BCI's First Round Mock Draft
The 2023 Draft Class is extremely deep. This could genuinely turn out as one of the greatest draft classes in a long time, and that's partly because of who's at the top, but it just doesn't get worse from 2 to around 20, and even that dropoff is very minimal. Every player taken in the first round could seriously become NHL impact players soon. Now, without further ado, take this journey with us as we do our 7 round May Mock Draft:
1. Chicago Blackhawks - Connor Bedard (C) from Regina Pats (WHL)
Yeah there's not much debate about this one. Connor Bedard is by far the best player in this draft, and that's with absolutely no disrespect to the rest of the class. It's just that Bedard is the best prospect since McDavid. Pretty hard to top that. He tallied 71 goals and 143 points in 57 WHL games, which is just absurd. I'm sure you guys reading this all know just how good Bedard is and why he, unless he commits manslaughter, will be a Chicago Blackhawk on June 28.
2. Anaheim Ducks - Adam Fantilli (C) from U. of Michigan (NCAA)
Ducks fans could be worried that they might go with Michkov or Carlsson here, but I think it's just typical pre-draft crazy talk. They lost out on Bedard, but they should get Fantilli here at pick 2. And they're getting a really, really good consolation prize with him. I believe that in most other drafts, he would be a #1 guy, but obviously not when he's competing with Bedard. Fantilli put up 30 goals and 65 points in NCAA with Michigan this season. He's gonna be great, and Anaheim is also getting a 1C level player. With that, we enter the zone of chaos...
3. Columbus Blue Jackets - Leo Carlsson (C) from Örebro HK (SHL)
Here at Pick 3 is where this draft could get a little wonky. The Blue Jackets are going to take a center, that we can almost be certain about. The question is: which one? There's really only two options, Will Smith or Leo Carlsson. In my opinion, Leo is the obvious choice. He fits well as a big forward who can play well on both sides of the ice, and has a lot of skill. And, he plays down the middle. This is the player archetype the CBJ have desperately needed since Pierre-Luc Dubois, and so it just makes sense to take Carlsson over Will Smith, who plays very similarly to a player the Jackets already have (Kent Johnson). Leo put up 25 points in 44 games in the SHL, which is a pretty competitive league that he is doing well in. He has a lot of upside, and though he likely won't appear in an NHL game in the 23-24 season, picking him seems like a slam dunk for the Jackets.
4. San Jose Sharks - Will Smith (C) from Boston College (NCAA)
This was the first pick of the draft I labored on. For the Sharks, with Smith and Michkov both available at 4, it's tough to say who they will take. And if Carlsson goes at 3, I do think it's truly a toss up here. But, why would they take Will Smith over Michkov? The Sharks need a center, and Will Smith certainly has the potential to be that 1C in the future. With extremely high offensive upside, Will Smith is honestly the most dynamic player in the draft not named Bedard. He has massive concerns on the defensive end, but that is obviously something that can be learned through a good farm system. He put up 42 points in 20 games in NCAA this year, but more impressive was his record-breaking 127 point campaign on the U18 National team. He burst on to the scene, and rightfully so. I don't think the Sharks pass on him with pick 4.
5. Montreal Canadiens - Matvei Michkov (RW) from SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
At 5, with Smith and Carlsson going before, I think Michkov is a no brainer for the Habs. Of course, the issue with Michkov is that he is an extremely risky pick. He will not be in NA until at least 2026 as he signed a contract with his KHL team. But, he is still a really, really talented player, likely the 2nd best of the class, and his upside is fantastic. Before the season, some even rated him on the same level as Bedard in terms of potential. His defense of course, like Smith before him, needs a lot of work, but that is all stuff that can be grown. He's put up decent numbers in a tough league to play in, especially for 18 year olds, and I think that in 10 years, the Habs will be glad they took a shot and grabbed Michkov here at five.
6. Arizona Coyotes - Ryan Leonard (C) from the NTDP (US)
Ryan Leonard is a bit of a reach at pick 6 to some, but to me, he checks a lot of boxes for this Yotes team to target. He's got solid upside, can also play on the wing if need be, and has a great scoring touch. He obviously had an incredible year, with an astonishing 51 goals while in the NTDP, and a great WJs. All of these and more make him an exciting pick. He's certainly not on the same level as the top 5, but he still is really good and the Yotes will enjoy him here at 6.
7. Philadelphia Flyers - Zach Benson (C/W) from Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
Anything could happen at pick 7. The Flyers could easily take Reinbacher here, citing a need for defense, but it's pretty hard to me to pass on Zach Benson with this pick. He has fantastic upside, with limited concerns. He's a really safe pick. If there's one thing to dislike, it's Benson's size. But size truly does not matter with a player like Benson. Zach Benson in my opinion is probably on a very similar skill level to Will Smith, and he tallied 98 points in 60 WHL games. Really impressive, and I don't see the Flyers passing on him.
8. Washington Capitals - Dalibor Dvorsky (C) from HockeyAllsvenskan (AIK)
The draft is getting spicier now. At pick 8, the class is very wide open. And the unpredictability also stands with the prospect I have going to Washington. In mocks I have seen, Dalibor Dvorsky has been all over the first round. I've seen him as high as pick 6 to Arizona, and as low as 18! That's just how deep and talented this year's draft is. Now, why do I think he'll go to Washington? Dvorsky fits a nice role of a 6'1 center that has good 1C upside, a thing the Caps lack in their current prospects. Connor McMichael is seemingly trending towards a 2C ceiling, and even being moved to the wing sometimes. So, the Caps need to take Dvorsky, a center, over the likes of Eduard Sale or a defenseman with Reinbacher. Dvorsky is a really solid two-way forward who has good reads on the game itself, and this kind of awareness is really good, as it can translate into the NHL quickly. The Capitals don't seem to be wanting a full on rebuild as they try to bolster their roster for Ovi's last cup run in a couple of seasons. I could even see Dvorsky make a jump as early as next season, depending on how things go.
9. Detroit Red Wings - Oliver Moore (C) from NTDP (US)
With Detroit, there's a lot of potential options here at pick 9. Oliver Moore is the best player available, depending on how you view David Reinbacher, so this isn't really a reach. He put up really good numbers in the USDP this year, and he skates extremely well. Scouts call him the draft's best skater, which is impressive considering Moore is competing with Bedard and Smith for that title. The Wings would get a really good Center prospect that could develop into something great.
10. St. Louis Blues - David Reinbacher (D) from EHC Kloten (NL)
Reinbacher is likely the best defenseman available in this draft, and he's extremely solid defensively. He also has a little bit of flare for a two-way level defenseman, if his game grows. The Austrian dman played in Switzerland this season, and showed his defensive prowess there. At 6'2, he brings the size. The Blues are desperately looking for defensive prospects, and Reinbacher is a sure fit.
11. Vancouver Canucks - Eduard Sale (LW) from HC Kometa Brno (CZE)
Eduard Sale did not impress at the league level, with only 14 points, but he came into his own during international play for Czechia. He emerged as one of the most talented passers in the draft, and rose up the ranks quickly. I think that with pick 11, the Canucks have some room to move around here, and Sale is a good prospect. They could also go with whichever top defenseman is left, but I don't see it happening here, and I think Sale is headed to Vancouver.
12. Arizona Coyotes - Axel Sandin Pellika (D) from Skelleftia AIK (SHL)
Axel Sandin Pellika is an extremely talented offensive defenseman that has been rising up the ranks as the months go by, and some even put him as high as 7th or 8th. I personally think that Reinbacher will still go before him, but the Coyotes, with their second first round pick in this draft, can pick him up. He's versatile, and has potential to be one of the next great offensive defenseman.
13. Buffalo Sabres - Gabe Perrault (RW) from NTDP (US)
The Sabres, coming off of an incredibly solid season that saw them almost sneak into the playoffs, don't really need to go crazy with this pick. Perrault is a solid winger that should make an NHL impact in a couple of seasons. With the two top defenseman gone, I don't see the Sabres wanting to go defense like they are rumored to. Instead, they can go with Gabe Perrault, and be fine with it.
14. Pittsburgh Penguins - Nate Danielson (C) from Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
At pick 14, the Penguins have a few options. Nate Danielson is one of the more talented players left now, and he is probably the best two-way forward left. He's got incredible awareness, and the Penguins will not be going wrong with him. Also, noting now, that the explanations will be shorter from here on out, as there is not as much to say starting around now.
15. Nashville Predators - Matthew Wood (RW) from UConn (NCAA)
Matthew Wood is a really solid prospect, and one of the true power forwards for this draft. Other players, such as Brayden Yager or Andrew Cristall, might be better players, but size concerns could leave Matthew Wood here at pick 15 to the Preds.
16. Calgary Flames - Andrew Cristall (RW) from Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Andrew Cristall's only concern is his size. At 5'9/5'10, depending on what you cite, he's undersized, but he often uses that to his advantage. He's extremely crafty and a great goalscorer, and I think Calgary would be jumping at the bit to pick him up should he fall here to pick 16.
17. Detroit Red Wings - Dmitiri Simashev (D) from Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
Despite the fact that Simishev shows flashes of offensive brilliance, he sticks to defensive roots and is a really solid defenseman. This may be a reach, depending on who you ask, but it's a reach I could well see Steve Yzerman going for at pick 17.
18. Winnipeg Jets - Tom Wallinder (D) from Rogle BK (Nationell)
Tom Wallinder is probably the best defenseman outside of the top 2 range, and for good reason. He's really aware defensively, and shows a bit of flash for some offense as well. With the Jets seemingly barelling towards a rebuild, Wallinder could be a good piece of the future.
19. Chicago Blackhawks - Colby Barlow (LW) from Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Colby Barlow is a very good scorer, with raw talent in that facet of his game. He's a really good skater, and his awareness is solid too. He needs to work on two-way ability, but Barlow would add a really good prospect to this Chicago farm system.
20. Seattle Kraken - Mikhail Gulyayev (D) Omskie Yastreby (MHL)
Gulyayev is the start of where defenseman in this class get muddied together and no one knows who's the best prospect. The Kraken seemingly want a d man here at pick 20, and Gulyayev is a really solid one. His defensive game is solid, but his offense needs a bit of work. Except for his passing. He is a smooth passer.
21. Minnesota Wild - Brayden Yager (C) from Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Brayden Yager is another polarizing prospect, with some ranking him as high as 10, while others rank him near 25-30 range. I think that he's a sure fit prospect on any team, and will be a solid NHLer. His ceiling may not be as high as others, but his floor isn't as low, in my opinion.
22. Philadelphia Flyers - Daniil But (RW) from Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
Daniil But is another player that's quickly been rising. I think that the Flyers, who got this pick in their Ivan Provorov trade, would be fine taking But. He's a solid prospect, a good skater, and scorer, but like many wingers his age, his defense could use some work. The Flyers rebuild is getting a solid jumpstart with the first round here.
23. New York Rangers - Samuel Honzek (LW) from Vancouver Rockets (WHL)
Samuel Honzek is a very well rounded prospect. Everything seems like it could make him solid, and that's why he's been rated so highly as of late. The Rangers could use a prospect like Honzek, who could make an NHL impact, honestly, as early as next season, depending on how camps go. He's the only player in this range that I could say that about.
24. Nashville Predators - Quentin Musty (LW) from Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Musty is a physical grinder-esque player who can beat d men 1v1 and has a solid shot. The Preds get a great opportunity with two firsts to replenish their prospect pool, and I anticipate that they will grab two wingers here.
25. St. Louis Blues - Lukas Dragicevic (D) from Tri-City Americans (WHL)
The Blues defensive prospect pool is severely lacking manpower, and Dragicevic is a really solid prospect that adds on to Reinbacher from earlier. He is a solid prospect, that in most drafts would be a mid first rounder. This is of course, not most drafts.
26. San Jose Sharks - Michael Hrabal (G) from Omaha Lacers (USHL)
This is the biggest reach I have in this first round, depending on who you ask. Hrabal, in my opinion, is the best goaltender in the draft, and the Sharks are lacking a goalie of the future. Hrabal could be that for them. Taking him here after his great season just makes sense, with the Sharks not wanting to see him get taken by another team in between here and their next pick.
27. Colorado Avalanche - Calum Ritchie (C) from Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Calum Ritchie is simply the best available player at this part of the draft. The Avs don't really need a high end prospect, and if they hold on to this pick, then Ritchie can fill a solid void in their pool of centers in a few seasons.
28. Toronto Maple Leafs - Otto Stenburg (C) from Frolunda (Nationell)
Otto Stenburg could've gone a lot earlier in this mock, and for good reason. He's on probably the third tier of centers in this draft, but maybe at the top of it. I could see him going much earlier, but I also don't see the Leafs passing on him if he comes up here.
29. St. Louis Blues - Reilly Heidt (C) from Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Reilly Heidt is another player that could go earlier. A few months ago, he was ranked as high as 11th, but now he has progressively fallen a bit. The Blues, who just nabbed 2 d men, could look to grab a third, but I think they get Reilly Heidt here.
30. Carolina Hurricanes - Oliver Bonk (D) from London Knights (OHL)
Oliver Bonk is a really solid defensive prospect who is mobile, despite his 6'2 height, and is a great two-way. He could slot home on a good power play in the future, and for now, would be a solid A- tier prospect for a team like Carolina, who needs them so badly.
31. Colorado Avalanche - Gavin Brindley (C/W) from Michigan (NCAA)
Gavin Brindley has a lot going for him, but what isn't is his size. At just 5'8, his skill gets boobooed a lot by scouts and analysts alike, who assume that his talent will get killed in the NHL. But, I still think his raw ability puts him here in the late first round, and the Avs are the team who could take a chance on a guy like Brindley.
32. Vegas Golden Knights - Bradly Nadeau (LW)
With the last pick on Wednesday night, I think the Golden Knights should be high on Nadeau. He's a little undersized, but not as much as his competition here at pick 32, and I firmly believe that he could rise above and be a really solid NHL player in a couple of seasons.
There you have it! That is BCI's First Round Mock Draft. Before you go, here's a couple of things.
Thank you for reading Beyond Center Ice! Give BCI a follow out on Instagram and share this post with your friends, it would be much appreciated!
Comments
Post a Comment