2023 Draft Discussion

[HisNoodliness]

If we can’t trade up for Michkov or Carlsson (obviously very unlikely), my pick at 9 now is Benson. I think there’s a great chance he’s available there with Leonard/Dvorsky/Reinbacher going before him. And I think Benson will be a superstar TBH. He has it all and if he was 6’0” he might go top 3.

I love the skill-compete package with Benson... However, I am nervous taking him top 10 with his size-skating combination. I view Perreault as being more creative, a better shooter, similar passer and a better skater while lacking Benson's intensity. Advocate for Benson over Perreault. What am I underrating?

For context, even though I have him toward the bottom of the 5-15 tier, I'm totally cool taking Benson at 9 as I view him as a swing for that elite forward we really need. He wouldn't be my choice, but I wouldn't be upset at all.

 

[Zetterberg4Captain]

I'd be more than okay with this through first five rds...

 

[David D]

Benson reminds me of Savoie and Stevie seems to prefer size in first rd which i'd rather draft Danielson. or D-man Willander if Leonard is gone at 9. Danielson has size, speed, skill as does Benson so with all being equal, i'll take the size as a deciding factor. Willander has snuck up on everyone and reminds me of Edvindson but with more athleticism and RH. This coming from a guy who has wanted all offense in first rd but Willander is special

 

[RedHawkDown]

I love the skill-compete package with Benson... However, I am nervous taking him top 10 with his size-skating combination. I view Perreault as being more creative, a better shooter, similar passer and a better skater while lacking Benson's intensity. Advocate for Benson over Perreault. What am I underrating?

For context, even though I have him toward the bottom of the 5-15 tier, I'm totally cool taking Benson at 9 as I view him as a swing for that elite forward we really need. He wouldn't be my choice, but I wouldn't be upset at all.

I think his skating concerns are very overblown. He doesn’t have the best top end speed but this is fixable because his mechanics and especially agility/edge work are elite.

I think Benson has similar tools to Perrault but the intensity piece and defensive play is not something to take lightly. I also think Benson is probably the second or third smartest player in this draft second only to Michkov and Bedard. I find it very hard to see someone like him busting with his work ethic combined with elite skill and IQ. Perrault is a much higher risk IMO. Though I’d love him at 17.

I basically see near zero risk with Benson. I see him as a winger version of Point.

Benson reminds me of Savoie and Stevie seems to prefer size in first rd which i'd rather draft Danielson. or D-man Willander if Leonard is gone at 9. Danielson has size, speed, skill as does Benson so with all being equal, i'll take the size as a deciding factor. Willander has snuck up on everyone and reminds me of Edvindson but with more athleticism and RH. This coming from a guy who has wanted all offense in first rd but Willander is special

Benson is a lot better than Savoie IMO. Same team and he’s clearly better every time they’re on the ice together.

 

[NickH8]

If Benson falls to 9 and we don't take him I quit. He's still and always will be #5 on my list. His skating isn't a concern because he knows how to play without elite skating, he's just so damn smart. Think Perron's IQ but with work ethic on defense and skating that's above average.

 

[lilidk]

Where?

Unfortunately can't find it , but it was in one of those Russian hockey streams, It just popped on my YouTube channels. They said he is not Near NHL ready and will be nice for him to spend couple of seasons playing for CKA , and not other teams . They also see him drafted in top 10.

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

I think his skating concerns are very overblown. He doesn’t have the best top end speed but this is fixable because his mechanics and especially agility/edge work are elite.

I think Benson has similar tools to Perrault but the intensity piece and defensive play is not something to take lightly. I also think Benson is probably the second or third smartest player in this draft second only to Michkov and Bedard. I find it very hard to see someone like him busting with his work ethic combined with elite skill and IQ. Perrault is a much higher risk IMO. Though I’d love him at 17.

I basically see near zero risk with Benson. I see him as a winger version of Point.


Benson is a lot better than Savoie IMO. Same team and he’s clearly better every time they’re on the ice together.

The old "skating can be easily fixed" line eh? I think he is not nearly as explosive or quick as he needs to be at his size and that neither of those two things are easy to "fix." I got time for smaller guys, but they need to be plus, plus skaters for me to consider them in the top 10.

 

[RedHawkDown]

The old "skating can be easily fixed" line eh? I think he is not nearly as explosive or quick as he needs to be at his size and that neither of those two things are easy to "fix." I got time for smaller guys, but they need to be plus, plus skaters for me to consider them in the top 10.

I think explosiveness and quickness are the easiest things to fix actually with a good power skating coach as these things are heavily based on lower body strength as well. It’s agility and skating mechanics/edge work that are hard to fix. He’s not sluggish, he’s just not super fast in terms of top end speed. i think as he gains lower body strength that will be a non issue

At the end of the day we desperately need elite skill. If we keep drafting Dylan Larkin types we will never win. Every single cup winning team going back decades has had at least one elite offensive forward with elite creativity and skill. Even now, Florida is up 3-0 on a Carolina team that plays super well but lacks that elite forward, and lo and behold the team with Tkachuk and Barkov is about to sweep them. Vegas has Eichel and Dallas has Robertson. Industriousness and speed only goes so far. With Kasper, Mazur, Larkin we have hard working top 6 forwards covered. We need ELITE skill. Raymond maybe can reach tbat if he develops a bunch more but otherwise we have zero prospects now that may get there.

Benson happens to have the work ethic and also the elite skill. At 9 I don’t see any other players that have an elite offensive skill set other than Perrault who I think is way riskier and might also be available at 17, and Wood who is legitimately a below average skater. Dvorsky is an option but I’m not sold on his offensive upside. We have to swing for the fences and I think Benson is a great option for that with the least risk of the guys at 9.

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

I think explosiveness and quickness are the easiest things to fix actually with a good power skating coach as these things are heavily based on lower body strength as well. It’s agility and skating mechanics/edge work that are hard to fix. He’s not sluggish, he’s just not super fast in terms of top end speed. i think as he gains lower body strength that will be a non issue

At the end of the day we desperately need elite skill. If we keep drafting Dylan Larkin types we will never win. Every single cup winning team going back decades has had at least one elite offensive forward with elite creativity and skill. Even now, Florida is up 3-0 on a Carolina team that plays super well but lacks that elite forward, and lo and behold the team with Tkachuk and Barkov is about to sweep them. Vegas has Eichel and Dallas has Robertson. Industriousness and speed only goes so far. With Kasper, Mazur, Larkin we have hard working top 6 forwards covered. We need ELITE skill. Raymond maybe can reach tbat if he develops a bunch more but otherwise we have zero prospects now that may get there.

Benson happens to have the work ethic and also the elite skill. At 9 I don’t see any other players that have an elite offensive skill set other than Perrault who I think is way riskier and might also be available at 17, and Wood who is legitimately a below average skater. Dvorsky is an option but I’m not sold on his offensive upside. We have to swing for the fences and I think Benson is a great option for that with the least risk of the guys at 9.

I very much disagree. I see explosiveness and speed as almost immutable, genetic characteristics. I would much rather try to fix the stride of a strong athlete, than fix the athleticism of someone with solid skating mechanics. See Xavier Ouellet.

Moreover, he does not possess elite skill. If he possessed elite skill we would not be talking about him at 9. My money says he is a great junior player, but a pretty ordinary NHLer. I will let him try to prove me wrong.

 

[RedHawkDown]

I very much disagree. I see explosiveness and speed as almost immutable, genetic characteristics. I would much rather try to fix the stride of a strong athlete, than fix the athleticism of someone with solid skating mechanics. See Xavier Ouellet.

Moreover, he does not possess elite skill. If he possessed elite skill we would not be talking about him at 9. My money says he is a great junior player, but a pretty ordinary NHLer. I will let him try to prove me wrong.

What makes you say he doesn’t possess elite skill? He has elite hands, a solid shot, absolutely sky high hockey IQ, I’d say even better than Bedard if I’m being honest. His play making is definitely elite. We’re talking about him at 9 because this draft is stacked. He would have gone top 3 last year and possibly 1st overall.

Edit: I’m also going to say he doesn’t actually have bad speed at all. It’s good but not great at this point. It was a way bigger issue last year than this year and he’s been one of the faster guys on the ice all year.

 

[Pavels Dog]

I think explosiveness and quickness are the easiest things to fix actually with a good power skating coach as these things are heavily based on lower body strength as well. It’s agility and skating mechanics/edge work that are hard to fix. He’s not sluggish, he’s just not super fast in terms of top end speed. i think as he gains lower body strength that will be a non issue

At the end of the day we desperately need elite skill. If we keep drafting Dylan Larkin types we will never win. Every single cup winning team going back decades has had at least one elite offensive forward with elite creativity and skill. Even now, Florida is up 3-0 on a Carolina team that plays super well but lacks that elite forward, and lo and behold the team with Tkachuk and Barkov is about to sweep them. Vegas has Eichel and Dallas has Robertson. Industriousness and speed only goes so far. With Kasper, Mazur, Larkin we have hard working top 6 forwards covered. We need ELITE skill. Raymond maybe can reach tbat if he develops a bunch more but otherwise we have zero prospects now that may get there.

Benson happens to have the work ethic and also the elite skill. At 9 I don’t see any other players that have an elite offensive skill set other than Perrault who I think is way riskier and might also be available at 17, and Wood who is legitimately a below average skater. Dvorsky is an option but I’m not sold on his offensive upside. We have to swing for the fences and I think Benson is a great option for that with the least risk of the guys at 9.

Barkov and Tkachuk are big, multi-dimensional players. I wouldn’t look at them and say the 5’10 kid is the answer for us.

 

[Ed Ned and Leddy]

I’m a big NTDP believer. I like Leonard’s game, he’s definitely in that mix at #9 for me.

I do think I’m a little more worried than other posters about how much offense he gives you on a Wings team that sorely lacks players who transition the puck effectively and create high danger chances in the offensive zone.

Like the player, like the skill set he would bring to our prospect pool, but I’m not sure he’s my first choice with the pick.

Moore is kind of a similar issue for me. He’s in that mix, I get why people are drawn to the player. But I’d rather a 6’1, north south winger with a plus shot and good workrate in Barlow for example. I feel like for every 1 prospect in Moore’s mold who really explodes there’s a good handful who don’t bring much beyond their plus skating ability.

 

[RedHawkDown]

Barkov and Tkachuk are big, multi-dimensional players. I wouldn’t look at them and say the 5’10 kid is the answer for us.

They’re examples of elite players. Point and Kucherov are sub 6 feet and led a dynasty to multiple cups.

 

[ZDH]

I'm pretty much stuck at Leonard or Benson at this point. Could see Arizona go D at 6 and Philly go D at 7 guaranteeing us one of those 2.

If the top 5 goes as it will go and Benson/Leonard are gone I guess I would go Wood.

 

[evolutionbaby]

NHL Mock Draft: Pronman and Wheeler predict the first two rounds

The Athletic's prospects experts, Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler, take turns making the first 64 selections of the upcoming draft.

theathletic.com

(Bedard, Fantilli, Smith, Carlsson, Leonard, Reinbacher, Dvorsky, Michkov)

9. Detroit Red Wings (Pick by Wheeler):Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg

I think the Red Wings strongly consider centers Nate Danielson, Oliver Moore and Brayden Yager here, but Benson’s skill-competitiveness combo has earned him a lot of fans and fits with what Steve Yzerman and co. are typically looking for.

17. Detroit Red Wings (Pick by Wheeler): Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound

After adding the small-but-determined playmaking of Benson at No. 9, the Red Wings add another determined winger at No. 17 with Barlow, whose scoring and strength should mesh with his new teammate down the line.

Love how this worked out. I like the 2nd round too but would prefer Lardis, Perron or Sawchyn instead of Lindstein but he is a solid prospect as well.

Apples to oranges. ASP can’t do a damn thing as good as Makar or Fox now, and I doubt he ever will. He’s closer to Boqvist, Lliljegren or Lundqvist.

While Im not on the ASP train, nobody thought either one of those two would be anywhere near what they are doing and thats even with Makar being a high pick.

 

[Voodoo Glow Skulls]

No Lindstein in the 2nd. Rather have Nilsson.

And rather have Akey, over Brzustewicz.

I'm ok with Barlow at 17.

At 9, I take Willander.

Sorry, the Athletic mock.

 

[GarlicbreadTB]

Seems teams are going for Vancouver's 11th pick

 

[ZDH]

Interesting quote in the athletic

Said Chicago has Leonard in the mix with Fantilli, Carlsson and Michkov.

 

[newfy]

I love the skill-compete package with Benson... However, I am nervous taking him top 10 with his size-skating combination. I view Perreault as being more creative, a better shooter, similar passer and a better skater while lacking Benson's intensity. Advocate for Benson over Perreault. What am I underrating?

For context, even though I have him toward the bottom of the 5-15 tier, I'm totally cool taking Benson at 9 as I view him as a swing for that elite forward we really need. He wouldn't be my choice, but I wouldn't be upset at all.

Youre underrating his skating if its concerning for you. He might not be Dylan Larkin but hes a very good skater who might not have elite top end speed but has elite "quickness"

Benson reminds me of Savoie and Stevie seems to prefer size in first rd which i'd rather draft Danielson. or D-man Willander if Leonard is gone at 9. Danielson has size, speed, skill as does Benson so with all being equal, i'll take the size as a deciding factor. Willander has snuck up on everyone and reminds me of Edvindson but with more athleticism and RH. This coming from a guy who has wanted all offense in first rd but Willander is special

Yzerman has not shown he prefers size in the firs round. Hes taken a small winger, 2 big dmen and one average sized forward in the first round in Detroit. His only top 5 pick in Tampa was a winger that was uder 6 feet as well

 

[Voodoo Glow Skulls]

Interesting quote in the athletic

Said Chicago has Leonard in the mix with Fantilli, Carlsson and Michkov.

Hopefully someone takes him top 6.

 

[lilidk]

Barkov and Tkachuk are big, multi-dimensional players. I wouldn’t look at them and say the 5’10 kid is the answer for us.

Agree , both Bedard and Michkov not answer for us.

 

[lilidk]

Datsyuk also wasn't big and not fast, now I know why he never won scoring title

 

[Voodoo Glow Skulls]

Datsyuk also wasn't big and not fast, now I know why he never won scoring title

And he was a late round pick.

You invest at 9 with Benson...I'm worried he's just a great AHL/ Tweener in the NHL.

I don't see his skating anywhere near NHL level, even after he fills out.

 

[RedHawkDown]

And he was a late round pick.

You invest at 9 with Benson...I'm worried he's just a great AHL/ Tweener in the NHL.

I don't see his skating anywhere near NHL level, even after he fills out.

This is wild to me. Not anywhere nearNHL level? He has better skating than Carlsson, he’s jsut smaller. It’s easily NHL level it’s just not an elite standout quality.

 

[lilidk]

This is wild to me. Not anywhere nearNHL level? He has better skating than Carlsson, he’s jsut smaller. It’s easily NHL level it’s just not an elite standout quality.

But , what about his hockey IQ and work ethics. Most importantly is he a driver or passenger, how is he near boards?