Is the 2023 Draft Class ready?

[Dumais]

First, this poll isn't about which is the "best" or "who would you want on your team" player poll. It's a poll about what player(s) will take on a bigger role with his team?

Second, what a great draft class! Can't wait to see what all these players do next season because I have such high expectations for all of them. We have a couple highly skilled players (Bedard & Michkov) that entered the league putting up 60pt seasons right off the bat. Bedard doing it twice. But both teams are at the early stages of their rebuild. Carlsson and Fantilli developed their first two season going from 20 then 50 (respectfully) point seasons. Their teams are further along in their rebuilds with more support surrounding them. Both I have chance to take that next step, one playing a high IQ playmakers game the other high energy scorer.

Question: Who if any, will take that next (PPG, leadership, franchise player) step? Of course that will not all happen in just one season, but if it's going to happen; it will likely start next season.

 

[Miro4Norris]

Definitely a Reinbacher & Simashev breakout seasons, they are obviously better than Michkov

-Montreal and Arizona management

 

[Dumais]

I left out some because I felt they haven't really established themselves on their team yet. And it would be unfair for them to jump straight to "one of the most important players" on their team or league for that matter.

For all I know, they could have better careers but this poll is about these 4 players who've established themselves and the next step ahead of them is rarely achieved.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Definitely a Reinbacher & Simashev breakout seasons, they are obviously better than Michkov

-Montreal and Arizona management

Two players who aren’t even in the poll, great post

 

[frontsfan67]

All players break out but I feel Michkov next year gets more responsibility and becomes an 80pt guy

 

[SavBigMoneyAtBedards]

All of the above

 

[Dumais]

All players break out but I feel Michkov next year gets more responsibility and becomes an 80pt guy

Bedard (who I didn't watch any games of) put up the same numbers and his team is pretty much in the same spot. It will be interesting to see if Michkov puts up similar numbers as this year (like Bedard did this year) and if Bedard does take a step is; whereas Michkov is 1 year behind? Or maybe he experiences sophomore slump (Fantilli looked like he was going to have one, not sure about Carlsson? But he could grow, like you said.

I'm hoping they all grow, not sure they all will though. I think Bedard & Michkov are the highest skilled but they have the hardest path (playstyle, size, team).

 

[Killakirillthethrill]

Bedard struggled in his sophomore season. Fantilli and Carlsson had very strong second halfs. But I'd have to go with Michkov. He has the most room to thrive, and will be given the keys to that Flyers offense for sure!

 

[Sendhelp2Anaheim]

I could see all 4 getting 70+ points(smith too)

 

[Mrfenn92]

Personally see all 4 guys taking a big step forward.

 

[Sasso09]

The easy answer is all of them

 

[Dumais]

I could see all 4 getting 70+ points(smith too)

I was going to put him in but I think Celebrini (this is going to be a great year for u24!) will steal some of his shine. Just like Kent Johnson may over shadow Fantilli.

Still, I can see Smith popping off and doing better than the rest.

 

[frontsfan67]

Bedard (who I didn't watch any games of) put up the same numbers and his team is pretty much in the same spot.

Yes but he’s in year 2.

He’s especially likely to break out as well given that the Hawks are probably the front runner for Marner who had 100 pts this year. If he’s on the same line as Bedard it’s going to inflate bedards numbers no if ands or buts about it. Even if it isn’t Marner they likely get Ehlers, Bennett or boesar.

It will be interesting to see if Michkov puts up similar numbers as this year (like Bedard did this year) and if Bedard does take a step is; whereas Michkov is 1 year behind? Or maybe he experiences sophomore slump (Fantilli looked like he was going to have one, not sure about Carlsson? But he could grow, like you said.

Regardless all the kids are still young. Judge where they are in 2028/29 and 2029/30 IMO all will be all stars by then

I'm hoping they all grow, not sure they all will though. I think Bedard & Michkov are the highest skilled but they have the hardest path (playstyle, size, team).

I think Michkov and Bedard are franchise players. Carlsson, Fantilli perennial all stars.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Carlsson will be Anaheim's 1C, a team that should be playing meaningful games late in the season. He was a beast after the four nations. He'll play the biggest role of the group IMO.

Michkov may very well end up as Philadelphia's top scorer, which is also notable. Bedard should lead Chicago again too, but I think he'll end up playing as more of a winger, and his all around game is just too poor to have the same sort of impact as a guy like Leo.

Fantilli's role as a top 6 C will also be big, arguably bigger than that of Bedard's if he's moved to the wing.

Smith could enter into the conversation as well if he continues his strong play from the end of the season.

 

[Dumais]

Yes but he’s in year 2.

He’s especially likely to break out as well given that the Hawks are probably the front runner for Marner who had 100 pts this year. If he’s on the same line as Bedard it’s going to inflate bedards numbers no if ands or buts about it. Even if it isn’t Marner they likely get Ehlers, Bennett or boesar.

I think he could end up just as easily on CBJ w/Fantilli. Most cap space, replacement for JG/Laine, rebuild further along.

Regardless all the kids are still young. Judge where they are in 2028/29 and 2029/30 IMO all will be all stars by then

By that time, we won't need to speculate. And it would seem most are optimistic about all of them.

I think Michkov and Bedard are franchise players. Carlsson, Fantilli perennial all stars.

Devil's advocate:

I have my reservation on any of them becoming franchise players. I can just as easily see Bedard & Michkov becoming injury prone or having development problems if the players don't see success, Physical being pushed to the perimeter and trying to do too much by themselves. Fantilli becoming a 2nd/3rd line energy guy like Boone Jenner and Carlsson being a 40-50 point defensive 2c w/10g30a.

 

[bringbacktheskate604]

Definitely a Reinbacher & Simashev breakout seasons, they are obviously better than Michkov

-Montreal and Arizona management

I think Willander will be better than both, at least Reinbacher anyways but that's just an opinion.

 

[bringbacktheskate604]

Bedard struggled in his sophomore season. Fantilli and Carlsson had very strong second halfs. But I'd have to go with Michkov. He has the most room to thrive, and will be given the keys to that Flyers offense for sure!

Ya until Tochett became the coach.
Flyers fans can look forward to a neutered version that is told to move his feet in every press conference.

On the positive, grinders will get top six minutes and have career years.