2023 NHL Draft: Final Round 1 Mock Draft

It felt like it would never come, but it’s NHL Draft week, baby.

On Wednesday, we’ll know where the first 32 players selected will end up, and, hopefully, make an impact for their new NHL clubs shortly. It’s an exciting, yet tense time for almost every fanbase, with so much on the line for the GMs and their respective scouting departments.

Just bring on the chaos.

While we know the full 224-selection order for now, trades will spice things up. And with the first round meaning so much thanks to a stacked class, I’d expect two or three of these picks to be in play before the broadcast window closes late on Wednesday evening in Nashville.

But we can’t predict those right now, so this is what we’re working with. Here’s a look at Daily Faceoff’s final mock for the 2023 NHL Draft, taking place at Bridgestone Arena from June 28-29:

1. Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard, C (Regina, WHL)

Wouldn’t it be hilarious if this didn’t happen?

2. Anaheim Ducks: Adam Fantilli, C (University of Michigan, NCAA)

Sorry, Adam. Any other year and you’re joining an elite group of No. 1 overall picks. Going No. 2 behind a draft phenom isn’t too bad, though, right? The Ducks are getting a rare freshman Hobey Baker Award winner, who capped the year off by becoming just the second Canadian behind Jonathan Toews to win gold at the same year’s world juniors and World Championship. He’s damn good.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets: Leo Carlsson, C (Orebro, SHL)

I know the Blue Jackets have some serious interest in Carlsson and Will Smith. I think Carlsson is the more sure bet here for Columbus, someone with incredible hockey IQ, puck skills and net-front presence. It won’t be long until Carlsson is a No. 1 center in the NHL, and his play against men this year is only just the beginning.

4. San Jose Sharks: Matvei Michkov, RW (Sochi, KHL)

I’ll start with this: given the chance to draft Michkov, I’d bet more than a few teams would make a run at this pick. Washington? Philly? Maybe more? At the same time, I think it’s best if the Sharks stick with this one. Will Smith would make so much sense here, giving the Sharks their next No. 1 center. But Michkov’s ceiling is just incredible and I think GM Mike Grier would be willing to play the patient game given he’s entering his second season with the club. With NCAA kids, even as good as Smith, you need to wait a bit. Michkov’s wait will be longer, but by the time the Sharks are ready to start contending again, Michkov will be ready.

5. Montreal Canadiens: Will Smith, C (USNTDP)

David Reinbacher has been linked to the Canadiens, and I could see him going there if Smith isn’t available (although Reinbacher wouldn’t have been my pick). Smith had one of the best seasons in USNTDP history, acting as the lead set up guy. He’s No. 1 center material.

6. Arizona Coyotes: Dalibor Dvorsky, C (AIK, Allsvenskan)

The Coyotes need a high-compete center in the system, and few work as hard as Dvorsky does. You can never have enough high-end middlemen, and having a 1-2 punch of Logan Cooley and Dvorsky would make the Coyotes incredibly difficult to play with. They also have the luxury of two early picks, which is huge – and so is Dvorsky’s upside.

7. Philadelphia Flyers: David Reinbacher, D (Kloten, NL)

The good (or bad?) news? It’ll be very difficult for the Flyers to screw up because they need depth everywhere. The best defenseman in the class, Reinbacher has all the makings of a top-pairing defender. He’s smart, hits hard, can shut quality players down and is active on the puck. I could see them targeting Dvorsky if he’s available, or Ryan Leonard.

8. Washington Capitals: Ryan Leonard, RW (USNTDP)

The Caps are linked closely to Michkov, and there’s something there. But you have to wonder how much of that is just given the Russian factor, and Washington’s ability to attract quality Russian talent (throughout various GM changes). If Leonard is available, I like the fit here. The average fans seems to be underrating the highly competitive power forward.

9. Detroit Red Wings: Oliver Moore, C (USNTDP)

This just feels like a Stevie Y pick. Moore has a high ceiling, and there isn’t a faster skater in this draft class. He’s an incredible playmaker that plays a nice defensive game, too. There’s no shortage of scouts who think Moore could be the best player on the USNTDP this year. I like Smith’s long-term potential more, but I could see him overtaking Leonard.

10. St. Louis Blues: Nate Danielson, C (Brandon, WHL)

Many in the industry seem to think the Blues will target Danielson, a strong two-way center that just can do a ton of things really well. He’s a skilled, play-driving center that with good strength and defensive play. The best word to describe Danielson, though, is “safe,” and that might scare some fans away. I have absolutely no doubt he’ll be an effective NHLer, but there’s definitely guys with higher ceilings – but far less predictability.

11. Vancouver Canucks: Tom Willander, D (Rogle, SHL)

The Canucks need some defensive depth, Willander makes a ton of sense here. He’s one of the best skating defenders in the draft class and loves to rush the puck. There’s a ton of raw talent that needs refining, but I think he’s capable of it.

12. Arizona Coyotes: Zach Benson, LW (Winnipeg, WHL)

I think Benson SHOULD go higher, but I know many disagree. Perhaps a team like St. Louis or Vancouver would take a look here. The biggest issue is his 5-foot-9 frame scares some, but his skill, speed and playmaking ability rank among the top in the class.

13. Buffalo Sabres: Dmitri Simashev, D (Yaroslavl, MHL)

The Sabres have some tremendous young defenseman, like Rasmus Sandin and Owen Power. Adding Simashev – a hard-hitting, defensive-zone stud – would be icing on the cake as the Sabres look to be Stanley Cup contenders sooner rather than later. The Sabres have some good young forwards coming up the pipeline, and Simashev would give them an excellent second-pairing defender.

14. Pittsburgh Penguins: Colby Barlow, LW (Owen Sound, OHL)

In the OHL, he was a scoring star. With Canada’s U-18 World Championship team? He was more of a two-way threat. I hope he continues to score at a torrid pace because that’s exactly what the Penguins could use down the line. He’s one of the most dangerous shooters in open space.

15. Nashville Predators: Matthew Wood, RW (UConn, NCAA)

A point-per-game average as a freshman on one of the best teams in Hockey East is a solid way to kick off your college career. All he has done at every level is produce points and excel on the power play. Wood has everything it takes to be a highly impactful forward with the Predators.

16. Calgary Flames: Samuel Honzek, LW (Vancouver, WHL)

A mutiny is happening in Calgary, making it look like they’re headed for a full rebuild. Honzek feels like a low-risk pick here, someone who could challenge for a spot in a year or two thanks to some solid NHL-level qualities. An injury at the world juniors didn’t help him, but I think he’s worth the move here.

17. Detroit Red Wings: Gabriel Perreault, LW (USNTDP)

The Red Wings scouted Perreault significantly in Plymouth this year and would give them one heck of a scoring piece. He’s one of the most offensively gifted players in the draft class, but lacks size and the defensive play of some of his USNTDP teammates. That being said, you don’t score more than 130 points by accident, and I could easily see a team taking a chance on him in the top 10 – including Detroit with their first selection.

18. Winnipeg Jets: Axel Sandin Pellikka, D (Skelleftea, SHL)

Like Calgary, the offseason is about to get interesting for the Jets, and they’re about to need a bit of everything. ASP is one of the best puck-moving blueliners and easily the most skilled in a class lacking many quality options. He’s 5-foot-11, which isn’t ideal, but if you pair him with a steady, stay-at-home option, you can unleash ASP.

19. Chicago Blackhawks: Cal Ritchie, C (Oshawa, OHL)

Ritchie didn’t score a ton this year, but there was only so much he could do with a low-scoring Generals squad. He did become a more dominant two-way threat, though. He decimated the Hlinka Gretzky with Canada before the season started before finishing off with a good U-18 World Championship despite dealing with a shoulder injury. He’s going to be a dependable two-way center in the NHL, and one that I think we’ll look back at as being one of the more effective players from this class.

20. Seattle Kraken: Quentin Musty, LW (Sudbury, OHL)

The Kraken are lacking a big winger in the system, with David Goyette and Jagger Firkus both being on the smaller side. Musty, a 200-pound beast that can hit and score, will help fill that gap a little bit. The first pick in the 2021 OHL Draft had a solid 78-point season, and he’s only just getting started.

21. Minnesota Wild: David Edstrom, C (Frolunda, SHL)

The Wild need a high-impact center, and Edstrom can be that guy. Getting to see Edstrom in person really opened my eyes to his skating and hockey IQ, and he’s a strong dual threat as a shooter and a passer. Edstrom has a big frame at 6-foot-3 and uses it to his advantage, and he scored everywhere he played this year. This guy has long-term NHL future written all over him.

22. Philadelphia Flyers: Brayden Yager, C (Moose Jaw, WHL)

Yager has mainly been a center throughout his career, but I see him moving to the wing, especially if he goes to Seattle. Statistically, 78 points in a draft year is solid. He had 50 assists and showed he can be a highlight-reel machine. But there have been enough off games to get some scouts concerned. He can play all situations, but he rarely engages physically and most scouts wanted to see more goals out of him. If you give Yager a more responsibly sound center to work with, I think Yager will become quite the scoring threat.

23. New York Rangers: Daniil But, RW (Yaroslavl, KHL)

But could be a huge value pick here. He’s much more skilled than your average 6-foot-5 forward, which is very intriguing. He can do a lot of damage around the crease, both with his shot and how he pushes players around.

24. Nashville Predators: Oliver Bonk, D (London, OHL)

We know new GM Barry Trotz has ties to the Bonk family, having coached Radek for two years. Could the Preds draft his son? Almost all of Nashville’s top prospects are forwards, and Bonk would give the team some solid upside. He fits the mold of a modern-day defender who can do some of everything.

25. St. Louis Blues: Tanner Molendyk, D (Saskatoon, WHL)

A strong playoff run with Saskatoon got scouts talking. The Blues can snag a solid puck-moving defenseman that can play both ends of the ice. I’m not super high on him, but a lot of scouts are, and he is one that I’ve been asked for feedback on quite a bit. All the raw tools, like skating and athleticism, are there. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Blues move this pick, though.

26. San Jose Sharks: Michael Hrabal, G (Omaha, USHL)

While I don’t love any goalie in the first round this year, the Sharks need a goalie for the future, and this is how you guarantee that. But only if they think they can’t get him at 36, and based on some rumblings, I think San Jose will need to make their mark sooner rather than later if they think Hrabal, or anyone else, is their guy. Hrabal is a huge 6-foot-6 goaltender with all the traits you’re hoping for these days. He’s set for a run in the NCAA, but many believe Hrabal is the best goalie in the draft. You have to act fast this year. Other options include Mikhail Gulyayev, Otto Stenberg and Eduard Sale.

27. Colorado Avalanche: Andrew Cristall, LW (Kelowna, WHL)

The high-risk, high-reward potential is so high with Cristall’s game. His good buddy Connor Bedard is a big believer, and if you’ve seen the way Cristall beats defensemen with skill, you’ll become one, too. I think Cristall could end up being one of the better scorers from this draft class when everything is said and done.

28. Toronto Maple Leafs: Etienne Morin, D (Moncton, QMJHL)

Can we trust Toronto to keep this pick? I’m leaning towards them moving it, but we’ll see. There’s a lot of buzz around Morin’s game recently, especially after Dan Marr, the director of NHL Central Scouting, said Morin would be the first defenseman he’d personally take. Morin has incredible hockey IQ, is very competitive and likes to land big hits. He has the makings of a fan favorite, but one with a bit of seasoning still to go.

29. St. Louis Blues: Eduard Sale, RW (Brno, Czechia)

Consistency was an issue for Sale, especially in the second half after the World Junior Championship. He showed enough big-game potential at that event, though, that I’m still quite intrigued. He’s best when he’s being deceptive, which comes more with confidence. I do wonder if he’ll go to the AHL and follow a similar route as Buffalo’s Jiri Kulich, which could be beneficial. The Blues can be patient here, and that’s a good thing.

30. Carolina Hurricanes: Bradly Nadeau, LW (Penticton, BCHL)

The Hurricanes tend to be a favorite of the internet at every draft, and taking Nadeau would help continue that trend. The BCHL scoring star had one of the best Canadian Junior A seasons we’ve seen in well over a decade and he’s set to become a leader at the University of Maine. He’s one of the best shooters in the draft and could be quite the pickup for a Canes team that not only has a good roster, but a good prospect pool, too.

31. Montreal Canadiens: Gavin Brindley, C (University of Michigan, NCAA)

How about adding another undersized college star? After drafting Lane Hutson in the second round last year, Brindley, a forward, could be a huge addition to the team’s scoring charge. Montreal, and coach Martin St. Louis, are not afraid to take a chance on smaller, talented skaters and Brindley has the makings of a late first-round gem. Brindley nearly had 40 points this year, which is rare for draft-eligible college talents (his teammate, Fantilli, was a total freak).

32. Vegas Golden Knights: Otto Stenberg, C (Frolunda, Sweden U-20)

The Golden Knights are going to have to think about the future sooner rather than later, right? And if they do, wouldn’t having a talented, multi-faceted forward like Stenberg be nice? He looked out of place in the SHL but was excellent against kids his own age. The raw talent is there, especially as a 200-foot threat that can be dangerous around both nets. His biggest asset might be his play-reads. Next year will be a big one for him.

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