Midterm rankings for 2023 NHL Draft

Connor Bedard F, Regina, WHL — Few would have thought Bedard’s WHL dominance would carry over to the World Juniors the way it did. His exceptional skating and evasive puck skills helped him score almost every time. He is unanimously the first overall pick, and his work for Canada cemented his place as a legend in junior hockey. It wasn’t just the type of goals he scored, it was the big moments he scored them in. Bedard is a talent that will last a lifetime.

Adam Fantilli, F, Michigan, NCAA — A well-rounded pivot, who if not for Bedard, would be a player receiving far more attention. He was an integral part of Canada’s World Juniors team and is currently dominating the NCAA against more physically mature, older players. Fantilli could be joining Bedard in NHL.

Leo Carlsson F. Orebro, SHL — His frame is pro-ready, and his ability to drive possession, and contribute not only as a playmaker but as a powerful goal scorer will give teams reason to consider Carlsson at any position after first overall. His performance at the World Juniors did nothing to hurt his status, and he’s playing well beyond his years as a professional in the SHL.

Matvei Michkov, F, SKA St. Petersburg, KHL — He continues to produce, and flash elite skills. The contract situation will cause teams to take notice. At times this season he’s tried to do too much, but at the same time, he’s a player who wants the puck on his stick and wants to control the game. It’s easier to teach a player to balance that desire than to teach Michkov’s innate killer instinct.

Zach Benson, F, Winnipeg, WHL — A high-end skater who is hard to defend because you’ll rarely catch him attacking in a straight line. Benson can be evasive when the puck touches his stick. He is also adept at scoring and setting up. He’ll need more physical development, but Benson has every tool to be a top-six forward in the NHL.

Eduard Sale, F, Brno, Czechia — Sale hasn’t looked out of place in Czechia’s top professional league, and he was a key piece for Czechia on their path to silver at the World Juniors. The season started with scouts predicting that Sale would finish anywhere from the top-five to the bottom in the first round. Sale will be gone before the end of round 1. He’s a threat on the power play, but can also back off defenders on the rush with his speed and vision.

Will Smith, F. USNTDP U18 — It was a surprise to many when the USA cut Smith from their World Junior roster. He’s the leader for the National Development Team, playing a well-balanced game, but has flashed elite scoring abilities this season. Next season, he’ll be attending Boston College.

Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skellefteå AIK, U20 Sweden — Few people expected Sandin Pellikka to be selected in the first round at the start of the season. As the calendar flipped to 2023, Sandin Pellikka’s offensive numbers continued to climb, as did his draft status. Alongside Leo Carlsson, he was one of only two first-year eligible players named to Sweden’s World Junior roster. While he didn’t produce big numbers at the tournament, he did lead a strong Swedish team in time on ice.

Andrew Cristall, F, Kelowna, WHL — His vision, and ability to find passing lanes, and open space while in possession, are elite. Cristall thinks the game faster than anyone else in the WHL. Cristall can score but his real talent lies in the way he lures opponents into the game before opening up space for them to find teammates.

Dalibor Dvorsky, F, AIK, Allsvenskan — Some have claimed Dvorsky’s stock has dropped significantly this season, but he played well against peers at the World Juniors, and he’s one of the better pure goal scorers in the draft. Dvorsky loves the puck and is a shooter first type of player. But he also excels at the more simple aspects of the game.

Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Omskie Yastreby, KHL — Pinning down the top defender in this draft is difficult, but Gulyayev is certainly a first-round talent. Gulyayev is a modern defender. He has great edgework and can quickly turn the puck up ice when transitioning. Gulyayev performs best when the pace and intensity are high. He hasn’t had time to shine in the KHL, but the added playing time he’s gained in VHL and MHL competition is bringing out the best in his game.

Ryan Leonard, F. USNTDP, U18 — He asserts his presence everywhere on the ice through a relentless forecheck and willingness to engage physically. Leonard injects energy wherever he steps onto the ice. This is how his impact goes far beyond the scoresheet.

Riley Heidt F. Prince George, WHL — Possesses many of the same skills as fellow WHL top prospect Andrew Cristall in that he’s a high-end playmaker, and perhaps a better shooter than Cristall. He could be a half wall for an NHL club on the power-play in the future. However, he needs to work on his skills without the puck.

Brayden Yager, F, Moose Jaw, WHL — A quick and powerful release, Yager can fire the puck. Scoring is not a problem for Yager…but a team will need to commit to teaching him the defensive game because right now, he’s trending toward a one-way player. Still, there are traits you can’t teach, and with the puck, Yager has them. Without the puck, he’s a work in progress.

Otto Stenberg Frolunda, Sweden — Stenberg has a motor that rarely quits. Stenberg can do it all with the puck. Without the puck, he’s pesky if not a pest. He’ll need to add strength, but he can impact the game in all three zones.

Oliver Moore F, USNTDP. U18 — Moore toys with defenders as a deceptive puck carrier who can manipulate his own positioning, and cause checkers to give pause before he unleashes a shot. He is versatile and can do so many things without being flashy. But he still produces with his well-rounded game.

Gavin Brindley, F, Michigan, NCAA — There are several players – Cristall, Heidt, Brindley – who all possess similar skills. Brindley’s calling card is his dogged puck pursuit. He is a disruptive player and one of the best passers in the first round.

Calum Ritchie, F, Oshawa, OHL — Utilizes his 6-foot-2 frame well, but has struggled at times this season after a spectacular campaign that had scouts scrambling to see him play last season. Ritchie is a solid player and has shown glimpses of excellence. Needs to be more consistent, but if this campaign isn’t indicative of his future, could turn into a pick teams kick themselves for passing on.

Matthew Wood F, UConn NCAA — His initial torrid pace as an NCAA rookie has slowed slightly, but Wood is perhaps closer to NHL-ready than most first-round prospects due to his size and physical maturity. The majority of top-end forwards selected in this draft are small and have lightning-quick skills. Wood has great hands but brings something that few others have.

David Reinbacher, D, Kloten, NL — The best way to describe slotting Reinbacher in this high is by saying he has “upside.” He was overwhelmed on a weak Austrian team at the World Juniors but has continued his strong play in Switzerland against pros. Reinbacher defends well, using his stick to remove lanes and keep players from the middle of ice. He is mobile enough and agile enough to close gaps and turn the puck up ice quickly.

Nate Danielson F. Brandon, WHL — At times you can forget Danielson is as good as he is because he makes it all look easy. He is fast and makes the most of it when he’s in neutral zone. Danielson is a skilled puck carrier and can also attack from the second wave. This will make any NHL team’s middle six very happy.

Colby Barlow, F, Owen Sound OHL — He scores in a lot of different ways, although rarely with the flash and dash of others available in round one. Barlow excels at finding the right spot at the right time and will continue to find ways to help the NHL. He’s good on both sides of the puck showing the versatility that reads like a safe pick.

Gabe Perreault F, USNTDP U18 — Doesn’t receive the hype of Moore, Smith, or Leonard, but Perreault produces, and does so in a variety of ways. Perreault has the ability to alter his release angle and showcase an accurate shot. However, he is also capable of playing set-up. Definitely a player who will need to refine his two-way competencies, but you can’t deny his scoring acumen.

Bradley Nadeau, F, Penticton, BCHL — Nadeau is an intriguing prospect. Coming out of the BCHL, he’s pouring in points, scoring nearly at will. He’s agile and can process the action in slow motion, which allows him to reach spaces and expose defenders to create chances. Maine is his partner in the NCAA.

Quentin Musty F. Sudbury, OHL — A great shooter, the 6-foot-2 forward has been the OHL’s top-scoring draft-eligible player for much of the season. He’s come on in the last month and is showing signs that he can distribute as well as finish.

Michael Hrabal, G, Omaha, USHL —  If a goaltender goes off the board in round one, it will likely be the 6-foot-6 Hrabel, who not only possesses a modern NHL goaltender’s frame, but has a level of quickness and athleticism to his game. After coming over from Czechia, he’s adapted well to the smaller ice, hinting he may only be scratching the surface of his potential.

Dmitri Simashev, D, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, KHL — A mobile defender with a 6-foot-4 frame, Simashev is not going to dazzle with offensive numbers, but he’s so effective defensively that it’s a trade worth making. That said, he transports the puck well with his long stride, but the best part of Simashev’s game is his ability to take away time, space, and lanes, eating up the defensive zone.

Alex Ciernik, F, Sodertalje, U20 Sweden — Perhaps one of the fastest skaters in pursuit of a puck available, Ciernik was crucial for a revitalized Slovakian squad this year. While his offense is still improving, Ciernik’s ability to move up and down a line as he reads the plays on both sides of a puck is impressive.

Kasper Halttunen, F, HIFK, Liiga — Had Halttunen cracked Finland’s World Junior roster, his placement in the draft may have been clearer. The forward, who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall, has been playing well against his peers in Liiga. This pick is a risky one. That is why Halttunen can appear anywhere from the mid-first round to the mid third on different draft boards.

Lukas Dragicevic, D, Tri-City, WHL — Continues to put up good numbers, Dragicevic has good size (6-foot-2) and is an elusive right-shot blueliner. He’s the highest scoring defenceman available in the draft.

Jayden Perron F, Chicago, USHL — Agile and an incredible passer, Perron makes those around him better. Whether it’s with his own feet, or a deceptive pass, Perron changes the line of attack rapidly to break defenders.

Koehn Ziemmer F, Prince George WHL — Dangerous release, Ziemmer can find quiet space in the offensive zone to shoot from, but he can also use his hands in tight to create opportunities. Ziemmer is determined to get the puck and is persistent.

Daniil But F, Loko Yaroslavl MHL

Luca Pinelli, F, Ottawa, OHL

Charlie Stramel, F, Wisconsin, NCAA

Samuel Honzek, F, Vancouver, WHL

Tom Willander, D, Rogle, J20 Sweden

Cameron Allen, D, Guelph, OHL

Noah Dower Nilsson, F, Frolunda, J20 Sweden

Étienne Morin, D, Moncton, QMJHL

Caden Price, D, Kelowna, WHL

Ethan Gauthier F. Sherbrooke QMJHL

Lenni Hämeenaho, F, Pori, Liiga

Maxim Strbak, D, Sioux Falls, USHL

Jesse Kiiskinen, F, Pelicans, J20 Finland

Emil Jarventie, F, Ilves, Liiga

Kalan Lind F. Red Deer, WHL

Ondrej Molnar, F, HK Nitra, Slovakia

Beau Akey, D, Barrie, OHL

Hunter Brzustewicz, D, Kitchener, OHL

Roman Kantserov. F. Magnitogorsk. MHL

Jessi Nurmi, F, KooKoo, U20 Finland

Oliver Bonk D. London, OHL

Tanner Molendyk, D, Saskatoon, WHL

Noel Nordh, F, Brynas IF, J20 Sweden

Zeb Forsfjall, F, Skellefteå AIK, J20 Sweden

Carson Bjarnason, G, Brandon, WHL

Roman Kantserov, F, ​​Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk, MHL

Gracyn Sawchyn, F, Seattle, WHL

Mathieu Cataford, F, Halifax, QMJHL

Trey Augustine. G, USNTDP. U18

Luca Cagnoni, D, Portland, WHL

Oscar Fisker Mølgaard, F, HV71, SHL

Jordan Tourigny, D, Shawinigan, QMJHL