Analysis for all 32 first-round picks

Welcome to the 2023 NHL draft. From the first round all the way to pick No. 224, this page will be your home for tracking every selection, including notes on team fit for the 32 players taken in the first round from Ryan S. Clark, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski.

ESPN will broadcast the first round of the draft, with a simulcast on ESPN+. Rounds 2 through 7 will take place on Thursday, beginning at 11 a.m. ET, and will be broadcast on the NHL Network, with a stream available on ESPN+.

More: Prospect rankings
Kevin Weekes’ mock
Draft week buzz
Connor Bedard’s rise

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Team: Regina (WHL) | Rank: NAS1
DOB: 07/17/05 | Ht: 5-9.75 | Wt: 185 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 57 | G: 71 | A: 72 | P: 143

How he fits: There’s a reason why this was colloquially known as the “Bedard Draft.” Bedard is considered by several evaluators as a generational talent. He gives the rebuilding Blackhawks a playmaking center who is also prolific. The 17-year-old scored 71 goals and 143 points for the Regina Pats in the WHL this season. Everything Bedard provides is why there is a belief he can be the face of a new Blackhawks era with the club entering its first season without Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews for the first time since 2007. — Wyshynski

Team: Orebro (SWEDEN) | Rank: INS1
DOB: 12/26/04 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 198 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 44 | G: 10 | A: 15 | P: 25

How he fits: Getting a center was a priority for the Ducks, who had a number of options. They surprised a number of people by taking Leo Carlsson. The 6-foot-3 center showcased his skills across all levels in 2022-23 by playing for Orebro in the SHL, the highest division of Swedish hockey and when he represented Sweden in various international competitions. The hulking two-way center adds to what was an already promising nucleus that has Jamie Drysdale, Mason Marchment, Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. — Wyshynski

Team: Michigan (BIG10) | Rank: NAS2
DOB: 10/12/04 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 195 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 36 | G: 30 | A: 35 | P: 65

How he fits: Columbus absolutely needed a player like Adam Fantilli — and Anaheim’s surprising selection of Leo Carlsson at No. 2 left Fantilli at the Blue Jackets’ feet. Fantilli — a standout freshman at the University of Michigan and the reigning Hobey Baker winner as the NCAA’s top men’s hockey player — is an imposing center who will immediately make Columbus more dangerous down the middle (assuming, of course, he decides to leave the college scene). Regardless of when Fantilli slots in, he’ll be able to drive his own line, elevate teammates and generate consistent production across the board. He already put together a 65-point season for the Wolverines. What would his NHL output look like out of the gate? After the bitterly disappointing season the Blue Jackets just endured, they have to hope that answer comes sooner than later. — Shilton

Team: USA U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: NAS3
DOB: 03/17/05 | Ht: 5-11.75 | Wt: 181 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 52 | G: 42 | A: 62 | P: 104

How he fits: The first thing we can recognize about Will Smith — a center from the U.S. National Team Development program — is he’s got a healthy sense of humor: The Sharks’ draftee chose as his walk-out song after being selected the theme song to — naturally — “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Gotta appreciate that. What San Jose will appreciate is the high-end skill set Smith brings to its ranks. A smart two-way center, Smith is a gifted puck handler and primetime playmaker who can make skaters around him better and contribute on special teams, particularly in a penalty killing role. And given the rebuilding mode San Jose has been through in recent years the promise of what Smith will eventually add on a regular basis has to be truly exciting. Smith is a spark plug who should eventually be a top-line skater for the Sharks. — Shilton

Team: Kloten (SWISS) | Rank: INS5
DOB: 10/25/04 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 185 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 46 | G: 3 | A: 19 | P: 22

How he fits: We finally have a defenseman off the board! And — fun fact — Reinbacher was plucked in the same No. 5 spot as fellow Austrian Thomas Vanek was in 2003. The 18-year-old Reinbacher — a right-shot blueliner — played last season with Switzerland’s top professional league team HC Kloten and excelled with ample opportunity in a productive season (three goals, 22 points in 46 games, the most points by a draft-eligible player in that league’s history). Reinbacher was rolled out in every situation for Kloten, and that bodes well for Montreal, who can add Reinbacher to their growing stable of burgeoning young talents that will carry the franchise forward for seasons to come. While Reinbacher will remain overseas for the coming season with school obligations to fulfill, there should be plenty of runway ahead for him in the NHL. — Shilton

Team: Yaroslavl Jr. (RUSSIA) | Rank: INS19
DOB: 02/04/05 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 198 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 33 | G: 1 | A: 11 | P: 12

How he fits: The Coyotes took the Russian. No, not that Russian. With phenom Matvei Michkov still available, Arizona swerved and selected defenseman Dmitriy Simashev of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL. The 18-year-old is 6-foot-4 with great skating ability and speed. He played 18 games in the KHL last season in addition to 33 in the lower-level MHL. He’s a physical presence on whom the Coyotes can wait. Obviously, they’re a team that has needs in every area. A surprise, as many mock drafts had him going outside the top 10. But GM Bill Armstrong has earned the benefit of the doubt as a draft expert. — Wyshynski

Team: SKA St. Petersburg (RUSSIA) | Rank: INS2
DOB: 12/09/04 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 172 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 30 | G: 9 | A: 11 | P: 20

How he fits: This is excellent for the Flyers. Might it be the steal of the draft? The Russian winger is signed in the KHL through the 2025-26 season though, which would give rebuilding Philadelphia time to prepare for Michkov to eventually be a prime factor in their offense. He certainly has the potential. Michkov is a skilled winger who is creative with the puck, has an excellent shot, is strong around the net and possesses a distinct slippery quality that makes him hard to contain all over the ice. Last season with the KHL’s Sochi HC, Michkov put up nine goals and 20 points in 27 games. Not bad for an 18-year-old, right? The Flyers could have just made a franchise-altering choice in Nashville. — Shilton

Team: USA U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: NAS5
DOB: 01/21/05 | Ht: 5-11.5 | Wt: 192 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 49 | G: 42 | A: 34 | P: 76

How he fits: Washington lands itself a power forward out of the NTDP. Leonard is no stranger to big moments — he scored the overtime game-winner for Team USA to secure a gold medal for his nation at the most recent U18 tournament — and seems to shine in every situation. Leonard boasts a hard, accurate shot, and has a similarly hard-nosed approach to his work ethic, hounding pucks and laying hits. There’s a deceptiveness in Leonard’s game that makes him hard to track, and a pair of dangerous hands helped him pump in 11 goals and 20 points in 17 tournament games last season. That combination of size, skill and grittiness should translate well for Leonard in Washington, and what should be a projected top-six forward role. — Shilton

Team: Brandon (WHL) | Rank: NAS7
DOB: 09/27/04 | Ht: 6-1.5 | Wt: 185 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 68 | G: 33 | A: 45 | P: 78

How he fits: The Red Wings went with another skilled forward in Danielson. A standout with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings, Danielson put up 33 goals and 78 points in 68 games last season. He’s a particularly strong player off the rush and gains speed entering the zone to throw defensemen into a spin cycle. Danielson’s strong skating allows him to get creative attacking the zone and finding holes. — Shilton

Team: AIK (SWEDEN) | Rank: INS3
DOB: 06/15/05 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 201 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 38 | G: 6 | A: 8 | P: 14

How he fits: The Blues select a player in Dvorsky who should immediately be one of their organization’s top prospects. The 18-year-old has been playing against top European talents with AIK of the Swedish League, adding six goals and 14 points in 38 games last season. A smart two-way center, Dvorsky has good vision, slick hands and an attack-first mentality that allowed him to set up teammates quickly. Dvorsky handles pressure well and doesn’t often appear overwhelmed. He’ll add plenty for St. Louis when the time comes for him to arrive in North America. — Clark

Team: Rogle Jr. (SWEDEN) | Rank: INS12
DOB: 02/09/05 | Ht: 6-1.25 | Wt: 180 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 39 | G: 4 | A: 21 | P: 25

How he fits: The Canucks had a number of organizational needs given they entered the draft with what’s considered to be one of the weaker farm systems. Drafting Willander, who was something of a late riser entering the draft, gives them a young defenseman that could someday be part of a blue line that features Filip Hronek and Quinn Hughes. Willander had four goals and 25 points playing in the J20 Nationell, the highest division of junior hockey in Sweden. His transition to the North American game will begin next season when he enrolls at Boston University. — Clark

Team: Yaroslavl Jr. (RUSSIA) | Rank: INS9
DOB: 02/15/05 | Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 203 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 32 | G: 18 | A: 14 | P: 32

How he fits: Having drafted Simashev, the Coyotes once again returned to Russia by selecting But. Practically every conversation about But starts with his imposing size, with the 18-year-old standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 203 pounds. His arrival gives the Coyotes, who are thought to have one of the stronger farm systems, another potential high-end forward. Daniil spent most of the season in the MHL, which is the top Russian junior league. He scored 15 goals and 26 points in 26 games with Loko Yaroslavl. The expectation is that he will spend next season playing against older and more physically developed competition for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL. — Clark

Team: Winnipeg (WHL) | Rank: NAS6
DOB: 05/12/05 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 163 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 60 | G: 36 | A: 62 | P: 98

How he fits: Drafting and/or developing forwards with promise and upside has been one of the hallmarks of the Sabres’ rebuild. It appears that Benson has a chance to be the latest forward who could join that group. Just look at what he accomplished in his second full season. Benson went from 25 goals and 63 points in 58 games in his first year to bursting through to score 36 goals and 98 points in 60 games with the Winnipeg Ice. Benson has been a massive part of the Ice’s playoff success as he has combined to score 16 goals and 40 points in 30 postseason contests over the last two seasons. — Clark

Team: Moose Jaw (WHL) | Rank: NAS11
DOB: 01/03/05 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 166 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 67 | G: 28 | A: 50 | P: 78

How he fits: Adding high-end talent to a farm system in need of it is what made selecting Yager so alluring for the Penguins. He’s shown gradual improvement through his first two-plus seasons with the Moose Jaw Warriors. Yager went from 34 goals and 59 points in his first full season to 28 goals and 78 points in his second campaign. Then there’s what he did in the WHL playoffs. Yager was one of the more dominant postseason performers with six goals and 16 points in 10 games. — Clark

Team: UConn (H-EAST) | Rank: NAS4
DOB: 02/06/05 | Ht: 6-3.5 | Wt: 193 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 35 | G: 11 | A: 23 | P: 34

How he fits: Nashville adds impressive size with Wood, a towering winger from the University of Connecticut. The 18-year-old is coming off a nearly point-per-game campaign (11 goals and 34 points in 35 games last season) and he’ll continue to develop at the NCAA for at least a couple more years before the Predators pull him up to the NHL ranks. But Wood is an enticing long-term prospect once he learns to use his body to his advantage and can challenge at the professional level while wielding the same skill he’s shown already as a college freshman. — Shilton

Team: Vancouver (WHL) | Rank: NAS9
DOB: 11/12/04 | Ht: 6-3.5 | Wt: 186 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 43 | G: 23 | A: 33 | P: 56

How he fits: The Flames have a solid north-south prospect in Honzek, with potential to be a complementary player within their top-six down the road or even in a third-line shutdown role. The 6-foot-4 winger had a great season with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants last year pocketing 23 goals and 56 points in 43 games. But it’s not just Honzek’s nose for the net that’s appealing; he protects the puck well, can change direction on a dime and maximizes body position to be a threat throughout the offensive zone. The more Honzek can keep growing into his body and continue to grow at both ends of the ice, the better for Calgary. — Shilton

Team: Skelleftea Jr. (SWEDEN) | Rank: INS7
DOB: 03/11/05 | Ht: 5-10.75 | Wt: 176 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 31 | G: 16 | A: 20 | P: 36

How he fits: Steve Yzerman and Co. went for a true offensive defenseman prospect in Pellikka. Considered by some scouts to be the best blueliner available in the draft, Pellikka fits into what the Red Wings ultimately want to be, which is a deep skill team. Pellikka is often compared to Kris Letang — he’s dangerous with the puck on his stick with the shot and vision to match. But Pellikka is a solid defender around his own net and along the boards, too. Detroit may not be in a win-now position, but by the time Pellikka is joining their bench the Red Wings should be fully ready to benefit from his two-way contributions. — Shilton

Team: Owen Sound (OHL) | Rank: NAS12
DOB: 02/14/05 | Ht: 6-0.25 | Wt: 190 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 59 | G: 46 | A: 33 | P: 79

How he fits: The Jets go with an old school-type choice in Barlow. Brimming with intangibles and boasting a great one-timer, Barlow had an incredible year with the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack last year (46 goals and 79 points in 59 games). At 18, Barlow was the youngest captain in Attack history, a nod to those leadership skills that make Barlow an even more intriguing prospect for the Jets’ system. Barlow is willing to go where other players aren’t — the “dirty areas” if you will — but he’s bringing so much offensive upside with him, from excellent anticipation and playmaking to a special way of simply reading the ice. Winnipeg has to expect Barlow’s game will transition well into an important role with their team once he’s finished developing a little further. — Shilton

Team: USA U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: NAS8
DOB: 01/22/05 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 188 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 53 | G: 26 | A: 38 | P: 64

How he fits: Chicago already got Connor Bedard. Now they’ve landed one of the best — if not the best — skaters available in this draft. Moore wasn’t a top line forward with the U.S. National Team Development program, but that speed still allowed him to be a dynamic presence. The way he can accelerate, enter the zone and get a shot off with enviable speed is what makes Moore a special prospect. His skill set brings to mind another USNTD product — Detroit captain Dylan Larkin — and the fact Moore generates the way he does without necessarily being surrounded by the best players on his wing bodes well for his future. — Shilton

Team: Brno (CZECHIA) | Rank: INS4
DOB: 03/10/05 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 174 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 43 | G: 7 | A: 7 | P: 14

How he fits: Seattle prioritizes its depth over being particularly flashy, and Sale definitely fits that bill. He’s a solid, responsible player all around who can add offensively. Sale had seven goals and 14 points in 43 games with the Czech league’s Brno Kometa last season, but his greatest strength might be as a playmaker. Sale sees the ice well and finds teammates quickly with a pass-first mentality and light touch with the puck. The Kraken could likely see Sale slotting into a number of different spots, from a top-six spot or even a larger supporting role on their third line. Ultimately Sale works well with others, and that’s the collective mindset GM Ron Francis has been cultivating for the Kraken. — Shilton

Team: Wisconsin (BIG10) | Rank: NAS30
DOB: 10/15/04 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 212 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 33 | G: 5 | A: 7 | P: 12

How he fits: The first knock on Stramel is that he’s coming off a difficult freshman season at the University of Wisconsin (he tallied just five goals and 12 points in 33 games). However, there is a good deal of upside here. He’s a big center (6-foot-3, 212 points) with enough grit to his game that he can be a challenge to contain, especially under pressure. At his best, Stramel excels in tight on a goaltender and can pull off the little plays that add up to pay big dividends on the scoresheet. Plus he can elevate linemates and shows signs of being a consistent playmaker. If Stramel was underwhelming as a college newcomer, it only proves there’s room for him to continue growing — and that’s what Wild GM Bill Guerin is banking on. — Shilton

Team: London (OHL) | Rank: NAS20
DOB: 01/09/05 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 180 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 67 | G: 10 | A: 30 | P: 40

How he fits: Philadelphia grabbed a dynamic scoring threat in Michkov. Now, the Flyers go with the classic shutdown defensive prospect with Bonk. He backtracks well, protects the puck, forces opponents into turnovers and really just showcases a simple game on the blue line. At 6-foot-2, Bonk can push skaters to the outside and allow his goaltender to see the puck. There’s offensive upside for Bonk too; he had 10 goals and 40 points in 67 games with the OHL’s London Knights last season, and put up exceptional puck possession numbers, especially in the postseason. Bonk will be a stabilizing force on the Flyers’ back end when he’s prepared to make the NHL jump. — Shilton

Team: USA U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: NAS10
DOB: 05/07/05 | Ht: 5-10.75 | Wt: 165 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 55 | G: 46 | A: 64 | P: 110

How he fits: The Rangers snagged Perreault lower than he was projected to go. But for New York, he was the definition of best available. Perreault has faced criticism for his skating and speed, but he’s got a wide-ranging skill set that starts with a high hockey IQ that makes him deceptive and able to make plays all over the offensive zone. Perreault had a wildly productive season with the NTDP last season. Like most young players, Perreault will need to improve his defensive skills over time, but the bones of his game are strong. Plus, Perreault’s father Yanick played 859 NHL games, so his son certainly has a strong sounding board on how to translate what he already does well to the NHL level. — Shilton

Team: Saskatoon (WHL) | Rank: NAS28
DOB: 02/03/05 | Ht: 5-11.5 | Wt: 182 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 67 | G: 9 | A: 28 | P: 37

How he fits: Nashville went slightly off the board with Molendyk, a puck-moving defenseman with some high-end potential with continued growth. Molendyk is a great skater who won’t be outworked by speedier opponents. At 5-foot-11, Molendyk isn’t the biggest blueliner, but he’ll still land a hit and doesn’t back down when pushing forwards to the outside in his own end. There’s plenty of precision in Molendyk’s stick work, too. Over time he’ll hone and refine those skills to be a more well-rounded NHLer for the Predators. — Shilton

Team: Frolunda Jr. (SWEDEN) | Rank: INS6
DOB: 05/29/05 | Ht: 5-11.25 | Wt: 180 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 29 | G: 11 | A: 15 | P: 26

How he fits: St. Louis goes for a steady possession player in Stenberg. He didn’t come up with much offense last season playing against men with Frolunda HC of the Swedish League, but Stenberg projects to be more a defensive-minded, two-way forward for the Blues to potentially use in bottom-six role as opposed to a flashier top-line spot. Stenberg has a warrior mentality to him, and that grittiness can come in handy to have throughout a team’s ranks. — Shilton

Team: Sudbury (OHL) | Rank: NAS14
DOB: 07/06/05 | Ht: 6-1.75 | Wt: 200 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 53 | G: 26 | A: 52 | P: 78

How he fits: There is a jack-of-all-trades quality to Musty. He came up with the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves with excellent output (26 goals and 78 points in 53 games last season) and has been a little of everything — playmaker, goal-scorer, and savvy on defense with vision off the rush. Musty is strong along the boards dislodging pucks, and works well in transition. The Sharks have to keep restocking the cupboards to eventually become contenders again, and Musty projects to be a forward they can roll out in a number of roles when the time comes for his NHL debut. — Shilton

Team: Oshawa (OHL) | Rank: NAS13
DOB: 01/21/05 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 185 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 59 | G: 24 | A: 35 | P: 59

How he fits: The Avalanche might have another sleeper hit on their hands with Ritchie. The 18-year-old worked through a shoulder injury last season that limited his game, but Ritchie still produced at a point-per-game pace with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Ritchie is a smart player — he anticipates an opponent well, and can react accordingly (and quickly) to make something happen for himself or a teammate. When healthy, there aren’t a ton of gaping holes in Ritchie’s skill set. He could give Colorado a talent down the road that far outpaces where Ritchie was ultimately selected in this draft. — Shilton

Team: London (OHL) | Rank: NAS51
DOB: 05/20/05 | Ht: 5-10.5 | Wt: 170 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 68 | G: 20 | A: 33 | P: 53

How he fits: Toronto takes another London Knight off the board with Cowan, who kept improving throughout last season (he finished with 20 goals and 53 points in 68 games). Cowan is strong in transition, and can compete with high-end skaters off the rush. His intelligence and creativity will create opportunities others don’t necessarily see. While Cowan might not have been one of the highest rated skaters coming into this draft, he certainly impressed the Leafs’ scouts enough to make him a first-round choice, who will continue to develop through their program. — Shilton

Team: Brynas (SWEDEN) | Rank: INS14
DOB: 01/05/05 | Ht: 6-0.5 | Wt: 180 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 32 | G: 1 | A: 1 | P: 2

How he fits: St. Louis had multiple first-round picks, and Lindstein is the true slow burner of their three-man haul. He’s an 18-year-old, left-shot blueliner who is not easily rattled and moves the puck well. Lindstein boasts a simple, straightforward sort of game, offering stability and strength on the back end without taking many risks. So far, Lindstein hasn’t shown a great offensive upside (he grabbed just two points in 32 games with Sweden’s Brynas Galve last season), but that didn’t turn St. Louis off. It’ll be years before the Blues see Lindstein taking on a role of any significance, but with patience he could be a solid player. — Shilton

Team: Penticton (BCHL) | Rank: NAS17
DOB: 05/05/05 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 161 | Shot: R
2022-23 stats: GP: 54 | G: 45 | A: 68 | P: 113

How he fits: This pick brings a real playmaking forward into the Hurricanes’ organization. Nadeau — who is committed to the University of Maine — has a brilliant shot that helped him produce 45 goals and 113 points in 54 games with the BCHL’s Penticton Vees last season. Nadeau is able to create chances off the rush and is deceptive in how he moves around the ice; he makes the most of any opportunity. Nadeau will benefit from the NCAA experience to show that he can compete against increasingly difficult competition, but Carolina knows the work ethic and pure talent is already there. — Shilton

Team: Omsk Jr. (RUSSIA) | Rank: INS10
DOB: 04/26/05 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 172 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 22 | G: 2 | A: 23 | P: 25

How he fits: Colorado selected an undersized blueliner here, but what the 18-year-old lacks in that respect he makes up for in other aspects of his well-rounded game. Gulyayev is a great skater, he’s got good gap control and doesn’t shy away from challenging an opponent (of any size). Gulyayev has a strong stick and can create turnovers, which makes him dangerous at both ends of the ice. He put up two goals and 25 points in 22 games last season with Russia’s Omskie Yastreby, and Colorado can take its time helping Gulyayev keep growing into himself amid their stockpile of defensive prospects. — Shilton

Team: Frolunda Jr. (SWEDEN) | Rank: INS25
DOB: 02/18/05 | Ht: 6-2.75 | Wt: 185 | Shot: L
2022-23 stats: GP: 28 | G: 15 | A: 13 | P: 28

How he fits: Vegas gets a well-rounded forward in 18-year-old Edstrom. He’s a gamer; Edstrom chases down pucks, boasts a strong work ethic at both ends of the ice and can really do it all. Edstrom distributes the puck well to teammates, and can add offensively in his own right. What Vegas also has to like is the way Edstrom supports on the defensive side, and can cover up on the back end. He’s not flashy, but Edstrom can do a multitude of things very well. That’s got to be appealing long term for the reigning Stanley Cup champions. — Shilton

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