Everything You Need to Know About The 2023 NHL Draft

There are a couple of important pieces of information to take note of regarding the 2023 Draft: the dates and the location.

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2023 First Round draft order

1. Chicago Blackhawks
2. Anaheim Ducks
3. Columbus Blue Jackets
4. San Jose Sharks
5. Montreal Canadiens
6. Arizona Coyotes
7. Philadelphia Flyers
8. Washington Capitals
9. Detroit Red Wings
10. St. Louis Blues
11. Vancouver Canucks
12. Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa Senators)
13. Buffalo Sabres
14. Pittsburgh Penguins
15. Nashville Predators
16. Calgary Flames
17. Detroit Red Wings (from New York Islanders via Vancouver Canucks)
18. Winnipeg Jets
19. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning)
20. Seattle Kraken
21. Minnesota Wild
22. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Los Angeles Kings)
23. New York Rangers
24. Nashville Predators (from Edmonton Oilers)
25. St. Louis Blues (from Toronto Maple Leafs)
26. San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey Devils)
27. Colorado Avalanche
28. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston Bruins via Washington Capitals)

An above-average draft

The 2023 NHL Draft stands out as an exceptional draft class, primarily due to the abundance of top-tier talent available at the beginning of the draft. Leading the pack is Connor Bedard, a center from Regina, whose outstanding performance in the World Juniors solidified his position as the clear choice for the No. 1 pick. Bedard is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional prospects in the past decade and has the potential to become a franchise-altering player for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Following Bedard, the next four prospects are all outstanding players with promising futures in the professional ranks. Adam Fantilli from Michigan possesses such talent that he would be a strong contender for the first overall pick in many drafts. Matvei Michkov, playing for SKA, also garners significant attention as a highly skilled hockey player. Some scouts even argue for Leo Carlsson from Orebro, Sweden, considering him as a top pick. While I wouldn't rank Carlsson as highly as the others, both he and Will Smith from the U.S. program display exceptional talent that would place them at the second or third position in a typical draft.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the 2023 NHL Draft is Michkov's status. Despite some weaknesses in his profile, most evaluators are highly impressed with his skills. However, due to his contract with the KHL until the 2025-26 season, it remains uncertain where he will be selected in the draft. The placement of players signed with KHL teams is unpredictable at this stage, as even experts within the league are unsure.

Expected top 5 in the draft

Connor Bedard

Bedard's statistics speak volumes: 28 points in 15 games as a 15-year-old in the WHL, exceptional performance at the U18 Worlds as a double underager, 51 goals and 100 points at 16, impressive showing at the U18 Worlds as an underager again, and remarkable achievements at the World Juniors. His draft year has been extraordinary, leading the CHL in various categories.

What sets Bedard apart is his unparalleled puck skills. He possesses a shooting ability that no one else in the sport can replicate. His shooting action, including the explosive release and accuracy from impossible angles, is extraordinary. His quick hands, loose grip, speed, and creativity make him a dynamic play creator. Despite his focus on goal scoring, he maintains awareness of the game and uses his attention-drawing shot to open up passing opportunities. Bedard's overall game showcases high-end spatial awareness, strong puck control, competitiveness, and the ability to create scoring opportunities. Defending against his inside-out cut and low, hard wrist shot is a challenge.

Bedard's upside is remarkable, with potential for 50-goal seasons at the next level. Additionally, his ability to play center and perform well in the faceoff circle adds to his value. While he may occasionally get ahead of the play and needs to improve defensively, these are minor concerns when considering his exceptional talent.

Adam Fantilli

Fantilli is an impressive center with size, strength, and power. He excels at carrying the puck forcefully and smoothly from the wall to the interior, making him a coveted player for any team. Whether it's along the cycle, rotating around the offensive zone, driving to the net, or using his speed out wide, Fantilli consistently impresses with his performances. Despite his 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame, he is one of the top skaters in this draft, displaying a balanced and adaptable skating style. Additionally, he possesses physicality, competitiveness, energy, and opportunistic instincts. Fantilli's scoring ability, puck protection skills, and comfort in traffic further elevate his game. When in peak form, he can completely dominate a game.

Throughout the year, Fantilli made improvements by reducing forced plays and demonstrating better decision-making, shot selection, and utilization of his linemates. With his raw talent, I believe he will play in the NHL next year and find success from the outset. Despite lower point totals at men's worlds, I remain confident in his abilities. As he continues to refine his game, gain more experience, and add muscle, he will become an even more formidable force to watch out for.

Matvei Michkov

Michkov is the most exceptional Russian prospect since Ovechkin and Malkin in 2004. His talent, upside, and pedigree make him a standout player. While his position as a winger and uncertainties surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and his KHL contract with SKA may complicate his draft placement, his abilities warrant recognition. Despite a lower-body injury, Michkov showcased remarkable productivity in the Russian VHL and made a significant impact in the KHL with Sochi.

With a little more commitment off the puck and additional height, Michkov would have an almost perfect profile. He differs from Bedard in terms of skills and approach. Michkov's brilliance lies in his quick decision-making and exceptional execution, whether it be his patterned shots, incredible hands, swift passing, sudden stops, or attacking cuts. He possesses a sturdy build, allowing him to extend plays and maintain puck possession when necessary. Although he excels in brief moments rather than sustained dominance, his consistency and efficiency (making few mistakes with the puck) create a high-reward, low-risk game. While he may not be the most diligent defensively or the fastest skater, he always remains involved in the play and his skill level is evident. Michkov has the potential to make an impact at the NHL level, opening up games with his attacking prowess and presenting a constant threat as soon as the puck touches his stick, much like Nikita Kucherov.

Leo Carlsson

Despite not capturing the same attention as the players ranked ahead of him, Carlsson had an impressive season, accounting for his age. He showcased his skills with Orebro in the SHL, at the world juniors, and for the senior men's national team. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 198 pounds, Carlsson combines his size with finesse and slick handling, allowing him to maneuver through traffic and shield the puck from defenders. He excels in various aspects of the game, displaying strong instincts, positional play, and off-puck pressure. His skating has shown improvement, and while his catching and shooting skills may need further development, his soft hands, passing finesse, and overall dexterity compensate for these areas. Carlsson's high hockey IQ is evident in his understanding of spacing and timing on and off the puck. Although he primarily played as a winger in the SHL, his background as a center complements his combination of size, talent, and awareness. He projects as a playmaking center with the potential to contribute in various roles, from middle-six to first-line duties, and a valuable asset on the power play.

Will Smith

Smith possesses brilliant puck-handling skills, maneuvering with ease and using deception to outwit opponents. He exhibits craftiness in his game, transitioning from a point-per-game U17 season to over two points per game in his U18 campaign. Smith's exceptional slot passing and unique puckhandling allow him to navigate through tight coverage and make plays effortlessly. He is a versatile threat, capable of beating opponents with passes, accurate timing in his wrister, or slick dekes. His ability to process the game at an advanced level is impressive, as is his elusiveness and puck possession skills. Although he still has areas to improve, such as his defensive engagement and occasional tendency to overdo things, his tracking on steals has shown promise. Expectations are high for Smith, with the potential to become a playmaking top-six center and a creator on the power play. He is likely to emerge as a significant point producer, and his skillset is deserving of a high ranking.

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