The 2023 NHL Mock Draft Has Been a Difficult Task

All mock drafts are hard to do. However, this year’s mock draft was a bit harder to create. With the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, we are taking into account the “Russian Factor” and the talent in this draft. The Top 10 could be one of the best in the last decade. But, it’s prospects and you never know what can happen. Connor Bedard is a generational talent and Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson and Matvei Michkov are all franchise talents.

Let the mock begin:

1st. Chicago Blackhawks – C- Connor Bedard – He is an absolute no-brainer to go at number one for the Blackhawks. Look at all the season tickets that were sold after the draft lottery.

2nd. Anaheim Ducks – C – Adam Fantilli – in 2-3 seasons, he will be the best player on the Anaheim Ducks, and they have a good crop of youngsters.

3rd. Columbus Blue Jackets – C/W – Leo Carlsson – Columbus General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen will appreciate the way Carlsson gets through traffic to the net and then uses his skill down low.

4th. San Jose Sharks – C- Will Smith – The Sharks need a #1 center and in 2-3 seasons, he can be that player.

5th. Montreal Canadiens – RW – Matvei Michkov – In a lot of other seasons, he would be the #1 pick. Michkov’s long contract and the chance he will fulfill it is most of the reason for the drop in the draft.

6th. Arizona Coyotes – C/LW – Oliver Moore – This NTDP stud can play center or wing. With the unclear future of Clayton Keller staying with the Coyotes, this is a smart move.

7th. Philadelphia Flyers – RW/LW – Ryan Leonard – This wing is very strong and can get to the net besides having a great shot and good speed.

8th. Washington Capitals – C – Zach Benson – The Capitals would jump on this. Benson is a threat offensively as a playmaker or scorer. His hockey I.Q. and 200-foot game are impressive.

9th. Detroit Red Wings – D – Axel Sandin-Pellikka – The Red Wings could pair this righty seamlessly with Simon Edvinsson and let him guide the offense and handle the puck.

10th. St. Louis Blues – C – Dalibor Dvorsky – Dvorsky has excellent stick and puck control paired with a great hockey I.Q. He’s a scorer that could be plug and play for the Blues.

11th. Vancouver Canucks – D – David Reinbacher – The Canucks need help on the blueline, and this strong Austrian defender could provide it in a season or two.

12th. Arizona Coyotes – D – Dmitri Simashev – This 6’4” Russian defenseman will be worth the wait. Simashev is loaded with ability and maybe a sprinkle of offense too.

13th. Buffalo Sabres – LW – Quentin Musty – Musty is a big power forward with speed and an eye on the two-way game. He creates offensive chances.

14th. Pittsburgh Penguins – C/W – Matthew Wood – He was the youngest player in college hockey this season. Wood shined in international play for Canada, and has a high ceiling for his offensive game. Although, he has some skating issues.

15th. Nashville Predators – LW – Andrew Cristall – He’s solid on the power play. Cristall has a great wrist shot and is tricky around the net. Nashville will get him to play better defensively.

16th. Calgary Flames – LW – Colby Barlow – He has one of the best shots in the draft. Pure scorer.

17th. Detroit Red Wings – LW – Gabe Perreault – One of the NTDP top liners and it was the top line in the USHL. Fast with good shot deception.

18th. Winnipeg Jets – RW – Eduard Sale – A polarizing player among scouts. He has great hands.

19th. Chicago Blackhawks – C – William Whitelaw – He was a terrific offensive player for the Youngstown Phantoms helping them win the Clark Cup in 2023.

20th. Seattle Kraken – C – Calum Ritchie – An offensive talent with an accurate shot. Solid all-around.

21st. Minnesota Wild – C – Brayden Yager – Fast on the rush with a quick release shot.

22nd. Columbus Blue Jackets – LW – Samuel Honzek – A big guy who moves well and can get to the net.

23rd. New York Rangers – RW/C – Nate Danielson – Does everything well but nothing outstanding.

24th. Nashville Predators – C – Riley Heidt – Excellent passer with a pro one-timer.

25th. St. Louis Blues – RW – Gavin Brindley – A 5’9” player who has a great motor and terrific speed with a scoring touch.

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26th. San Jose Sharks – RW – Jayden Perron – Standing at 5’9″, Perron is a fast, highly skill 200-foot player.

27th. Colorado Avalanche – D – Tom Willander – He’s fast with the puck offensively and has smart, safe clears.

28th. Toronto Maple Leafs – D – Luca Cagnoni – At 5’10”, he will block shots and stand-up players but you want his offense and great point shot.

29th. St. Louis Blues – D – Caden Price – Mobile, two-way safe pick.

30th. Carolina Hurricanes – LW/C – Otto Stenberg – Very strong, pro release on his wrist shot. Not the highest ceiling.

31st. Montreal Canadiens – C/RW – Gracyn Sawchyn – A super-skilled 5’11 player with a lot of upside.

32nd. Vegas Golden Knights – C/W – Charlie Stramel – A 6’3” power forward who knows how to use his size and has that ever sought-after 200-foot game.