With the 1st round of the draft taking place tonight, I thought it would be appropriate to do a mock draft of the 1st round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
Related: Connor Bedard vs Matvei Michkov
1. Chicago Blackhawks-Connor Bedard
C | 5’9/185
Regina (WHL)
Bedard is the consensus number 1 pick and could be the best prospect to enter the NHL since Connor McDavid, who was selected No. 1 by the Edmonton Oilers at the 2015 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old has dominated
every level he’s played at, and he’s done it while usually being the youngest player on his team. Bedard was flawless during his draft-eligible season, winning the Canadian Hockey League Top Prospect, Top Scorer, and David Branch Player of the Year awards this season after leading the Western Hockey League in goals (71) and points (143) in 57 games with Regina. He’ll be a major building block for a franchise in need of high-end talent, especially at the center position. Bedard is a generational talent with the ability to fast-forward the Blackhawks back into Stanley Cup Playoff contention.
2. Anaheim Ducks-Adam Fantilli
C | 6’2/195
Michigan (NCAA)
Adam Fantilli will likely be the 2nd player off the board in the 2023 Draft; he was the top player in college hockey this season and has the tools required to become an elite power center in the NHL. Fantilli dominated NCAA hockey as few 18-year-old freshmen have. He led all players in points (65) and tied for the lead in goals (30), helping Michigan reach the Frozen Four and winning the Hobey Baker Trophy as the top men’s hockey player. At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, he has NHL-ready size and should be able to make an NHL impact whenever he decides to turn pro, likely after one more season at Michigan. Anaheim would be getting a game-changing franchise center with the selection, who would compliment their core very well.
3. Columbus Blue Jackets-Leo Carlsson
C/LW | 6′ 3/198 lbs
Orebro HK (SHL)
Leo Carlsson was named junior player of the year in the SHL this season; he knows how to manage the puck along the boards and is difficult to knock down in battles. While Carlsson won’t blow you away with his
abilities like Bedard, he does everything exceptionally well. He’s got NHL-ready size (6-2, 194) and already has two seasons of experience in the Swedish Hockey League. Carlsson has the chance to be the top-end No. 1 center
Columbus has been missing.
4. San Jose Sharks-Will Smith
C | 5′ 11/181 lbs
US U18 (USDP)/USNTDP Juniors (USHL)
Will Smith is a game-breaking offensive talent with a well-rounded game that can be the best player on the ice whether he has a hat trick or doesn’t get a point. He saved his best hockey this season for the biggest moment, helping the United States win the gold medal at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 World Championship in April with a tournament-best 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in seven games, matching the U.S. record set by Jack Hughes at the 2019 tournament. Smith (6-foot, 180) will play at least one season at Boston College but will be more than worth the wait. The right-handed center creates scoring chances and can handle the puck at top speed to drive offense and make players around him even better. This is precisely the type of player the San Jose Sharks need and should build their team around.
5. Montreal Canadiens-David Reinbacher
D | 6’2/185
Kloten (NL)
The Draft really begins at 5 with the Montreal Canadiens who have a lot of options but ultimately they might go with the less sexy pick and select David Reinbacher, who is the most NHL-ready defenseman in the draft. Reinbacher (6-2, 194) might turn out to be the best defenseman prospect of this draft. Reinbacher is highly skilled in all areas of the game and already has been a standout against the older, more developed competition in the top pro league in Switzerland as well as the IIHF World Championship. The Austria-born right-handed shot didn’t look out of place playing in the top professional league in Switzerland with 22 points (three goals, 19 assists) in 46 games, and some scouts have compared him to Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm. The thought of Reinbacher and Lane Hutson as a future defense pair is enticing. He could be a year away from playing significant minutes in the NHL.
While it would be exciting to draft Matvei Michkov, selecting David Reinbacher addresses a positional need for the Canadiens and it is the safe pick.
6. Arizona Coyotes-Dalibor Dvorsky
C | 6’1/201
AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Dalibor Dvorsky is a good skater, great with the puck on his stick, and has the ability to maintain possession with good vision. He can win battles in the corner and shows great skill in tight spaces; he led fourth-place Slovakia with 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in seven games at the U-18 Worlds. Dvorsky was able to showcase a smart, skilled game with good quickness while playing against the older, more physically developed competition in Allsvenskan, the second-highest pro league in Sweden. Dalibor is a very raw talent that could take several years to develop but for a team like Arizona who is in no rush, it is a great pick,
as he has the potential to be one of the best talents in the draft.
7. Philadelphia Flyers-Ryan Leonard
RW | 5’11/192
US U18 (USDP)/USNTDP Juniors (USHL)
Ryan Leonard’s play got better as the season went on, and he was outstanding at the World U-18s, scoring eight goals in seven games, including the overtime winner in the gold-medal game. He’s a prototypical Flyer with high-end competition, grittiness, a big shot, and the willingness to be the player that stirs the pot when his team needs a spark. Leonard also provided leadership as a member of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Under-18 team, with 94 points (51 goals, 43 assists) in 57 games. Leonard plays a feisty game, reminiscent of Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers. Even though the Flyes are deep at right wing at both the NHL and with prospects, Philadelphia amateur scouting director Brent Flahr said recently if the best player available is a right-wing, then they’ll take another right-wing. It would be a great mistake for the Flyers to pass up on a player like Ryan Leonard because he would excel in their system.
8. Washington Capitals-Matvei Michkov
RW | 5’10/172
SKA St.Petersburg (KHL)
From a pure skill standpoint, Michkov (5-10, 172) might be second only to Bedard in this year’s draft class. His contract in the Kontinental Hockey League runs through the 2025-26 season, so whatever team drafts him will need patience. Washington can afford to make a splash here and the 18-year-old, compared by some to Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov, would qualify. He had 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in 30 games on loan to Sochi of the KHL and offers great acceleration, puck-handling skills, and confidence reminiscent of Bedard. With three more seasons left on his KHL contract, patience will be needed, but the payoff for the Capitals could be tremendous. It would also make a seamless transition of eras from one great Russian player to another.
9. Detroit Red Wings-Zach Benson
LW | 5’9/163
Winnipeg ICE (WHL)
Benson (5-10, 170) has elite-level hockey IQ with a work ethic to match. His creativity and playmaking helped him lead the best team in the Western Hockey League with 98 points (36 goals, 62 assists) in 60 games, a team that featured two first-round NHL draft picks, Matt Savoie and Conor Geekie. Once he develops more physically, Benson has the chance to be a top-line playmaker. A terrific skater and relentless contributor on the forecheck, Benson will go to the tough areas of the ice and always battle hard despite his frame. His game reminds me a bit of Brad Marchand, and if he goes to a team like the Detroit Red Wings, could turn out to be a terrific two way
threat as well.
10. St.Louis Blues-Tom Willander
D | 6′ 1/180 lbs
Rogle BK (J20 Nationell)
With their first of three picks in the first round, the Blues can add a skilled right-shot defenseman with excellent mobility, skating speed, and a good understanding of the game. He finished third among defensemen at the U-18 Worlds with eight points (three goals, five assists) in seven games for Sweden. Willander, who will play at Boston University next season, brings a complete game with a nice competitive edge and got better and more impressive as the season
went on. Willander is the Right Handed defenseman that St Louis needs, with all of their top 4 defensemen over 30 years old; the Blues definitely need to replenish the prospect pool on defense.
11. Vancouver Canucks-Nate Danielson
C | 6’1/185
Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Nate Danielson has great vision and patience with the puck. The right-handed shot made one of the most significant jumps in Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American skaters, to No. 7 from No. 13 on the midterm list, after leading Brandon with 78 points (33 goals, 45 assists) in 68 games. Danielson stood out on a Brandon team that struggled this season, and scouts were impressed with how he continued to develop the offensive side of his game to complement a defensive game that Bedard said made him the most difficult player to skate against in his draft class. He can play all situations, including the power play and penalty kill. Vancouver could definitely benefit from drafting
a center like Nate Danielson, who could develop into a great 2nd line center.
12. Arizona Coyotes- Oliver Moore
C | 5’11/188
US U18 (USDP)/USNTDP Juniors (USHL)
Oliver Moore, who is headed to the University of Minnesota in the fall, is considered by many to be the fastest skater of this draft class. On top of his elite speed and top-line potential in the NHL, he can play center or wing. He had 75 points (31 goals, 44 assists) in 61 games with the NTDP. The left-shot center is considered the best skater in the draft class with a skill set reminiscent of Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin. Arizona should select the best player available, and I think Oliver Moore would be the best available at 12.
13. Buffalo Sabres-Matthew Wood
RW | 6-4/197
Connecticut (NCAA)
Matthew Wood is a hulking 6 foot 4 Winger, who may have the highest ceiling of any prospect selected in the first round. His shot is accurate and hard, and he can score multiple ways, with a one-timer or toe-drag.
He led Connecticut with 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 35 games. Wood’s game got better as the season went on, capped by 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in seven games for Canada at World U-18s, where he answered any questions about his skating. His size and skill make him one of the best players below the dots in this draft class. Wood would be an excellent fit with the young forward core the Buffalo Sabres have and the prospects they have in waiting in the pipeline.
14. Pittsburgh Penguins-Colby Barlow
LW | 6’0/180
Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Colby Barlow showed a great scoring touch this season, finishing fifth in the OHL with 46 goals in 59 games, and he has a high-end shot that is reminiscent of Sabres forward Jeff Skinner. Barlow can skate the puck into the offensive zone and is strong enough (6-foot, 190) to win battles along the wall. He also rates high in intangibles: He was a 17-year-old captain and was the top scholastic player in the Canadian Hockey League. Barlow can beat defenders with his great speed or strength in shielding them off 1-on-1 in tight quarters. He can play physically along the boards and could be a top-6 forward at the NHL level. The Pittsburgh Penguins need to start drafting some high-caliber prospects and Colby Barlow is exactly that.
15. Nashville Predators-Gabriel Perreault
RW | 5-11, 163
US U18 (USDP)/USNTDP Juniors (USHL)
Gabe Perreault led the NTDP in goals, assists, and points and was second for the United States at the U-18 Worlds with 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in seven games. The son of former NHL center Yanic Perreault has great instincts, and smarts, and knows how to put himself in good areas to create offense. Perreault broke Auston Matthews’ NTDP record with 132 points (53 goals, 79 assists) in 63 games this season. His hockey sense is his best asset, and it allows him to use his anticipation and puck skills to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. The Nashville Predators need to get some highly skilled forwards to build around, and Gabe Perrault might be that player.
16. Calgary Flames- Dmitri Simishev
D | 6’4/198
Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
Dimitri Simashev is a towering, 18-year-old, Russian Defenseman who plays a strong physical game and has good size (6-4, 198). He’s competitive, alert, and active in all three zones. The Flames can afford to let Simashev develop and mature overseas with what they already have among their lineup and their pipeline along the blue line. This might be a bit early considering the holes that Calgary has to fill but because Simashev has such Sky-high potential, he is worth picking here at 16.
17. Detroit Red Wings-Axel Sandin Pellikka
D | 5’10/176
Skelleftea AIK (SHL)
Axel Sandin Pellikka was once hailed as the top D prospect available in the 2023 Draft, but he has since been passed by both Reinbacher and Willander. He had 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 31 games in Sweden’s junior league and is the best offensive-minded defenseman in the draft. Sandin Pellikka compensates for his lack of size with his hockey smarts and tremendous work ethic. He’s a quick and agile puck-mover from the back end, and Pellikka has proven reliable and consistent. In addition to his outstanding play in Sweden’s junior league, he made his SHL debut this season with Skelleftea and had five points (two goals, three assists) in 22 games. Detroit could use another puck-moving defenseman on the back end especially after moving Filip Hronek.
18. Winnipeg Jets-Samuel Honzek
LW | 6’3/186
Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Samuel Honzek is a power forward with good hands and skating ability. He had 56 points (23 goals, 33 assists) in 43 games to become the third-highest Vancouver rookie scorer in a single season after Fabian Lysell (62 points, 2021-22) and Gilbert Brule (60 points, 2003-04). Honzek’s strength and hockey IQ stood out this season, his first in the Western Hockey League after coming over from his native Slovakia. He showed he could make plays off the rush and use his big body (6-3, 195) to hold off defenders to create time and space to use his quick, heavy shot. He missed nearly two months because of a bad skate cut to his left calf sustained during the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, but he looked recovered when he returned and his testing at the NHL Scouting Combine. Samuel Honzek will take a few seasons to develop but when he does, he should be a solid top 6 option and a major contributor on the powerplay for Winnipeg.
19. Chicago Blackhawks-Brayden Yager
C | 5’11/170
Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Brayden Yager is a strong, quick skater and a puck hound with a dynamic shot. The right-handed shot improved his playmaking this season to complement a powerful shot. He’s responsible in all three zones and effective on face-offs. He needs to get stronger, but the upside is a top-line center that can make players around him better. Yager would be the ideal 2nd line center for the Winnipeg Jets behind Cole Perfetti or Brad Lambert in the future.
20. Seattle Kraken-Quentin Musty
LW | 6-1/200
Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Quentin Musty is a power forward with good vision and playmaking ability with a high hockey IQ who should be a big contributor to the power play. Musty has an excellent shot from range, distributes quite well off of the rush, and does a great job of creating space for himself. His ability to create consistently at 5v5 is a credit to how well he handles pressure. While the talent is certainly there, concerns over the consistency of his off-puck play and overall engagement level have led him to be ranked inconsistently by scouts. The Kraken can continue to bolster their forward prospect pool with big, mobile players and Musty fits that mold.
21. Minnesota Wild-Calum Ritchie
C | 6’2/185
Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Calum Ritchie excelled all season, He had 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists) in 59 OHL games and nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games to help Canada finish third at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, despite playing through a season-long shoulder injury that required surgery. He is expected to be fully healed for training camp, when his full skill set should really be on display, including top-end skating that powers a strong offensive game. He can play in traffic and manages that with good hands and hockey sense. The Wild lack a legitimate No. 1 center and Ritchie (6-2, 184) has that kind of upside.
22. Philadelphia Flyers-David Edstrom
C | 6-3, 185
Frolunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell)
David Edstrom is a smart player with great size who averaged a point per game (28 points in 28 games) in Sweden’s junior league. He’s a big Center, listed at 6-3, 185 has the potential to be a top-six center in the NHL if he takes a large leap forward offensively, with a much more likely NHL role as a middle-six center who plays tough defensive minutes while providing enough depth scoring to justify playing on both special teams units. Adding young skill in the middle could be the best option for the Flyers at this point, with the lack of depth at center in Philly and with the trade of Kevin Hayes.
23. New York Rangers-Otto Stenberg
C/LW | 5’11/180
Frolunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell)
Otto Stenberg has leadership qualities and a tremendous two-way game. An offensively gifted player with quick hands and an accurate shot, Stenberg had 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in seven games for Sweden at the World U-18s.
He’s a complete player with a strong work ethic and the ability to come up big in clutch situations. He’s also versatile enough to play wing or center. Stenberg has been a leader on every team he’s played on his versatility would especially be useful for a team like the New York Rangers, who will be looking for players with intangibles who can play multiple roles.
24. Nashville Predators-Danil But
LW | 6-5/203
Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
Danil But is the Wildcard in the first round of the draft because of what he brings to the table, and because he represents the definition of a boom or bust pick. But is a good skater for a player who is 6-5, 203 and knows how to use his size to protect the puck, clear space for himself, and finish from anywhere in the offensive zone. Compared by some to Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine, But skates well for his size and he can win most 1-on-1 battles. He plays with confidence and offers plenty of creativity with the puck. He had 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists) in 26 games in Russia’s junior league, and scored two goals in 15 games for Yaroslavl in the KHL. After taking a playmaking center with their first choice, the Predators can add a big wing in But.
25. St. Louis Blues-Charlie Stramel
C | 6-3/222
Wisconsin (NCAA)
Charlie Stramel has an impressive combination of size, skating, and skill at 6-3, 222. He’s good in traffic and positions himself well to provide scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates. He can finish checks and doesn’t shy from contact. The American who is a freshman winger at the University of Wisconsin has that rare blend of size, skill, and ability to physically punish. All the tools, in other words, to project as an NHL power forward. This is a player who is the prototypical St.Louis Blues player, and he should develop into an all-around center, who is a solid top 9 center.
26. San Jose Sharks-Oliver Bonk
D | 6′ 2/180
London Knights (OHL)
Oliver Bonk is a two-way defenseman with high hockey IQ and a threat on the rush. The right-handed shot is capable of transitioning the puck quickly while using his size to shut down plays and move opposing forwards down low. Bonk’s toolkit looks like an NHL defenseman. He’s a 6-foot-2 right shot with strong mobility and offensive touch. Bonk is able to skate pucks up ice, make some skilled plays, and show good poise from the blue line. After selecting Will Smith with the 4th pick, it makes sense for San Jose to draft a Defenseman, especially if the San Jose Sharks trade Erik Karlsson, they should definitely take Oliver Bonk at 26 because he would be the best defenseman available at that point in the draft.
27. Colorado Avalanche-Gavin Brindley
C | 5’8/168
Michigan (NCAA)
Gavin Brindley’s game is based on his non-stop motor. He obviously needs to get stronger, but his size certainly wasn’t an issue in the second half of the season at Michigan, when he had 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) in 21 games. Brindley is too good to pass up at this point, he is an every-situation player with good skating, a big compete level, and high hockey IQ. He’s strong for his size, can play in tight areas, and looks to turn over pucks. After trading away Alex Newhook, it makes sense for Colorado to draft a Center to develop behind Nathan MacKinnon.
28. Toronto Maple Leafs-Eduard Sale
RW | 6’2/174
HC Kometa Brno (Czechia)
Eduard Sale is a top-end left winger who was voted the rookie of the year in the top professional league in the Czech Republic after he had 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 43 games. He had six points (four goals, two assists) in five games for Czechia at the World U-18s. Sale has high-end puck skills and a high hockey IQ that will allow him to develop into a top option for the power play and penalty kill. At 6-2, 174, Sale is a talented forward with great offensive instincts who can shoot and pass with good accuracy. He is active in the offensive zone and presents a challenge for opposing defenders with his size and strength. Toronto should select the best player available, and Sale is the best
player available at 28.
29. St.Louis Blues-Kasper Halttunen
RW | 6’3/207
HIFK (Liiga)
Kasper Halttuten is a big forward, 6’3, 215, who skates well and is hard to handle down low in the offensive zone, would be a great finish to the night for the Blues. He had 24 points (18 goals, 6 assists) in 18 games in Finland’s junior league and 10 points (six goals, four assists) as Finland’s captain at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. Halttunen is a player with a great skillset but could also fall due to a lack of top-end talent and an injury history. For a team like St.Louis who had three picks in the first round, it is worth the risk on Halttunen here at 29.
30. Carolina Hurricanes-Andrew Cristall
LW | 5’9/175
Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Andrew Cristall was an offensive catalyst for Kelowna this season, leading them in goals (39), assists (56) and points (95) in 54 games. He’s offensively gifted and contributes to the power play (nine goals, 24 assists) because of his great vision and ability. With the proper development, Cristall has top-six NHL potential in the next 3-5 years. Cristall plays with a chip on his shoulder that comes from constantly hearing about all the things he can’t do. He’ll need time to get stronger and improve his quickness but brings an edge that would fit nicely in Carolina. Carolina is a team that is in no rush to develop players, so he fits perfectly here, so he doesn’t get rushed to the NHL when he isn’t ready.
31. Colorado Avalanche-Lukas Dragecivic
D | 6’1/194
Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Lukas Dragecevic is the top-ranked North American defensive prospect for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, has all the attributes teams are looking for in a modern-day defenceman. He can be relied upon in his own zone, transition the puck with a crisp first pass or strong skating, and can quarterback a power play. There are questions about his skating but he’s a right-handed shot with the kind of offensive game that allowed him to put up 75 points (15 goals, 68 assists) in 68 games, including a 27-game point streak. After selecting Gavin Brindley with the 27th pick, the Avalanche select the best player available on the board, Lukas Dragecivic. While Colorado doesn’t need to improve their defense, it doesn’t hurt to draft good defensive prospects because they can always be used as trade chips.
32. Vegas Golden Knights-Danny Nelson
W/D | 6’3/212
US U18 (USDP)/USNTDP Juniors (USHL)
Danny Nelson is an extremely versatile player, capable of playing forward or defenseman, though he prefers center. A former defenseman who has transitioned very nicely to a winger, who moves really well for a big man and also has soft mitts. He is a powerful skater with excellent balance who is tough to move off the puck. He’s responsible in all zones, is versatile, fast, has a hard, heavy shot, and can create offense in tight spaces. He’ll attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall. This is certainly and off the board pick, but he’s got the makeup and size that fits the Vegas profile.
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