2023 NHL Draft Eligible Players To Watch At the World Juniors

This is one of the great tournaments in the world. The passion that these players have for their countries is amazing. Canada is the favourite to win the tournament with Connor Bedard starring with Adam Fantilli and Shane Wright (Kraken) as well. The United States will feature Lane Hutson (Canadiens) on defence and Logan Cooley (Coyotes) in the middle, Cutter Gauthier on the wing (Flyers), they can light up the scoresheet and they are expected to medal. This article contains some of the 2023 NHL Draft eligible players to watch.

2023 NHL Draft Eligible Players at World Junior Championships

Team USA

Charlie Stramel – Center – He’s fast, physical, and plays a 200-foot game. This center has a good skill level and has always played up in age. A top 15 pick.

Gavin Brindley – Right Wing – This true freshman at Michigan is small but fast, a great skater, and a playmaker who has some scoring ability. Brindley can be a first-rounder.

Kaidan Mbereko – Goalie – This netminder plays the puck well. His good clears and a good glove could see him win the starting job. He was passed over twice in the draft.

Team Canada

Connor Bedard – Right Wing – Bedard won’t play center, but he will still drive play. His skating is as elite as it gets, and you never know where he’s going with the puck. He should lead the tournament in scoring. He’s the expected top overall pick.

Adam Fantilli – Left Wing – He’s a true freshman at Michigan who will be playing second-line left wing. Fantilli has speed, and a great hockey I.Q. and he and Bedard can be magic together on the power play if given the chance. He is the expected second-overall pick.

Team Sweden

Leo Carlsson – Wing – He could be playing with Filip Bystedt who would be at center. Carlsson finds open ice. Carlsson is very strong and has great stickwork even in traffic. A top rookie in the SHL. He could be the third overall pick.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka – Defense – This Swede can skate and he’s terrific on zone entries. He is already being used on the top power play and is a solid two-way player. He’s a first-rounder for sure.

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Team Finland

Lenni Hameenaho – Center – He’s a good skater. The Finn is always around the puck and a good World Juniors could boost his draft stock.

Verner Miettenen – Center – I love his quick shot on the power play. He’s been good for the Fargo Force in the USHL.

Slovakia

Dalibor Dvorsky – Center – He’s had a tough year offensively in Sweden’s second-tier league. He needs to show off that great shot and hockey I.Q.

Czechia

Eduard Sale – Right Wing – He has silky smooth hands and good acceleration to the net. Sale scores goals. He is a polarizing figure in the upcoming draft.

Austria

David Reinbacher – Defense – He may be one of the best defensemen in the upcoming draft. He possesses a great one-timer and wins puck battles.

Ian Scherzer – Center – He plays in Sweden and he’s tricky. Scherzer makes patient passes and can go backdoor on the defense. A good tournament would help his draft status.