Analyzing the Pick: Matthew Wood

When the Nashville Predators selected him at No. 15 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, University of Connecticut winger Matthew Wood became the highest draft pick in school history… for hockey, that is.

"It's a really big honor," Wood said, smirking as he added, "I saw a couple guys in the NBA Draft come from UConn the other day, I think [Jordan] Hawkins went 14th, so he got me by one."

Wood, who turned 18 in February, was the youngest player in NCAA Division I hockey this season and has quickly become one of the best prospects the NCAA has to offer. Appearing in 35 games for the Huskies in 2022-23, he led his team in assists (23) and total points (34). He was a model of consistency, recording at least a point in 25 of his 35 games played and never going more than two consecutive games without finding the scoresheet.

Wood said he models his game after Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson, a UConn alumnus, and credits the culture of the UConn hockey program for allowing his game to flourish during his freshman season.

"I think that's a huge credit to the UConn culture, the coaches there and my teammates," Wood said. "They were able to welcome me and take care of me and show me how it's done a bit. I was able to set my role and try and step in and play the best I can, try to win as many games as I can. I'm really grateful that they were able to accept me. I love it there."

Wood came to UConn following a stint with the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL, where he scored 45 goals and racked up 85 points in only 46 games during the 2021-22 season. Finishing with the most goals and points by a rookie, Wood won both the Brett Hull Trophy as the BCHL's top scorer and the Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy as the BCHL Rookie of the Year.

The Nanaimo, B.C., native won gold with Team Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he produced at a point-per-game pace (2g-3a-5pts, 5gp) and earned a bronze medal at the 2023 U-18 World Championship, finishing atop his country in goals (7) and second in both assists (tied, 6) and points (13).

NHL Central Scouting describes Wood as "a big power forward who has a deadly shot from anywhere in the attacking zone. He has a great one-timer. Very effective at getting open and setting himself up to shoot. A pure goal scorer at every level he has played."

Wood has a lethal wrist shot that he isn't afraid to unleash, averaging roughly three per game this season. At 6-foot-4, 197 pounds, he could have an incredibly high ceiling at the NHL level if he continues to hone his skills and raw talent.

"I'd say I'm an offensive threat and I can score from anywhere," Wood said. "I can make plays too and set guys up. I'd say I think I can score anytime I'm on the ice for sure."

Wood and No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard were teammates together in minor hockey, playing spring hockey together on the Vancouver Vipers for five seasons (2015-19). Their friendship included being billet brothers as 14-year-olds when Wood lived with the Bedard family and the pair would have shooting competitions in Bedard's infamous backyard practice area.

"[Bedard's] family was unbelievable to me," Wood said. "They're really great people - down to earth. He works unbelievably hard. He's been a pro since he was six years old. He's going to be a super special talent… He's a true pro and I'm really happy for him."

As far as what's next for Wood, he intends to take things "one day at a time." He will attend Predators Development Camp from July 1-6 in Nashville and plans to return to UConn next season.

"I'm trying to get better in every aspect," Wood said. "I've really been focusing this summer on a bit of acceleration and a bit of strength as well. I think I'm going to be able to show what I've worked on throughout the summer next season."