Five Best Value Picks From The 2023 NHL Draft

Now that most development camps have closed, which teams got the most value at the NHL Draft?

There are always picks in the draft where I presume the team got great value based on my rankings and other rankings and the players’ skill sets. But I took it a step further and wanted to extend that to the development camp and talk about what the organization thinks about the player.

Andrew Cristall – LW – Washington Capitals

This talented wing was drafted 40th overall. I remember, at the time, it seemed odd that he could drop this far. I ranked him 22nd overall. His stickhandling, wrist shot, and hockey I.Q. are all very good. His scoring ability on the power play is pro quality. Cristall was so good in development camp that he has already signed his ELC. I like him as a top-six player. 

Riley Heidt – C – Minnesota Wild

EP Rinkside had Heidt ranked 27th. With his speed and offensive ability, he has top-six tools, as a winger. It’s possible Heidt could turn out to be the steal of the draft.

Lenni Hameenaho – C – New Jersey Devils

Hameenaho is a solid skater and is always around the puck. He’s a player that coaches will put on the ice in big situations. He wins puck battles, is solid on face-offs, and he didn’t get enough opportunity last season. This year he will be in Liiga, and the Devils know that. They got him 58th overall, and he has a chance to be a second-line center. A small chance, but that’s where I think his upside lies. Craig Button ranked him 41st in May. The Devils had him ranked in the first round on their board. 

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Noah Dower-Nilsson – C/LW – Detroit Red Wings

Dower-Nilsson impressed me in live viewings. He has a quick shot as well as excellent stick and puck control. I like his vision and he will occasionally use his body in the corners. This prospect had a big year for Frolunda on their J20 team, and he got a cup of coffee in the SHL. The Swede didn’t get to play in the Red Wings scrimmage in development camp, but I was told that the organization is very high on him and was pleased to get him 73rd overall. I had him ranked 40th. 

Tanner Ludtke – C – Arizona Coyotes

Hard worker with a good shot. Getting 32 goals as Ludtke did in the USHL isn’t easy. High character guy. High school star. Good skater, good on face-offs, and has bottom-six center written all over him. Just named to the World Junior Summer Showcase camp. Smaht Scouting had him ranked 98th, but he went 81st overall.