2023 NHL Draft Rankings: The final top 150
It’s the final countdown.
A week from now, the biggest party of the NHL season will be in full swing at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Over two days, 224 players will have their dreams come true, as 32 teams look to bolster their futures with their next young talent.
You’ve heard it all year long: the 2023 NHL Draft is not your typical draft. For the first time in close to a decade, we have a true generational player in Connor Bedard. We have some other high-end talent in Adam Fantilli, Matvei Michkov and Leo Carlsson – all of whom could have challenged for the No. 1 spot in most other drafts. The class is missing a top-flight goaltender, a franchise-changing defenseman and some better representation in leagues like the QMJHL, but this is still as stacked of a draft class as we’ve seen in quite some time. And one people will remember for decades.
If this crop will have any legacy, it’s the number of top-end players and future NHL all-stars that’ll be taken in the early portions of the draft.
To get a true sense of this draft class, you must watch thousands of clips and in-person viewings to get a full sense of everything. And even then, scouts are still learning things about players all the time. That happens when you’re watching more than a thousand players in a season. Teams will be figuring out their draft boards until the very last second.
Alright, you’re here for rankings. Here’s a look at the top 150 prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft, with blurbs on the top 100:
1. Connor Bedard, C (Regina, WHL)
You already know everything you need to know about the NHL’s next superstar. After scoring 71 goals and 143 points in 57 regular season games, Bedard followed it up by scoring 10 goals and 20 points in just seven playoff games with Regina. The Pats fell in the end, marking the conclusion of one of the best junior careers we’ve ever seen. Truly a special season for an exceptional prospect. Congrats, Chicago.
2. Adam Fantilli, C (University of Michigan, NCAA)
Fantilli’s rookie campaign saw him lead the NCAA with 65 points en route to the Hobey Baker Award as the best men’s college hockey player. That’s one heck of a consolation prize for the team that misses out on Bedard, because Fantilli would go No. 1 in most other years. Whether or not he decides to return to Michigan next year, it’s clear Fantilli is ready for the big leagues. Think Jonathan Toews during his prime.
3. Matvei Michkov, RW (HK Sochi, KHL)
It might be understated just how good Michkov’s time with Sochi was. Playing on the worst team in the league, he managed to finish with 20 goals in 27 games to finish fourth in team scoring. Six of the team’s nine wins came with Michkov in the lineup, and his 0.74 points-per-game during his time with Sochi is the best by a U-19 in league history – beating out Evgeny Kuznetsov, Eeli Tolvanen, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kirill Kaprizov and Artemi Panarin, among others. He’s special, but since he has a KHL deal until 2026, NHL teams must be patient. If I’m a GM and he’s available, and I have time on my side, I’m taking him.
4. Leo Carlsson, C (Orebro, SHL)
Carlsson combines speed, physicality and a penchant for highlight-reel plays. He has size, creates havoc in front of the net and held his own against quality competition in the SHL. The highest-scoring U-19 player in Sweden, Carlsson isn’t far from being NHL-ready. He showed signs of that being the case at the men’s World Hockey Championship, where he served on the top line with Lucas Raymond all tournament long.
5. Will Smith, C (USNTDP)
Smith was named MVP of the U-18 Worlds after scoring nine goals and 20 points in just seven games en route to a gold. It was one of the best tournament performances ever, with Smith recording at least a point in every single game. His creativity is among the best in the class, and he’s as good of a playmaker as it gets. It feels like his college career will be a one-and-done.
6. Zach Benson, LW/C (Winnipeg, WHL)
Benson dealt with an injury to close out the season, but still managed to pot 36 goals and 98 points. He’s only 5-foot-10, but he’s strong, has a great release and his shift-to-shift effort level will never waver. Benson’s going to be a big-time play driver.
7. Ryan Leonard, RW (USNTDP)
Leonard is coming off an absolutely ridiculous U-18 tournament, which was capped off by scoring the championship winner. The seven-game affair was a perfect microcosm of Leonard’s true abilities: good speed, skill and physicality all wrapped into one. He’s the type of player every team wants.
8. David Reinbacher, D (Kloten, NL)
Not many people had Reinbacher as a first-round pick heading into the season. Now, most have Reinbacher as the best defenseman in the class. He put up excellent numbers in the top Swiss league, a division that hasn’t always been kind to younger blueliners. Reinbacher looked mature beyond his years and could immediately jump over and make an impact in the AHL next season if that ends up being the plan.
9. Oliver Moore, C (USNTDP)
Want a speedy, defensively reliable two-way center? Moore’s you’re guy. Some scouts I’ve talked to think Moore has some untapped potential to become one of the better players in this draft class. He’s so quick, but knows how to use his speed to his advantage as a playmaker, too.
10. Dalibor Dvorsky, C (AIK, HockeyAllsvenskan)
Most hype has quieted down for Dvorsky over the past year, but he still put decent numbers playing against men. The raw talent is there, and if he falls outside the top 15, Dvorsky could just become one of the bigger steals. It feels like we’re always looking for a bit more out of him. Still, the raw skill is there, and he has a solid CV. Plus, he earned some MVP consideration for the way he dominated with Slovakia at the U-18s.
11. Axel Sandin Pellikka, D (Skelleftea, SHL)
Pellikka fell in my rankings, but not really due to poor performance or anything. It’s just that I like the forward options more. He was a feral beast at the U-20 level, but much more reserved against men in the SHL. If he can unlock a bit more of that intensity with Skelleftea next season, that’ll be awesome.
12. Matthew Wood, LW/C (University of Connecticut, 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. His chemistry with top 2024 prospect Macklin Celebrini is a big reason why Canada won bronze at the U-18s.
13. Cal Ritchie, C (Oshawa, OHL)
What Ritchie lacked in high-end offense this year, he made up for in extra defensive responsibility and more willingness to engage physically. And while he only had a point per game in the OHL, 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.
14. Nate Danielson, C (Brandon, WHL)
Danielson feels like a “safe” pick. I’m not sure he’s more than a 45-50 point guy in the NHL, but he’s consistent and valuable enough at both ends of the ice that he’ll have a solid, young career. You won’t find a ton of 18-year-old captains, either.
15. Dmitri Simashev, D (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, KHL)
I didn’t love his game in the first half, but his late-season play really grew on me, especially during the MHL playoffs. Against his own age group, he can carry the load on the blueline and can be physically intimidating. Scouts are all over the place with him, but I like his potential.
16. Colby Barlow, LW (Owen Sound, OHL)
One of the few players to come close to hitting the 50-goal mark this season, Barlow has scored at all levels and is as confident as anyone handling the puck. There’s room for his all-around game to grow, but scoring clearly isn’t an issue. He was banged up during the OHL playoffs but had a decent showing at the U-18s.
17. Gabe Perreault, LW (USNTDP)
Perreault’s greatest concern this season was perceived reliance on his teammates to get stuff done. But you don’t break the 100-point barrier by accident, especially when so few players have managed to do so. The biggest hangup is his skating, but he plays a similar skilled offensive game to Lucas Raymond’s.
18. Samuel Honzek, LW (Vancouver, WHL)
I don’t think Honzek has a huge offensive ceiling, but I think he’s going to have a long career. He throws punishing hits, is a fantastic two-way presence and has a great release on his shot. Honzek’s game is built around power, and I love him as a potential middle-six option.
19. Tom Willander, D (Rogle, Sweden U-20)
Willander’s consistency at the U-20 level was good, and I liked how confident he looked rushing the puck during the World Junior A Challenge, in particular. Willander has been one of the biggest risers in the top 60 for me, and I think he still has quite a bit of room to improve. He could be a nice pickup for a team that’s already in a contention window.
20. Quentin Musty, LW (Sudbury, OHL)
While I’d love to see Musty produce a bit more, he has enough pro qualities – quick release, high top-speed and active scanning – that I’m confident in the right team turning him into a great top-six scoring winger. He’s just physically built like a tank, too.
21. Andrew Cristall, LW (Kewlona, WHL)
Cristall would have easily blown past the 100-point mark had he not had a lower-body injury. From a skill perspective, Cristall has everything going for him. His skating can be a bit of a disaster at points, though. In a vacuum, there’s a lot to like. When he has the puck on his stick, though, he’s dangerous. Surround him with quality linemates and you should be fine.
22. Riley Heidt, C (Prince George, WHL)
One of the best point producers in the WHL, Heidt was a huge part of Prince George’s resurgence this year. I know scouts were hoping to see him remain a consistent producer throughout the year – no issues there. It’s his play away from the puck that some are more concerned about. Count me in as a believer, though.
23. 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.
24. Brayden Yager, C (Moose Jaw, WHL)
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. I like him as a complementary winger more than a center down the road.
25. Mikhail Gulyayev, D (Omskie, MHL)
Gulyayev had confidence to burn in the MHL this year, looking like a man among kids. He uses the open space to his advantage and is fairly quick in bursts. He’ll bring value as a puck-moving transitional defender.
26. Otto Stenberg, C/LW (Frolunda, Sweden U-20)
Scouts are completely mixed here. The highs are high. The lows are low. 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.
27. Gavin Brindley, LW (University of Michigan, NCAA)
Small but feisty, Brindley went under the radar in Michigan, largely due to Fantilli’s heroics. He’s as competitive as it comes, and he’s a solid straight-line skater, but there’s still some room to improve from an overall puck skill and hockey sense standpoint. Another year of college will help.
28. Gracyn Sawchyn, C/RW (Seattle, WHL)
Sawchyn left the USNTDP in 2022 and used it as a chance to earn more ice time and opportunity with Seattle. After scoring at a point-per-game pace, it worked, but he’s just incredibly smart and deceptive with the puck. He’ll be a solid playmaker one day, and I truly think there’s more to his game we haven’t seen fully realized at this point.
29. Ethan Gauthier, RW (Sherbrook, QMJHL)
One of my favorite players from a style perspective, Gauthier is fierce, aggressive and never stops moving. He saw his offensive output jump by 30 points to a nice 69 this year, establishing himself as a strong goal-scorer. His power-forward style suits him well in a middle-six role.
30. David Edstrom, C (Frolunda, Sweden U-20)
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.
31. Oliver Bonk, D (London, OHL)
The son of former NHLer Radek Bonk, Oliver played a ton of minutes this year thanks to his strong own-zone play. He’s capable of creating damage in the O-zone, too. He fits the mold of a modern-day defender who can do some of everything.
32. Oscar Fisker Mølgaard, C (HV71, SHL)
Mølgaard didn’t produce much in the SHL, but the fact that a 2005-born played more than 40 games against some of the best competition in Europe is nothing to sneeze at. He was excellent against U-20 competition, and, honestly, the smart, controlled center could end up becoming one of the biggest steals of the draft given his pro-ready tools.
33. Lukas Dragicevic, D (Tri-City, WHL)
Dragicevic loves joining in on the attack and getting involved in the play any way he can. There aren’t many draft-eligible defenders that can set plays up like him, using as much available time as possible to make the correct play. He needs to work on his foot speed if he’s going to excel in the NHL.
34. Nick Lardis, LW (Hamilton, OHL)
Late-season dominance can be very misleading, but there might not have been a more interesting forward down the stretch than Lardis. After putting up just 19 points in 36 games with the Petes, he blew up with 25 goals and 46 points in 33 games with Hamilton before going on a tear in the playoffs.
35. Daniil But, LW (Yaroslavl, MHL)
The big, skilled winger was a point-per-game player between Yaroslavl’s MHL teams this year and even scored a pair in 15 KHL games. He can do a lot of damage around the crease, both with his shot and how he pushes players around.
36. Charlie Stramel, RW (Wisconsin University, NCAA)
After a strong World Junior Championship performance, Stramel capped things off with a good second half with Wisconsin. There’s no shortage of teams that want the services of the 6-foot-3, 216-pound forward with a high hockey IQ. Sure, the offense didn’t follow, but he’s a pain in the rear end to play against.
37. Kasper Halttunen, RW (HIFK, Liiga)
Halttunen produced nothing against men but was too good for HIFK’s U-20 team. He’s big, has a powerful wrister and has produced at all levels up until Liiga. Next year will be a big one. A bit more maturity will help take his game up another level next year, but he hits as hard as anyone, and that’s fun to watch.
38. William Whitelaw, C (Youngstown, USHL)
Whitelaw hasn’t let his small frame stop him from putting a beating on goalies across the United States. His 5-foot-9 frame will be the thing that tears him down the most, but the skill is apparent.
39. Caden Price, D (Kelowna, WHL)
His game-to-game play varies, but when Price is on, he can take over and be the best player on any given shift. He’s a strong skater who throws hits with purpose and loves to rush the puck.
40. Anton Wahlberg, C (Malmo, SHL)
Standing tall at 6-foot-3, Wahlberg was a C-rated prospect in the NHL’s initial Central Scouting Rankings. Now? I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go in the first round. He had an impressive season against men with Malmo to help the team avoid relegation. Wahlberg then closed the year out by helping Sweden win silver as one of the team’s most valuable forward threats. He’s a good skater for a prospect his size and works hard, hits hard and wins a ton of battles along the boards. Teams will appreciate his work ethic.
41. Luca Cagnoni, D (Portland, WHL)
Another quick-moving, modern-day two-way blueliner. He’s not the quickest skater, and he’s definitely not a physical defenseman, but he has a wicked release and can dominate the power play.
42. Bradly Nadeau, C (Penticton, BCHL)
The best Canadian Jr. A player, Nadeau had 113 points this season, third most among U-18 BCHLers since 2000. His older brother, Josh, finished three points behind him on Penticton, with the pair placing 1-2 in league scoring. Don’t ignore Jr. A stars – Kent Johnson, Alex Newhook and, most notably, Cale Makar are all recent standouts.
43. Beau Akey, D (Barrie, OHL)
While most eyes have been on Brandt Clarke in Barrie this year, it’s hard to ignore Akey jumping up 30 points this year. He does an excellent job of rushing the puck down the ice from his own zone and he panic-passes the puck far less these days.
44. Michael Hrabal, G (Omaha, USHL)
The University of Massachusetts commit’s numbers might not look like much in the USHL, but he did a lot of load-carrying this year. His international play has been solid, and despite an early exit at the U-18s, Hrabal gave his team a fighting chance. It also helps that he’s 6-foot-6 but moves like a much smaller, more agile netminder.
45. Timur Mukhanov, C (Omskie, VHL)
At 5-foot-8, Mukhanov is undersized, but it hasn’t stopped him from producing in Russia. He’s an excellent skater, plays a dynamic two-way game, and is difficult to take the puck off despite his size. You don’t see a ton of players his size play down the middle, so expect him to move to the wing in the NHL, if he makes it.
46. Kalan Lind, C/LW (Red Deer, WHL)
Like energy? You’ll love Lind. He brings it every shift, getting in your face and making you pay on the scoresheet. Lind has the makings of a fan favorite for the way he gives it his all every game. He’s a future middle-six forward with the potential to step up in a pinch.
47. Noah Dower Nilsson, C (Frolunda, Sweden U-20)
Dower Nilsson missed more than a month due to an injury, but was solid down the stretch and saw some SHL action, too. When he’s on his game, he tends to grab points in bursts. His 54 points and 1.46 points per game were the best among U-18 skaters in the Swedish U-20 league with at least 15 games played.
48. Tanner Molendyk, D (Saskatoon, WHL)
Molendyk sometimes feels like a fourth forward out there with how he moves the puck and generates chances. But the offense didn’t seem to follow like most expected, bumping him down a few pegs. It feels like he’ll have a breakout next year, but I just wanted to see more this time around.
49. Adam Gajan, G (Chippewa, NAHL)
Some scouts think could be taken at the end of the first round by a team willing to take a big swing. It has to be quite a significant one, but with a 6-foot-3 frame and other translatable skills in his game, there’s a chance Gajan can be a high-reward prospect. So much so, that I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the first goalkeeper taken.
50. Etienne Morin, D (Moncton, QMJHL)
More than a few heads were turned when NHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr called Morin his top defenseman for the draft. The skilled, two-way defender is still a work in progress, but his offensive flashes and improved defensive play make him an intriguing prospect.
51. Koehn Ziemmer, RW (Prince George, WHL)
Heidt wasn’t the only draft prospect worth watching in Prince George. Ziemmer finished with an impressive 41 goals and 89 points in 68 regular season games, with his 71 goals sitting second behind Bedard for the most among 2023 eligible players over the past two years. Ziemmer is a solid power forward who uses his strength to his advantage and should be able to carve out a decent NHL career. His skating is a concern, though.
52. Trey Augustine, G (USNTDP)
The Michigan State University goaltending prospect isn’t huge by any means at 6-foot-1, but it doesn’t seem to affect him negatively. He’s mobile, great at tracking the puck and has a great glove hand. There’s starter potential here, for sure.
53. Maxim Strbak, D (Sioux Falls, USHL)
Strbak doesn’t produce much offense, but he uses his size and skating to cut corners off and limit high-danger chances. His patience with the puck under pressure really stands out.
54. Jesse Kiiskinen, RW (Lahti, Finland U-20)
Kiiskinen was one of the few Finns that really showed up offensively during the U-18s, building on an impressive year with the Pelicans’ U-20 program. With the puck, there’s a lot to love. He’s still a work in progress away from it – forechecking, skating, defensively, mainly.
55. Aram Minnetian, D (USNTDP)
It was hard to get much attention on the USNTDP’s blueline, but Minnetian proved to be a formidable, two-way presence. He can hit like a truck and always looks to make a good outlet pass. There’s nothing that really stands out at a high level, but when he’s good, he’s really good.
56. Jacob Fowler, G (Youngstown, USHL)
Take your pick: World Junior A Challenge champion. USHL goaltender of the year. USHL Clark Cup champion and MVP. It was an incredible season for Fowler with Youngstown, helping improve his draft standing all year. The statistical contrast between him and backup Colin Winn was quite staggering, with Fowler taking it to the rest of the league. Fowler is rarely caught out of position, tracks the puck well and has great rebound control. Just from a pure, raw skill perspective, Fowler looks like someone with a bright future.
57. Jayden Perron, C (Chicago, USHL)
Perron is one of the best passers in the draft, and his hot second half definitely helped his first-round case. Many scouts were hoping to see him end the regular season on a high note, and he’s been one of Chicago’s best players. But will scouts overlook his 5-foot-9 frame? I’m not sure he’s rounded enough to play outside the top six. So there’s some risk, but a chance for high reward.
58. Hunter Brzustewicz, D (Kitchener, WHL)
After two years with the USNTDP, Brzustewicz moved to the OHL this year and was one heck of a pickup for Kitchener. He put up nearly 60 points thanks to his strong puck-moving play, and he’s as good of a transitional defender as it gets. His skating drags him down a bit – he’s fine enough for the OHL, but gets beaten a bit too often – but there’s enough of a strong two-way game here to build upon.
59. Coulson Pitre, C (Flint, OHL)
An offensive machine in the OHL, Pitre is easily one of the more underrated forwards in this draft class. He’s physical, can play anywhere in a lineup and has an excellent release. But, again, his skating doesn’t match his endless energy.
60. Mathieu Cataford, RW (Halifax, QMJHL)
There was a lot to like out of Cataford’s play this year – confidence, more two-way refinement and a solid physical edge. His skating needs a bit of work, and part of that is down to conditioning. But there’s a very, very good chance he ends up becoming a steal out of this draft based on how hard he works alone.
61. Luca Pinelli, C (Ottawa, OHL)
Pinelli is a ball of energy out there. After a solid foundational rookie season with the 67’s, he nearly doubled his total output with 29 goals and 63 points. Pinelli was one of the better draft prospects at putting the puck where he wants it to go, but will scouts overlook his 5-foot-9 frame? Does he have enough for the next level? We’ll see.
62. Danny Nelson, C (USNTDP)
At 6-foot-3, he’s got the size teams want, and he’s not afraid to use it. He keeps his game simple, with a focus on making sure whomever he approaches doesn’t have possession of the puck as quickly as possible. But we also saw him get more comfortable showing flashes of skill as the season wore on. He projects to be a power forward in the NHL, and it’ll be interesting to see if a team finds enough value to pick him up in the second round after he ranked nowhere near range that entering the season.
63. Carson Rehkopf, C/RW (Kitchener Rangers)
There’s nothing that really stands out about his game, but there’s some solid upside here. The skilled forward’s best quality is a lethal shot that he’s not afraid to unleash from just about anywhere. He’s not the greatest skater, but he has found ways to stay relevant on the scoresheet throughout his junior career and is still just getting started.
64. Gavin McCarthy, D (Muskegon, USHL)
The best way to describe McCarthy’s game? Raw. We didn’t get to see his full potential due to an injury, but there was enough intriguing elements at both ends of the ice that’ll keep you intrigued. He can hit hard, isn’t afraid to shoot and reads plays well. But like many others this deep, McCarthy’s skating needs improvement.
65. Carson Bjarnason, G (Brandon, WHL)
A terrible first game against Sweden and an injury-shortened effort in the medal round really hurt Bjarnason’s numbers at the U-18 World Championship. Still, he had some good showings to get Canada into a medal position. Some scouts think he’s the best goaltender on the market, while others are more bearish. Either way, he has the tools and traits you seek from a young goaltending prospect.
66. Matthew Mania, D (Sudbury, OHL)
He has one of the best names in the draft – and might have some of the best upside, too. The term “raw” has been thrown out a few times on this list, and Mania’s game is just that. He can blow your mind with some of his moves, but then he’ll get caught trying to be too fancy and make costly mistakes. If he can refine his play, there’s some top-four potential here.
67. Jakub Dvorak, D (Liberc, Czcehia)
The Czech captain was among the few I was consistently impressed by at the U-18s. After a quiet season playing against men in the top Czech league, he looked energized against his age group and stood out positively against the United States. Teams tend to like 6-foot-5 defensemen too, and if he uses that to his advantage, then watch out.
68. Roman Kantserov, RW (Magnitogorsk, MHL)
Born just five days after the deadline for the 2022 draft, Kantserov is one of the oldest prospects in the draft this year. He put up a solid 1.20 point-per-game average with Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk this year, good for fifth among all players in the top Russian junior league with at least 40 games played. The talent is there, especially with a lethal wrister. But at 5-foot-9, buyer beware.
69. Denver Barkey, C (London, OHL)
I love Barkey. He wants the puck at all costs. He’s a dynamic scoring threat. He works as hard as anyone with a motor that never seems to quit. All he has done throughout his career is prove people wrong at both ends of the ice. But, again, and I hate to stress this… but he’s really small. And that’ll scare people away.
70. Cameron Allen, D (Guelph, OHL)
Based on his play as a rookie, Allen looked like a potential top 10 pick. But a so-so year with Guelph, capped off by a terrible U-18 World Championship, concerns me. Which Allen are we going to get? The one that can control the pace of the play, or the one that’s throwing pizzas down the middle shift after shift? He played around 30 minutes a night for the Storm this year for a reason – at his best, he’s brilliant. We just need to see more of that, and the right coaching can help find that potential again. I’m not ready to give up on him.
71. Damian Clara, G (Farjestad, Sweden U-20)
Clara is one of the most intriguing names, given there has never been an Italian-born goaltender drafted to the NHL. The 6-foot-6 goaltender has put up some strong performances in the Swedish U-20 league and even got some HockeyAllsvenskan action in, too. Clara uses his size to his advantage, and scouts think teams will take a chance on him for his size alone. Plus, goaltenders from smaller hockey countries typically spend their whole careers trying to scratch and claw their way onto pro team’s radars. He’s used to facing a ton of shots, which helps.
72. Carter Sotheran, D (Portland, WHL)
Sotheran is a big defensive blueliner who plays a strong physical game and doesn’t get fazed by players trying to take him off his game. His shot is a work in progress, but he has some good NHL traits already.
73. Lenni Hämeenaho, RW (Assat, Liiga)
Hämeenaho was the highest-scoring player in the top Finnish pro league, beating out some quality prospects like Nashville’s Joakim Kemell and Seattle’s Jani Nyman. This deep in the draft, there are very few with the hockey sense that Hämeenaho has. But his skating? It’s ugly and awkward. He needs a better skating coach to help with his technique.
74. Alex Ciernik, LW (Sodertalje, Sweden U-20)
The son of former NHLer Ivan Ciernik, Alex Ciernik has looked excellent internationally and has put up some solid numbers at the Swedish U-20 level. But, most impressively, he has also had stints in the second-tier Swedish pro league. He looks confident every time he gets a hold of the puck, and he doesn’t like to skate long without it. His physical game is quite far away, and a bunch of scouts I’ve talked to are concerned about his play outside of the offensive side of things.
75. Felix Nilsson, C (Rogle, Sweden U-20)
Could Nilsson be a diamond in the rough? Quite possibly. He was excellent with Rogle’s U-20 team but had nothing to show for in the SHL. That’ll change next year, and I think his hockey sense will be able to bring him places. His commitment to his defensive game is a nice touch. I’d like to see him add a bit more volume to his shots, but he makes the most of his chances.
76. Andrew Strathmann, D (Youngstown, USHL)
There’s a lot to like about Strathmann’s game. He’s a University of North Dakota commit with an outside shot to go in the first round. He’s physical, gets in your face and is smart with the puck, too. I liked his game a bit more in the first half, but I think he’ll still become an NHLer down the road.
77. Joey Willis, C (Saginaw, OHL)
You have to look past the stats here. He didn’t produce much with Saginaw, but watching him closely, you see the high-end hockey sense. You see a forward that has managed to make the most of limitations in his game, mainly physically, to create chances at pace. His defensive game is strong, too.
78. Easton Cowan, C (London, OHL)
After spending last year in Jr. B, Cowan exploded for 20 goals and 53 points this year. He played his best hockey during the playoffs, though, recording 21 points in 20 games. And it feels like he’s just scratching the surface, which could make Cowan an excellent value pick.
79. Juraj Pekarcik, LW (HK Nitra, Slovakia)
One of the youngest players in the draft, Pekarcik really helped his stock with a great U-18 World Championship. He doesn’t lose many 1-on-1 interactions on the rush and competes as hard as anyone. He can cause some havoc around the net, too. If he can add a bit of extra accuracy to his shot, I think he could be a solid bottom-six scoring forward.
80. Theo Lindstein, D (Brynas, SHL)
Lindstein made his SHL debut at 16 and was almost always ahead of his age group growing up. But at a certain point, it seemed like his progress started to fizzle out a bit. It was great to see him play so much with Brynas’ pro team, but it seemed like his previous confidence against his own age group didn’t shine through until the latter part of the season. If teams are hoping to find the bright young defender we were watching a year or two again, they might take him much earlier. I just didn’t love his progress this year.
81. Alexander Rykov, RW (Chelmet, VHL)
Trying to get a good read on Rykov this season was difficult. He had some spot KHL duty but barely played. He was fine in the second-tier Russian league, but an injury limited to him to just two minutes of total ice time in the second half of the season. So he’s a wild card, but his non-stop rush-attack style could intrigue teams to pick him a little earlier.
82. Nico Myatovic, LW (Seattle, WHL)
There’s a lot of hype surrounding Myatovic this year. Do I subscribe to it? A little bit. He had a huge glow up with 30 goals and 60 points this year, a huge jump from his 28-point rookie campaign a year ago. His net-front presence is excellent. He’s not a great skater yet, though, so hopefully that’s an area of an improvement for him this summer.
83. Andrew Gibson, D (Sault St. Marie, OHL)
I liked Gibson’s play the most at the U-18 World Championship. He started the tournament as the seventh blueliner, but he played more than 20 minutes a night near the end. Gibson didn’t have much to show for on the scoresheet, but he skated around some attackers and took risks with decent rewards. At 6-foot-3 and just under 200 pounds, he projects to be a physical defenseman with good hockey sense and the ability to shut plays down.
84. Aiden Fink, RW (Brooks, AJHL)
A two-time Canadian national champion, the young winger had a tremendous season. He led the AJHL with 97 points, good to earn MVP and top forward honors. He was also the only player to break the 10-point barrier at the World Junior A Challenge, scoring five goals and 12 points with Canada West en route to a fourth-place finish. Fink’s best trait is his ability to simply hold on to the puck under pressure. He’s unfazed while showcasing strong, smart playmaking abilities. He can do a bunch of everything with the puck, with versatility being the name of the game.
85. Aydar Suniev, LW (Penticton, BCHL)
A University of Massachusetts commit, Suniev deserves a lot of love for his play in Penticton. He had 45 goals and 90 points in 50 games while playing alongside Nadeau, helping to round out the most dominant line in Canadian Jr. A hockey. He then finished with 23 points in the playoffs, good for fifth in postseason scoring. Suniev can shoot from anywhere, and he can put some tremendous velocity behind his shots. He’s also deceptive, often making goalies think he’s shooting up high before either making a pass or going low.
86. Connor Levis, C (Kamloops, WHL)
Despite being a third-liner, Levis still managed to put up a whopping 67 points for the Blazers. He’s a strong playmaker with good hockey sense and loves to throw every bit of his near-200-pound frame around any time he can. He’ll play a bigger role with Kamloops next year, but his lack of defensive play and below-average skating need to improve if he’s going to be a big difference-maker.
87. Felix Unger Sorum, RW (Leksands, Sweden U-20)
I know some scouts think there’s second-round potential here, especially after a wild U-18 World Championship. I don’t tend to agree because I feel like his skating and physicality aren’t great. But his creativity, especially as a playmaker, is nice to see. He’s very competitive, and I think he has the potential to prove me wrong.
88. Albert Wikman, D (Farjestad, SHL)
A hard-hitting, physical defender, Wikman is one of the better skaters this late into the draft. He uses that speed to force opponents to make quick decisions, and then he looks to capitalize. I’d like to see him try and do more with the puck because it feels like he never has it, and doesn’t have the overall skills to rely on speed and physicality alone. But he’s still pretty raw.
89. Tanner Ludtke, C (Lincoln, USHL)
One of the best players in the USHL. Ludtke’s biggest asset is his defensive play – which might seem odd given his 32-goal, 66-point season with the Stars. He isn’t a great skater, so he has to work a bit harder to force opponents to the perimeter, and it often works out well. I just think he can be a bit one-dimensional in his offensive game, and stronger competition in college could punish him for his lack of creativity.
90. Rasmus Kumpulainen, C (Pelicans, Finland U-20)
Big forwards that can produce typically find work in the NHL. He can physically dominate, plays a stout two-way game and packs some decent skill there, too. Kumpulainen’s play falls off a bit when it comes to top speed and agility. It’s fine against his own age group but definitely far off from being ideal right now.
91. Juha Jatkola, G (KalPa, Liiga)
After helping the Finns to the gold medal game of the 2022 world juniors, only to fall short, Jatkola meant business. He was KalPa’s starter in his first year in the top Finnish league, posting a 20-11-8 record with five shutouts. The second-ranked European-based goaltender by the NHL’s Central Scouting, Jatkola has another year left on his Liiga deal, where he’ll likely be the No. 1 goalie again. Given he’ll be 21 by the draft, and set for another year of pro hockey, he’s already farther along the development process than most other goalies.
92. Rodwin Dionicio, D (Niagara, OHL)
An offensive defenseman standing at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds? Sure! Dionicio had 50 points in 50 games between Niagara and Windsor this year, playing top-line minutes with the Spitfires. His play suffered last year on a Niagara team that was a total mess this year, but he was a leader on a competitive Spitfires group that unfortunately fell flat in the playoffs. He’s not a quick skater, which takes him down a few pegs, but his brain, skill and physicality make him intriguing. He’s a depth prospect at this point until he gets his own-zone play fixed up.
93. Quinton Burns, D (Kingston, OHL)
Burns is a physical defenseman who crosses the line from time to time. He’s mobile, a smart puck distributor and loves to use his poke check. He has a decent 6-foot-1 frame and loves to carry the puck, playing a more modern-day game you like to see from defenders these days. I’m not sure the ceiling is all too high, though.
94. Daniil Karpovich, D (Yekaterinburg, MHL)
Maybe a bit off the radar, but I think Karpovich could be something. He’s a big 6-foot-3, 210-pound blueliner that shined with Avto in the MHL this year. He has produced points everywhere he has gone, and he might even be one of the better skaters above 6-foot-2. He needs to face quality competition, but he already looks like a pro-caliber defenseman. This might be a stretch, but I have a good feeling about the Belarusian defender who may have gone under the radar with his country banned from international play.
95. Matteo Mann, D, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Mann’s ability to read and understand plays is underrated. He also moves very well for a 6-foot-5, 225-pound defenseman, although he has next to no offensive framework. If he makes the NHL, it’s as an intelligent, bottom-six, shutdown defenseman.
96. Tristan Bertucci, D (Flint, OHL)
Bertucci’s best quality is how he thinks the game. He won’t beat you with high speed or physicality, but he’ll outsmart you to create a play. Other than that, though, I’m not completely sure he has an NHL future. I’d like to see him improve his mobility and find a way to work in some more footspeed.
97. Hoyt Stanley, D (Victoria, BCHL)
It’s always good when a big defenseman has an effortless stride, and that’s exactly the case for Stanley. The best Jr. A draft-eligible defensive prospect, Stanley possesses a high top speed and does a good job at making decisions at pace. Stanley has the muscle in his 6-foot-2 frame to play a physical game, but it’s his decision-making with the puck that will make you intrigued.
98. Scott Ratzlaff, G (Seattle, WHL)
Ratzlaff knows the difficulties of sharing a net in a draft year, and Thomas Milic was simply lights out. But Ratzlaff still had a .918 save percentage and five shutouts, making him a top talent in his own right. Canada’s star goaltender at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer, Ratzlaff was superb at the CHL Top Prospects Game, adding to a belief that he shows up in big games. Ratzlaff stands at 6-foot-2, so he has good enough size, excellent rebound control, can sift through traffic and is quite athletic.
99. Tuomas Uronen, RW (HIFK, Finland U-20)
Uronen didn’t have much to show for on the scoresheet at the U-18s, but his ability to drive plays and generate chances wasn’t lost on scouts. He plays with a ton of pace and energy and doesn’t waste any time or movement. Everything he does comes with a purpose.
100. Andrei Loshko, C (Chicoutimi, QMJHL)
Loshko often looked lost last year, struggling to keep up with the pace. This year, the Belarusian forward is producing at more a point-per-game pace with Chicoutimi. It just looks he hit a switch early in the season and managed to always be in the right position at the right time. He’s patient, makes smart decisions with the puck and the numbers followed suit.
101. Francesco Dell’Elce, D (St. Andrew’s College, CISAA)
102. Carey Terrance, C (Erie, OHL)
103. Luke Mittelstadt, D (University of Minnesota, NCAA)
104. Jesse Nurmi, LW (KooKoo, Finland U-20)
105. Jordan Tourigny, D (Shawinigan, QMJHL)
106. Jayson Shaugabay, RW (Warroad, Minnesota HS)
107. Yegor Klimovich, C (Novosibirksk, MHL)
108. Brandon Svoboda, C (Youngstown, USHL)
109. Griffin Erdman, RW (Waterloo, USHL)
110. Jake Fisher, C (Cretin-Derham Hall, Minnesota HS)
111. Cole Knuble, C (Fargo, USHL)
112. Dylan MacKinnon, D (Halifax, QMJHL)
113. Martin Misiak, C (Youngstown, USHL)
114. Emil Jarventie, LW (KOOVEE, Mestis)
115. Ondrej Molnár, LW (Erie, OHL)
116. Beckett Hendrickson, C (USNTDP)
117. Hudson Malinoski, C (Brooks, AJHL)
118. Brady Stonehouse, RW (Ottawa, OHL)
119. Vojtech Port, D (Edmonton, WHL)
120. Hudson Thornton, D (Prince George, WHL)
121. Yegor Rimashevskiy, RW (Dynamo, MHL)
122. Matthew Soto, RW (Kingston, OHL)
123. Brady Cleveland, D (USNTDP)
124. Cam Squires, RW (Cape Breton, QMJHL)
125. Emil Pieniniemi, D (Karpat, Finland U-20)
126. Jonathan Castagna, C (St. Andrew’s College, CISAA)
127. Arvid Bergstrom, D (Djurgardens, Sweden U-20)
128. Luke Coughlin, D (Rimouski, QMJHL)
129. Jakub Stancl, LW (Vaxjo, Sweden U-20)
130. Zeb Forsfjall, LW (Skelleftea, Sweden U-20)
131. Thomas Milic, G (Seattle, WHL)
132. Chase Cheslock, D (Omaha, USHL)
133. Matteo Fabrizi, D (Red Deer, WHL)
134. Cole Brown, RW (Hamilton, OHL)
135. Ryan Fine, C/LW (USNTDP)
136. Paul Fischer, D (USNTDP)
137. Tyler Peddle, LW (Drummondville, QMJHL)
138. Alex Pharand, C (Sudbury, OHL)
139. Samuel Mayer, D (Peterborough, OHL)
140. Carsen Musser, G (USNTDP)
141. Ty Higgins, D (Acadie-Bathurst, QMJHL)
142. Dominik Petr, C (Lukko, Finland U-20)
143. Jan Sprynar, RW (Rimouski, QMJHL)
144. Teddy Townsend, C (Eden Prairie, Minnesota HS)
145. Alexander Hellnemo, G (Farjestad, Sweden U-20)
146. Jimmy Clark, C (Green Bay, USHL)
147. Michael Hagens, D (Chicago, USHL)
148. Ignat Lutfullin, RW (SKA 1946, MHL)
149. Zach Nehring, RW (Shattuck, USHS)
150. Yegor Zavragin, G (Khanty Mansiysk, MHL)
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