he finished first on the team in scoring with 34 points on 11 goals and 23 assists. As the season progressed, Wood continued to improve and impress, becoming a key factor during 5 on 5 hockey and on the power play. He finished the year third among rookies in total points and goals and finished second in assists with 23.  Â
Following the season Wood represented Team Canada at the U-18 World's where he helped lead Canada to a bronze medal. In the tournament, Wood scored seven goals which was highlighted by a hat trick and dished out six assists for thirteen points.Â
Wood joins Jordan Hawkins (New Orleans Pelicans/NBA) and Lou Lopez Sénéchal (Dallas Wings/WNBA) as UConn athletes drafted in the first round of their respective 2023 drafts. UConn is  the only school in the NCAA to feature a first round pick in the NHL, NBA, and WNBA, while UConn and Michigan are the only two schools in the NCAA to feature a top 15 draft pick in teh NBA,NHL, and WNBA.Â
