2023 NHL Entry Draft

[Mrb1p]

I like Barlow too, either that or in the few games I saw I just caught him at the right time as he was often the best player on the ice. We'll see where that 2nd pick ends up though, no way does he make it to 18, I would be surprised if he doesn't go top 10.

Yeah Barlows good. You're not crazy, every time I see him he's the top player on the ice too. He almost reminds me of Bedard in that way, he just imposes his will on the OHL very easily, lol.

He's gonna score goals in the NHL, a bunch of them. I see Anderson with less blinders on and maybe better puck handling at speed. Anderson with a east-west game too, and a cycle game. Basically, everything he's missing, lmao. He's not as roughskie as Anderson was early in his career though.

Could I say Timo Meier type of guy ?

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

Benson already has the strength and balance to battle guys much bigger than him, and has plenty of time to bulk up.

This HEOTP article has Gallagher listed at 163lbs as a prospect. He now plays at 185ish.

Top 25 Under 25: #7 Brendan Gallagher

Adding 20+ lbs post draft is quite common. I think Suzuki was also 183 at the combine and is now 208, so 25 lbs heavier.

I mean if he’s able to add the necessary mass and strength to battle with NHL defenders then ya, I think he could fulfill his potential. But that’s tough to bank on. And otherwise he’ll be forced to the perimeter in the NHL.

 

[Playmaker09]

Yeah Barlows good. You're not crazy, every time I see him he's the top player on the ice too. He almost reminds me of Bedard in that way, he just imposes his will on the OHL very easily, lol.

He's gonna score goals in the NHL, a bunch of them. I see Anderson with less blinders on and maybe better puck handling at speed. Anderson with a east-west game too, and a cycle game. Basically, everything he's missing, lmao. He's not as roughskie as Anderson was early in his career though.

Could I say Timo Meier type of guy ?

Been my comp all year.

I think 30+ goals is well within reach, with a floor of 20.

 

[Playmaker09]

I mean if he’s able to add the necessary mass and strength to battle with NHL defenders then ya, I think he could fulfill his potential. But that’s tough to bank on. And otherwise he’ll be forced to the perimeter in the NHL.

I mean that's the most common, and most easily achievable, area of development needed for any 17 year old prospect.

And it ties in to all his current weaknesses. Improved strength and mass will help him battle against NHL opponents, will add power to his skating, will add power to his shot.

The development path for Benson is very straightforward. He doesn't need to figure out how to translate his game to the NHL like some others, the foundation is already there. He just has to hit the gym.

 

[montreal]

Anyone seen Dylan Hryckowian? He's a local kid that plays in the USHL, had a big season and is going to NU in the Fall. I've suggested we try and sign his brother (if he wants to turn pro)

Dylan Hryckowian - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Dylan Hryckowian, 2004-05-19 L'Île-Bizard, QC, CAN Canada. Most recently in the NCAA with Northeastern Univ.. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

 

[montreal]

Will Smith is currently sitting 2nd OA all time in USNDTP ppg for players with more then 8 games. Only Jack Hughes had a higher ppg.

Elite Prospects - NTDP Stats All-time season

All-time/historical regular season stats and leaders per season for NTDP, including top goal scorers, most games played, PPG leaders and more.

www.eliteprospects.com

It makes Gabe Perreault look interesting but then you see his brother who doesn't appear to be doing so hot in the AHL.

 

[Doublechin]

Lol I would never do that. Think it the other way : would you give 5 for 7, 14 and 37? Absolutely.

3 isn't 5, not this year at least

 

[GlassesJacketShirt]

Not in Brindley's league.

I prefer Brindley too, though I think Perron might have more upside. His playmaking ability and skill level seem a bit more high end, and I think he's had a notable impact on Celebrini's totals.

On another note, Celebrini is better than any of the USNTDP draft eligibles.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Been my comp all year.

I think 30+ goals is well within reach, with a floor of 20.

Yup. Meier has been my comp all year too. I definitely think Barlow is a 30 goal scorer in the NHL.

 

[NekkiChiconey]

Doesn't have Crosby's lower-body either but his edges do remind you of Sid sometimes. The way he just makes a small adjusment in his blade angle to make a play, is pretty special stuff. Same with Cristall. Not sure labeling those guys poor skaters makes sense.

Yeah, the edges are great. I personally prefer Benson's skating to Cristall's as I've seen him create separation more often and more consistently, while being at least as agile east-west.

I'm not worried about Benson's skating: I think there's a strong base to build upon. He's solid technically but he'll need to be stronger and/or to make his stride more efficient. I'd say he's a better skater than Caufield was pre-draft, and definitely has potential to improve as much as he did.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Will Smith is currently sitting 2nd OA all time in USNDTP ppg for players with more then 8 games. Only Jack Hughes had a higher ppg.

Elite Prospects - NTDP Stats All-time season

All-time/historical regular season stats and leaders per season for NTDP, including top goal scorers, most games played, PPG leaders and more.

www.eliteprospects.com

It makes Gabe Perreault look interesting but then you see his brother who doesn't appear to be doing so hot in the AHL.

Gabe is definitely more talented than Jacob. I wasn't a huge fan of Jacob in his draft year. He's not a great skater. Perreault definitely gets into the conversation imo if Florida actually ends up in WC1, which would put their pick at #18 maybe even #19 depending on the points of #8 seed in West. It'll be close. Kind of sucks we were looking at 12-13 at one time, and now it's 18-19.

I prefer Brindley too, though I think Perron might have more upside. His playmaking ability and skill level seem a bit more high end, and I think he's had a notable impact on Celebrini's totals.

On another note, Celebrini is better than any of the USNTDP draft eligibles.

Definitely. Celebrini is a prospective #1 OA for 2024, although he'll have competition from Eiserman, and a couple of others.

 

[NekkiChiconey]

I was mostly talking as the role they will have on a team. I think all three have similar strengths and weakness that has them playing as the #3-4th best forward on the team. A guy that won't bring grit, but will be dangerous offensively and make everyone better around them.

Im not sure if that's what the Habs need, but if its whats available, I won't whine too much and Ill be pretty happy with the pick.

Respectfully disagree on that part concerning Benson. If we draft him, I see him eventually becoming our best forward by a certain margin. Skills-wise he's in Caufield range, but he'll be better defensively and he'd be more intense. Marner would easily be our best player, and that's what I see in Benson.

Smith would probably end up being our most skilled player and while that's very fun, I don't think he'd be our most valuable forward. The Zegras comparison is probably adequate and fans will pay to see him, but Im not sure he carries a team to/in the playoffs.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

I mean that's the most common, and most easily achievable, area of development needed for any 17 year old prospect.

And it ties in to all his current weaknesses. Improved strength and mass will help him battle against NHL opponents, will add power to his skating, will add power to his shot.

The development path for Benson is very straightforward. He doesn't need to figure out how to translate his game to the NHL like some others, the foundation is already there. He just has to hit the gym.

The thing is every other 17 year old will be doing the same thing. And once they are all maxed out, he’ll still be at the light end of the spectrum.

 

[Goldenhands]

I prefer Brindley too, though I think Perron might have more upside. His playmaking ability and skill level seem a bit more high end, and I think he's had a notable impact on Celebrini's totals.

On another note, Celebrini is better than any of the USNTDP draft eligibles.

Yeah, 1st time watching Celebrini and Perron, both had a great game. Celebrini's shooting skills are insane, I really liked Perron's skating, kid has wheels, very good stickhandling skills, great vision, high motor, there is alot to like about his game.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

With about 1 month before the NHL Lottery Draft, if the Montreal Canadiens are picking 5th overall, my top choice will be Zach Benson.

I think this kid is a player who don't have. A player that is smart, dynamic, that likes to attack the defenders and the net, that competes on every shift, wins puck battles, can snipe, can pass, can dangle, that has a sick mullet, and that is a leader and seems to have the attributes to become a leader at the next level. I think he has the floor of a better version of Gallagher and the ceiling of Brayden Point/Brad Marchand. I would take that on my team anytime. What do you guys think? Zach Benson's bandwagon?

I know a lot of people like Will Smith, but I just don't see a dynamic player, a player able to separate himself from the defenders, and especially feels like he lacks the compete level that Benson has over the whole 200ft ice. Benson competes much harder anywhere on the ice versus Smith who is almost afraid to back check. And, I don't want to draft a player that I will always have to add "hockey" after his name when googling him..

Well, you're right on about the mullet.

Kid looks like a hockey player.

 

[Jabba11]

Well, you're right on about the mullet. View attachment 680943

Kid looks like a hockey player.

Hahahaha hell yeah! But seriously, the way he talks during the interview, he just seems to be a kid that loves to play hockey and wants to give everything on the ice. Seems like he knows how to handle himself. Not like Logan Cooley who could barely speak hahaha

Benson's mullet is much better than this monstrosity

 

[GlassesJacketShirt]

Well, you're right on about the mullet. View attachment 680943

Kid looks like a hockey player.

He looks like a throwback and a little kid simultaneously.

I almost think Benson is in his own third tier at this point, not among the top 4 players but distinct from the rest of the pack. He's just a damn good hockey player, won't matter where he plays. Could go on about what I like (smarts, handling, defensive attention to detail, etc.), and others here would do a better job of explaining the intricacies; he just gets the game at a high level and it pops off the screen every time I watched him.

 

[Draft]

Saskatoon is one of those teams that when you watch them, you say to yourself: How in the hell have they gotten so many wins? Everytime I've watched them this season I found them to be atrocious, and they're so boring to see.

You're not wrong. Imagine having to pay to watch in person, it feels like a sacrifice every time

 

[Goldenhands]

He looks like a throwback and a little kid simultaneously.

I almost think Benson is in his own third tier at this point, not among the top 4 players but distinct from the rest of the pack. He's just a damn good hockey player, won't matter where he plays. Could go on about what I like (smarts, handling, defensive attention to detail, etc.), and others here would do a better job of explaining the intricacies; he just gets the game at a high level and it pops off the screen every time I watched him.

I totally understand the love and if our scouting staff really likes him, he might be our pick.

 

[Mrb1p]

I mean if he’s able to add the necessary mass and strength to battle with NHL defenders then ya, I think he could fulfill his potential. But that’s tough to bank on. And otherwise he’ll be forced to the perimeter in the NHL.

He's like 2-3 cm shorter than Marner, Sid, Point, Kuch and the same size as Keller and Kap. Size is nothing at this point. He's gonna be effective either way.

Will Smith is currently sitting 2nd OA all time in USNDTP ppg for players with more then 8 games. Only Jack Hughes had a higher ppg.

Elite Prospects - NTDP Stats All-time season

All-time/historical regular season stats and leaders per season for NTDP, including top goal scorers, most games played, PPG leaders and more.

www.eliteprospects.com

It makes Gabe Perreault look interesting but then you see his brother who doesn't appear to be doing so hot in the AHL.

Yeah, Smith turned it up. Hard to ignore the production form those guys.

I prefer Brindley too, though I think Perron might have more upside. His playmaking ability and skill level seem a bit more high end, and I think he's had a notable impact on Celebrini's totals.

On another note, Celebrini is better than any of the USNTDP draft eligibles.

I have them really close. Both are pretty similar, I feel Perron is a better offensive player but Brindley is very good at facilitating the play for others. Just wish they weren't a couple small bois.

Yup. Meier has been my comp all year too. I definitely think Barlow is a 30 goal scorer in the NHL.

I think maybe Meier had a bit better hands and a bit more of a power game but aside from that its pretty close, also a better one-timer.

Did they do test in 2015 for the forward skate ? I wonder if Meier posted a similar time.

Yeah, the edges are great. I personally prefer Benson's skating to Cristall's as I've seen him create separation more often and more consistently, while being at least as agile east-west.

I'm not worried about Benson's skating: I think there's a strong base to build upon. He's solid technically but he'll need to be stronger and/or to make his stride more efficient. I'd say he's a better skater than Caufield was pre-draft, and definitely has potential to improve as much as he did.

I think all of the "bad skating" small bois are all very similar skating wise, and they're all super close to Caufield at the time of the draft. Of course, none of them have the unique skillset that Cole has, but still.

Respectfully disagree on that part concerning Benson. If we draft him, I see him eventually becoming our best forward by a certain margin. Skills-wise he's in Caufield range, but he'll be better defensively and he'd be more intense. Marner would easily be our best player, and that's what I see in Benson.

Smith would probably end up being our most skilled player and while that's very fun, I don't think he'd be our most valuable forward. The Zegras comparison is probably adequate and fans will pay to see him, but Im not sure he carries a team to/in the playoffs.

Yeah well... If he was a certainty to be Marner he'd be much closer to number 1 than 5. Realistically he's not gonna be a 110 points guy, but that would be pretty sweet.

Yeah, 1st time watching Celebrini and Perron, both had a great game. Celebrini's shooting skills are insane, I really liked Perron's skating, kid has wheels, very good stickhandling skills, great vision, high motor, there is alot to like about his game.

Perron is super slick and one of the smartest kid on the ice day in day out. Love the guy.

So many good prospects ruined by their size, what the hell is happening in this draft.

He looks like a throwback and a little kid simultaneously.

I almost think Benson is in his own third tier at this point, not among the top 4 players but distinct from the rest of the pack. He's just a damn good hockey player, won't matter where he plays,

He hasn't played in almost a month, why did he somehow become in his own tier ? He's still in that 5-7/8 cluster depending how you see Reinbacher/Cristall/Barlow. At the very least, he's still up there with Smith.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

With about 1 month before the NHL Lottery Draft, if the Montreal Canadiens are picking 5th overall, my top choice will be Zach Benson.

I think this kid is a player who don't have. A player that is smart, dynamic, that likes to attack the defenders and the net, that competes on every shift, wins puck battles, can snipe, can pass, can dangle, that has a sick mullet, and that is a leader and seems to have the attributes to become a leader at the next level. I think he has the floor of a better version of Gallagher and the ceiling of Brayden Point/Brad Marchand. I would take that on my team anytime. What do you guys think? Zach Benson's bandwagon?

I know a lot of people like Will Smith, but I just don't see a dynamic player, a player able to separate himself from the defenders, and especially feels like he lacks the compete level that Benson has over the whole 200ft ice. Benson competes much harder anywhere on the ice versus Smith who is almost afraid to back check. And, I don't want to draft a player that I will always have to add "hockey" after his name when googling him..

That last sentence is reason enough lmao

 

[GlassesJacketShirt]

He hasn't played in almost a month, why did he somehow become in his own tier ? He's still in that 5-7/8 cluster depending how you see Reinbacher/Cristall/Barlow. At the very least, he's still up there with Smith.

My last ranking had him in Tier 3 with Cristall exclusively, and now I feel confident in leaving him in Tier 3 on his own moreso because I am a little less certain with Cristall at this point. I'm at the point where I'm 99% sure Benson is going to stay at #5, don't need to see him play any more this year; it would be up to someone else to unseat him.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

I’m certainly not writing off Benson as an option at 5, just selecting him would be a real gut check because we’d be adding another small forward.

I do like the player though, he might be the funnest to watch of all the options at 5, I’ll give him that. Just wish he was bigger.

Will be interesting to see how big he actually is though, he’s listed 5’10” but looks smaller than that to me. He plays bigger than his size but just don’t see him able to play that way in the NHL. He will need to adjust his game, but he’s a pure hockey player no doubt about it.

He one of those guys that will be tough to take at 5 but tough to pass on at the same time.

Really hope someone separates themselves at the U18s and my money is on Dvorsky.

 

[le_sean]

I’m certainly not writing off Benson as an option at 5, just selecting him would be a real gut check because we’d be adding another small forward.

I do like the player though, he might be the funnest to watch of all the options at 5, I’ll give him that. Just wish he was bigger.

Will be interesting to see how big he actually is though, he’s listed 5’10” but looks smaller than that to me. He plays bigger than his size but just don’t see him able to play that way in the NHL. He will need to adjust his game, but he’s a pure hockey player no doubt about it.

He one of those guys that will be tough to take at 5 but tough to pass on at the same time.

Really hope someone separates themselves at the U18s and my money is on Dvorsky.

Why are people repeating this notion of “another” small forward? Going forward, the only small player I see as a fixture in the Top 6 is Caufield. Slaf, Dach, likely PLD, and Suzuki are not small.

People are stuck thinking we are still the 2009-10 Canadiens.

 

[Whitesnake]

Any chance we'd be as lucky as to get our own Stutzle-Sanderson combo.....calisse....I knew that'd be better than a No1 pick...Sens so lucky..

Why are people repeating this notion of “another” small forward? Going forward, the only small player I see as a fixture in the Top 6 is Caufield. Slaf, Dach, likely PLD, and Suzuki are not small.

People are stuck thinking we are still the 2009-10 Canadiens.

Which means you have to pass Mesar and Farrell on a trade. Those 2 guys aren't bottom 6 material. RHP would be fine down there though.