2023 NHL Mock Draft 1.0: And Connor Bedard goes to…
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The NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone. First-round picks will be on lockdown for the next while. The news cycle has slowed.
So let’s have some fun.
The 2023 NHL Draft isn’t until June, and the standings are far from finalized. For some teams, the only thing worth focusing on is the draft, so we’re going to launch our first mock draft of the season – the post-trade deadline edition.
When it comes to first-round picks, especially for teams with just one selection, you’re not picking for need. You’re picking for best player available. If there are two players that are super close, but one might fit the long-term need more, so be it. But drafting based on your current roster is a big mistake, given how much turnover happens year to year. One season, you could have an influx of defensemen. The next year, you’re wishing you didn’t trade half of them. You go for who will be the best player in the long run, so that’s the aim here today.
For this, we’re going to use the NHL’s standings as of the games played on March 9, 2023. We’ve been tracking the race for Connor Bedard for a while, and the top three has changed hands a few times. Columbus currently holds the best odds at landing Bedard at 25.5 percent, with the chance at selecting first for just the second time in franchise history after taking Rick Nash with the top pick in 2002.
So, let’s get started:
1. Columbus Blue Jackets: Connor Bedard, C (Regina, WHL)
Columbus, meet your first superstar. The Blue Jackets made a huge splash last summer, signing Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine to long-term deals. Despite that, they’ve been downright terrible, and the team has managed to hold on to the No. 1 odds the longest. Bedard wouldn’t immediately fix that, but Columbus has one of the most interesting prospect pools in the league. There are still some long-term questions in net, and the roster still needs a lot of tweaking, but Bedard would put this team on the map for good.
2. San Jose Sharks: Adam Fantilli, C (Michigan, NCAA)
The Sharks have a mid-pack prospect pool, but one that got a nice shot in the arm with the additions of Shakir Mukhamadullin and Henry Thrun ahead of the trade deadline. Adding Fantilli would give them a true future No. 1 center that, in theory, should be able to step in immediately and get the job done with his unique mix of size, speed and skill. For as bad as San Jose has been, having a center group of Tomas Hertl, Logan Couture and Fantilli would be quite something. Depth on the wings is a bigger issue, but you draft for best player available at this point – and, luckily, Fantilli has some experience on the wing.
3. Chicago Blackhawks, Leo Carlsson, C (Orebro, SHL)
The Blackhawks are set for one of the most exciting drafts of any team, and landing Carlsson would be an excellent start. Many scouts believe he’s the true No. 2 prospect. for the way he uses his 6-foot-3 frame and his tremendous skill to his advantage. In fact, he plays with the mobility and speed of a much smaller forward, but does it with such an intimidating package. There isn’t a draft-eligible SHLer in the same hemisphere as Carlsson in terms of production this year, and his production is among the best ever seen from an NHL Draft prospect in what is considered to be one of the deepest leagues in Europe. Carlsson is going to be a stud.
4. Anaheim Ducks: Zach Benson, LW (Winnipeg, WHL)
It’s so easy to love Anaheim’s future, and it’s already in full effect with Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish. Again, you don’t draft for need this early, but Benson fills that gap with the Ducks lacking much substance on the left side. There’s a chance that Benson will be the only player not named Connor Bedard that breaks the 100-point barrier in the WHL this season. He plays on a good Winnipeg squad, but Benson does so much of the play-driving and doesn’t have many apparent flaws in his game. He’s going to be very, very good on a team with a solid prospect pool to begin with.
5. Arizona Coyotes: Will Smith, C (USNTDP)
One of the most dynamic forwards in the class, Smith has been an absolute rock for the USNTDP team that looks destined to finish the season off strong. He’s so smart, an excellent playmaker and doesn’t miss many high-danger scoring opportunities – many that he sets up himself. The Coyotes currently have 22 picks in the first three rounds of the next three drafts. It’s going to be a slow burn up the standings, and Smith will spend some time in the NCAA, but a 1-2 punch of Smith and Logan Cooley – mixed in with all the incoming fresh blood from the next few drafts – should push this team further once the new arena is ready to go. I will say if any team would take a chance on Matvei Michkov in the top five, though, it’s Arizona.
6. Montreal Canadiens: Andrew Cristall, LW (Kelowna, WHL)
Some scouts are very mixed regarding Cristall, but most believe there’s a lot of potential here. I agree, and I think he’d gel with the Montreal Canadiens. The Kelowna Rockets star has fit in nicely with a group that has given him ample opportunities to prosper, and he’s on pace for a 40-goal season as a result. Another goal-scorer in the stable won’t hurt, and one with a high ceiling.
7. Philadelphia Flyers: Dalibor Dvorsky, C (AIK, Allsvenskan)
After annihilating the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament, Dvorsky put himself on the map, showing the world the Slovaks meant business. He outshone guys like Juraj Slafkovsky and Filip Mesar, and nearly outscored Michkov. A lot of the hype has cooled off since going to the pro ranks, but he’s been a solid producer in the second best league in Sweden – that’s no small feat. Dvorsky is strong, well-rounded and has the makings of a solid top-six forward.
8. Vancouver Canucks: David Reinbacher, D (Kloten, NL)
Reinbacher went from being a bit off the radar to perhaps the defenseman with the most upside in this class. I feel confident in that. He’s so steady, plays a great two-way game and already looks like a veteran against men in the competitive National League in Switzerland. He’s going to eat minutes in the NHL, and would give the Canucks a high-impact defensive prospect with pro experience.
9. St. Louis Blues: Eduard Sale, RW (Brno, Czechia)
Sale’s season has had some ups and downs, but the highs have really tickled the fancies of scouts across the league. After getting benched during the world juniors, he answered back and was one of Czechia’s best players down the stretch. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of extra motivation to get him moving. Sale is a smart dual-threat offensive attacker that reads the game at high speed and should have no issue adjusting to the NHL.
10. Washington Capitals: Nate Danielson, C (Brandon, WHL)
The more I watch him, the more I like him. I don’t think his offensive ceiling is as high as others around this range, but he’s the type of forward I envision having a solid 15-plus-year career due to the nuances in his game. He reads plays well, is a strong playmaker, has a quick wrister, but, most importantly, can play just about any role or situation asked of him. His defensive-zone play is excellent, and he wins a ton of faceoffs, too.
11. Detroit Red Wings: Brayden Yager, C (Moose Jaw, WHL)
Yager is a versatile forward that attacks both ends with high intensity and possesses an incredible release. He might even just be the most competent two-way center in this draft, too. Outside of his solid offensive numbers, Yager is reliable offensively, does an excellent job of finding his teammates and has the speed to make his own opportunities on the rush.
12. Buffalo Sabres: Colby Barlow, LW (Owen Sound, OHL)
The Sabres have an impressive young core, so they could stretch a bit here. Barlow is one of the best natural goal-scorers in the class and could fit in nicely with one of the team’s playmaking forwards. He seems to always be in scoring position, and he plays every shift like he’s trying to prove something. Guys like that will find chances, even if the scoring isn’t always there.
13. Montreal Canadiens (via FLA): Matvei Michkov, C (Sochi, KHL)
It’s anyone’s guess as to who will take the risk to land Michkov, one of the best European prospects in years. If it weren’t for his long-term KHL contract, he’d be in the top three, no question. With the depth of the first round, I feel like most teams in the top 10 won’t be willing to wait until 2026 for their top pick to come over. That’s why I think Montreal, with two potential early picks, will make a run at the slick scorer. It wasn’t that long ago that some wondered if Michkov could be a legitimate challenger for the No. 1 spot. His recent dominance in the KHL sparked new conversations about his future potential, and if the Habs can snag him here, it’s worth the wait.
14. Calgary Flames: Oliver Moore, C (USNTDP)
Moore might be the fastest skater in the draft, and one with the potential to become a real game-changer. Moore is the USNTDP’s second-line center, so he’s often been overlooked by the high-flying top line led by Will Smith. But some believe Moore might have the highest ceiling. Some time with the University of Minnesota will be beneficial. He’s a great dual-threat offensive forward that generates much of his line’s scoring chances and, again, his speed is his biggest asset.
15. Arizona Coyotes (via OTT): Ryan Leonard, LW (USNTDP)
When talking about Leonard, you’re focused on the upside. He can score, and score often. He’s creative. He loves the power play. He’s going to be an excellent pro player and has great chemistry with Smith, who, in this mock, will also be Coyotes’ property. Arizona could easily use a defenseman here, but I think the potential of adding a high-scoring winger to the equation is essential. And I’m a sucker for junior teammates reuniting at the pro level.
16. Nashville Predators: Axel Sandin Pellikka, D (Skelleftea, SHL)
Sandin Pellikka would be a nice addition to a team that has always been defensive-minded but is looking to move forward after trading He’s a small defender at 5-foot-10, but he moves the puck so well and acts as a fourth forward at points. I still think there’s room to grow in his own zone – something that’s somewhat important for a defenseman – but I’ve enjoyed watching him with Skelleftea and think he has a solid future ahead of him.
17. Detroit Red Wings (via NYI and VAN): Riley Heidt, LW (Prince George, WHL)
It was interesting to see the Red Wings move Filip Hronek at the deadline, but they got a valuable first-round pick. After drafting Yager, it would only be fitting to get his old buddy and former Team Canada/minor hockey friend in Heidt. The 5-foot-11 forward is a tremendous playmaker and one that’s on pace for 69 assists and just over 90 points for the Cougars. He was there for a few trying years in Prince George, and now he’s leading the charge. I really like what he brings to the table.
18. Winnipeg Jets: Mikhail Gulyayev, D (Omsk, KHL)
It’s sometimes hard to get a good view on Russian prospects, given how few get significant ice time. And while that’s especially true for Gulyayev, there’s a lot of upside for the mobile power-play quarterback. Offensively, he shows some value, but it’s how he moves the puck and gets himself out of danger that really opens some eyes. The Jets have some solid forward prospects in Chaz Lucius, Rutger McGroarty and Brad Lambert, but Gulyayev has a chance to become Winnipeg’s prize future blueliner.
19. Pittsburgh Penguins: Samuel Honzek, LW (Vancouver, WHL)
The Penguins have one of the worst prospect pools in the game, and that’s been the case for a while. Honzek would instantly become one of the system’s best. A late 2004-born forward, Honzek has had an outstanding season with the Giants, but one hampered by a leg injury he suffered during the World Junior Championship. He missed close to two months but has come back strong with a handful of multi-point efforts. There’s still some catching up to do here, but he has taken some big steps against quality opponents in the WHL and continues to get better the more he plays.
20. Colorado Avalanche: Matthew Wood, LW (University of Connecticut, NCAA)
At 6-foot-3, Wood’s size – mixed with his excellent output everywhere he has played – makes him one to watch. He’s been playing at a point-per-game pace with the University of Connecticut as a freshman, showing off his good hands and excellent wrist shot release. The Avalanche are still in win-now mode and can afford to wait.
21. Nashville Predators (via EDM): Cal Ritchie, C (Oshawa, OHL)
Ritchie was once viewed a potential top 10 pick this year. That’s not the case anymore, but he’s still a versatile two-way center playing at a point-per-game on a team with very few offensive pieces to work with. His defensive game continues to get better and he’s excellent in the faceoff dot. At 6-foot-2, he’s got good speed and size to work with.
22. Seattle Kraken: Ethan Gauthier, RW (Sherbrooke, QMJHL)
Don’t mess with the Gaut. He’s not a big kid, but the son of former NHLer Denis Gauthier plays an intense, energy-filled game that coaches love. He’s been able to play effectively with just about anyone in the Phoenix’s lineup and is willing to lay it on the line for his teammates. There’s some good potential top-six upside here for Seattle.
23. Minnesota Wild: Tanner Molendyk, D (Saskatoon, WHL)
The Wild scored big with Liam Ohgren and Danila Yurov last year, adding to one of the more talent-rich prospect pools. Brock Faber and Carson Lambos are both highly rated blueline prospects, and adding Molendyk to the fray would give them some extra quality depth to work with. He’s one of the better skaters among defensemen, and I feel like he isn’t far away from unlocking some more offensive potential.
24. Chicago Blackhawks: Quentin Musty, LW (Sudbury, OHL)
The first pick from the 2021 OHL Draft, Musty is as competitive as it gets. He’s very creative, can score from tough angles and manages to get passes to linemates under pressure more often than most kids his age. He’ll be a 40-50-point guy in the NHL.
25. New York Rangers: Gavin Brindley, C (University of Michigan, NCAA)
Some scouts are worried about how Brindley and his 5-foot-9 frame will adjust to the NHL. I’m not. He’s willing to get physical and take opponents out of their headspace. I want to see him build more upper-body strength to allow him to put more power behind his accurate wrist shot, but there’s enough raw talent here to get excited.
26. Columbus Blue Jackets (via LAK): Otto Stenberg, C (Froluna, Sweden U-20)
The offensive totals might make you believe otherwise, but Stenberg loves the puck, and the numbers have followed him everywhere. Sweden’s captain at the 2022 World Junior A Challenge, Stenberg has scored at nearly a goal per game rate with his country in U-18 action this year and has been one of the most consistent players on Frolunda’s U-20 team. He’ll be a reliable third-liner in the NHL.
27. St. Louis Blues (via TOR): Dmitri Simashev, D (Yaroslavl, MHL)
Like big, crushing blueliners? It’s time to meet Simashev, a 6-foot-4 beast. He’s excellent in his zone and moves well for a bigger blueliner. His lack of offensive upside knocks him down a few pegs but he’ll get the job done.
28. San Jose Sharks (via NJD): Lukas Dragicevic, D (Tri-City, WHL)
Dragicevic found a new gear with Tri-City this year, and there’s still a lot of room for improvement. He’s scoring at a good rate, loves the power play and has some good size, too. The biggest downside is his defensive-zone play, which isn’t a great thing for a defenseman, but the raw tools are solid.
29. St. Louis Blues (via DAL): Caden Price, D (Kelowna, WHL)
I like the idea of the Blues snagging a two-way mobile blueliner with their second pick to give them some extra depth there. Price is confident at moving the puck down the ice and scouts love to describe him as a natural puck distributor. There’s a solid future for Price.
30. Carolina Hurricanes: Gabe Perreault, RW (USNTDP)
I don’t want to call taking Perreault “a swing,” but this team has managed to get some extremely good value out of players most seem to undervalue. Perreault is about to break the 100-point barrier, something only a handful of U-18 USNTDP players have managed to do. But unlike Auston Matthews, Jack Hughes, Clayton Keller or Cole Caufield before him, Perreault is more of a benefactor than a play driver. With the way the Hurricanes are looking long-term with some quality prospects, I’d love this pick.
31. Vegas Golden Knights: Bradly Nadeau, C (Penticton, BCHL)
Does it matter who they select? They’ve traded almost every first-round pick they’ve ever had, so it might as well be a random guess. Kidding aside, Nadeau is having an excellent season in the BCHL and should immediately step into a scoring role with the University of Maine next season.
32. Toronto Maple Leafs (via BOS): Charlie Stramel, C (University of Wisconsin, NCAA)
The Leafs have some high-quality scoring threats in the top six, which should make this team a relevant contender for the next few years. That’s why I like Charlie Stramel at this pick – a big forward with some good offensive potential and strong small-area skill. While the ceiling isn’t that crazy here, Stramel looks to be someone who can be a very effective third- or fourth-line forward that brings physicality and some scoring ability.
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