2023 NHL Entry Draft

[WeThreeKings]

0 chance Benson isn't in the top 10. One thing he doesn't have is Marner's skating.

Thoughts on Alexander Rykov? 11 points in 20 games in the VHL. Haven't heard his name as much as other potential Russian 1st/2nd rounders like But or Simashev

He's really good but we aren't taking Russians so I don't want to watch too much. He's better than But and Simashev. I have him at 29.

 

[le_sean]

I like Benson a lot. I think he’s like a better Suzuki. But in this draft, to take a guy that needs to improve his skating and his shot, will take a lot of balls since you will be passing on someone else with elite tools.

Can he make plays like Marner? Yes. Does he work hard defensively like Marner? Yes. But does he have the elusiveness and edgework that make Marner elite? Not yet.

 

[WeThreeKings]

I like Benson a lot. I think he’s like a better Suzuki. But in this draft, to take a guy that needs to improve his skating and his shot, will take a lot of balls since you will be passing on someone else with elite tools.

Can he make plays like Marner? Yes. Does he work hard defensively like Marner? Yes. But does he have the elusiveness and edgework that make Marner elite? Not yet.

Benson is like a skilled Gallagher with a brain.

Great player but he can't be the crown jewel we get here.

 

[Riggins]

I'll be happy with Benson. Could be a stud.

If we're picking ~6th we're not getting a surefire 1C. Yager may not translate to center.

Not being in the Bedard/Carlsson/Fantilli range might just mean it's that much more important to get Dubois.

 

[tooji]

Benson is like a skilled Gallagher with a brain.

Great player but he can't be the crown jewel we get here.

Skilled Gallagher with a brain is basically Marchand. That’s my Benson comp tbh.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Skilled Gallagher with a brain is basically Marchand. That’s my Benson comp tbh.

Doesn't have that edge that Marchand has and again the skating is a pretty big difference.

 

[NotProkofievian]

Carlsson with a beauty. We would be so lucky to have him.

 

[Playmaker09]

Benson is like a skilled Gallagher with a brain.

Great player but he can't be the crown jewel we get here.

I mean, you basically just described Marchand... more than good enough to be a crown jewel anywhere.

Benson has top 5 two-way W upside.

EDIT: Just saw the more recent post. His skating isn't a problem and will improve with strength, and his tenacity/motor is even better than Marchand even if he's not as chippy.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Carlsson with a beauty. We would be so lucky to have him.

I cry every night knowing it won't happen.

At 2 the brain geniuses would take Fantilli and we can't get 3.

 

[pylero]

Question for the more knowledgeable posters: anyone can offer some insight on Beau Akey?

I'm a big fan of offensive defensemen with smooth skating, and this guy seems to fit the bill. Rising in rankings as well. Is he flying under the radar, or simply not that good?

 

[SOLR]

0 chance Benson isn't in the top 10. One thing he doesn't have is Marner's skating.



He's really good but we aren't taking Russians so I don't want to watch too much. He's better than But and Simashev. I have him at 29.

And Benson looks better than he is because of his team.

Skating is a big thing, I love Benson but there are days where I have doubts - I'm not hyper-confident he will scale despite his tremendous qualities.

 

[Mrb1p]

Love Benson but Im still unsure hes actually better than Heidt, Leonard and Cristall.

 

[SOLR]

Love Benson but Im still unsure hes actually better than Heidt, Leonard and Cristall.

I have no idea how to rank Leonard.

 

[McGees]

 

[Mrb1p]

I have no idea how to rank Leonard.

Same but Im getting there. Again, that 4-15 group is very tough to rank.

2-3 is somewhat tough, then its a full group of forward that all have very, very good skillsets.

Leonard is a very good prospect though, its just a shame hes not an inch or two taller because he would be seen as a top 5 lock IMO. Cutter Gauthier?

The only flaw I see is that hes not a tremendous playmaker and that he doesnt possess the same ice-in-the-veins stickhandling in open ice, sometimes hes too much of a system forward and he moves the puck too fast. He has good hands though, if he learns to hold on the puck for a second more in some situations, he could be a two-way threat. He scores goals though, hes an elite goalscorer, and IMO, his goalscoring is the most diverse of the non generational shooters, moreso than Yager and Dvorsky.

 

[Playmaker09]

And Benson looks better than he is because of his team.

Skating is a big thing, I love Benson but there are days where I have doubts - I'm not hyper-confident he will scale despite his tremendous qualities.

Benson drives his team, and has since last year's playoffs. Not the other way around.

 

[SOLR]

Benson drives his team, and has since last year's playoffs. Not the other way around.

Sorry I've watched a lot of games too...this narrative is f-cked.

He's not getting the best defenders...not often

 

[Playmaker09]

Sorry I've watched a lot of games too...this narrative is f-cked.

He's not getting the best defenders...not often

Wut?

I just watched him play against Seattle and his line (with Savoie) was matched up against Korchinski the whole game.

You think teams are sending their best to defend Geekie and Pederson?

Besnon absolutely tilts the ice in his team's favor every time he steps on the ice in a way no one but Bedard can claim from this draft.

 

[SOLR]

Wut?

I just watched him play against Seattle and his line (with Savoie) was matched up against Korchinski the whole game.

You think teams are sending their best to defend Geekie and Pederson?

Besnon absolutely tilts the ice in his team's favor every time he steps on the ice in a way no one but Bedard can claim from this draft.

My point is, it tracks Savoie not Benson.

 

[Playmaker09]

My point is, it tracks Savoie not Benson.

Not buying it.

Benson is the superior player in every aspect but skating. He drives that bus.

Savoie didn't even earn an invite to Team Canada as a D+1. Wouldn't surprise me if Benson was higher on their radar.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

My point is, it tracks Savoie not Benson.

Not even close, dude. Benson is way better than Savoie.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Question for the more knowledgeable posters: anyone can offer some insight on Beau Akey?

I'm a big fan of offensive defensemen with smooth skating, and this guy seems to fit the bill. Rising in rankings as well. Is he flying under the radar, or simply not that good?

He's a solid prospect. He's average size & not overly physical, but he doesn't shy away from it either. RHD.

Great skater. Smooth. Excellent offensive skills, both as a playmaker & shooter. He has surprised defensively this year. Wasn't overly hyped coming into this year because he was playing behind Brandt Clarke in Barrie. Clarke spent the first half of the year in L.A allowing Akey to take over #1 D duties which he has successfully done. It's made him a riser.

He's crept into late 1st on some lists.

Imo, he has Josh Morrissey type upside.

 

[calder candidate]

Question for the more knowledgeable posters: anyone can offer some insight on Beau Akey?

I'm a big fan of offensive defensemen with smooth skating, and this guy seems to fit the bill. Rising in rankings as well. Is he flying under the radar, or simply not that good?

simply came in the season flying under the radar, now he going to rising.

 

[1000eeer]

I find Benson's skating pretty good actually..

I don't know what everyone here is talking about tbh

 

[le_sean]

I find Benson's skating pretty good actually..

I don't know what everyone here is talking about tbh

If you’re 5’10 160lbs, you should have an elite physical trait (ie skating, shot). He doesn’t. He’ll be a really good player, but it’s a legitimate concern in a draft this good.