Post your 2023 Draft List

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Wow! I don't recall if your previous mock strayed this much from "conventional" projections ... but I can't say it isn't interesting and worthy of discussion.

As a Hawks fan I watched a lot of Seattle T-bird games over the past several months because (3) Hawks prospects are on the team. Consequently I've seen Sawchyn play a lot and I really like him and would love for the Hawks to draft him ... but at #9? He's got good offensive skills and is very creative, even though he tries to be too creative at times as many young players do - but I just don't think he's the 9th best player in the draft. I was hoping the Hawks could get him in the 2nd round.

Fair feedback. Sawchyn has a lot of skills that he hasn't quite put together yet IMO. But his biggest asset is his ability to anticipate the play. He's an absolute beast on the forecheck and is probably a top 3 player in this draft in terms of hands and small ice plays. He just needs to learn to shoot the puck a bit more (and get a bit stronger/faster). I see him as being a really well rounded NHL player, even if he never becomes an elite offensive player (though I think the offensive upside is really high too).

My comp for him is Dawson Mercer.

 

[Castle8130]

My updated rankings (not a mock), but still very much in the process:

1. Bedard
------------
2. Michkov
------------
3. Carlsson
4. Fantilli
------------
5. Ryan Leonard
6. Dalibor Dvorsky
7. David Reinbacher
8. Will Smith
----------------------
---------------------- Big drop off
9. Matthew Wood
10. Daniil But
11. Gabe Perrault
12. Colby Barlow
13. Zach Benson
14. Nate Danielson
15. Nick Lardis
16. Brayden Yager
17. ASP
18. Samuel Honzek
-----------------------
19. Otto Stenberg
20. Oliver Moore
21. Mikhail Gulyguyayev
22. Quentin Musty
23. Eduard Sale
24. Calum Ritchie
25. Carson Rehkopf

This doesn't include the Russian factor or whatever you would call it now. This is purely based on how valuable of a talent they are.


There are still a lot of players I need to see that could be in the 9-20 range for me like David Edstrom or Tom Willander.

 

[majormajor]

I'm for drafting Russian prospects but with the latest Michkov news i'm dropping him out of top10.

#1 Bedard
#2 Fantilli
#3 Carlsson
#4 Smith - Fresh Prince of North Cal !
#5 Reinbacher - like how they surprised everyone with Slaf going #1, they go for the best Dman here who i think is this years Seider/Lindholm.
#6 Benson
#7 Dvorsky
#8 Leonard
#9 Yager
#10 Sale
#11 Cristall
#12 Michkov - Arizona has an extra 1st so they take a chance at Michkov even if he never arrives.
#13 Yager
#14 Wood
#15 Pelikka
#16 Barlow
#17 Perreault
#18 Ritchie
#19 Simashev
#20 Heidt
#21 Gulyayev
#22 But
#23 Gauthier
#24 Dragicevic
#25 Wilander
#26 Haltunnen
#27 Musty
#28 Honzek
#29 Stennberg
#30 Stramel
#31 Price
#32 Bonk

We're going to need folks to be clear about whether their lists are rankings or mocks. This started out as a ranking thread and got sidetracked.

 

[NYRFANMANI]

• Connor Bedard – CAN – C/RW - SNP; franchise, we all know.
  
  
• Matvey Michkov – RUS – RW - SNP; elite/franchise, most controversial prospect imo, the RUS factor, his KHL contract. Best tangible skill is his shot, shows flashes of wizardry in the o-zone. Backchecking issues, though age and league are a factor. The skating is agile, but not really fast. Years away from making an NHL roster. idk if it's a good thing or what, but Michkov makes it look easy ... way too easy.
  
  
• Adam Fantilli – CAN – C - TWF; elite/franchise, he's your do it all, captain center. If you want comparisons, maybe Beniers², Stevie Y shit. Question is where is the ceiling? Just can't go wrong here, he's your #1 or if your team's loaded, #2 C.
  
  
• Leo Carlsson – SWE – LW/C - PWF; elite/franchise, this is a ridiculous body right here, huge yet nimble, has all the tools, if he gets them all right, he's a menace. Thinks the game right in both directions. His skating has finesse, speed is ok, he might add speed. Not sure that I buy it, specially from Carlsson himself, that he'll be a C in NHL. Dude's a winger imo. Not sure on physicality yet, as in throwing the weight around.
  
  
• Will Smith – USA – C/RW - PLY; elite, changed from TWF to PLY bc after further review, if there is a weakness, it's defensive play and skating. He lets his linemates do the hard back-checking, which might be deceptive, because when your linemate is Leonard, he'll just go and get it. Skating is negligible as it's good, just not standing out. Creativeness and puck-control are off the charts though, like get you out of your seat type stuff. A light body, not sure he'll have an easy time his first couple of seasons in the NHL.
  
  
• Ryan Leonard – USA – LW - PWF/TWF; elite, can see him go as high as 5, maybe higher if Michkov falls. The tape is very very impressive. Offensive dynamo, create or finish, pure energy on the ice. Great skating obv, powerful, fast. Two-way pain in the bunda. Can do it all it seems, at a high pace. This is pretty much the safest bet outside Bedard imo.
  
  
• Andrew Crystall – CAN – LW - SNP/PLY; elite, offense = pure filth. Puck control is sick, dekes for days, 1-on-1 deadly. Can backcheck, needs to do it more, maybe endurance/conditioning. Size is underwhelming, skating is sufficient. Maybe underrated. I'm basing this on everything panning out.
  
  
• David Reinbacher – AT – TWD; elite, sizeable RHD. Not Moritz Seider physically but has a major jump to his game. Best D prospect in the draft. Skating is a major major asset and hockey IQ.
  
  
• Brayden Yager – CAN – C/RW – SNP: top 6/elite, I can see him as a C in the NHL, others project a wing. Serious rip on his shot, top 5 shot in the draft, with kind of an unique style to it. Has a solid two-way game, but teams could certainly just put him on the wing and tell him to shoot the puck. Lacks skating a tid bit and he's a lightweight as of now.
  
  
• Dalibor Dvorsky – SVK - C - SNP; top 6/elite, left-handed; this will sound like some bs, but there is something about this kid. An aura, leadership, just something, destined for greatness type stuff. Tangibles, shot is legit, he can pick a corner alright, and should be your PP bomber. Again not a trailblazer with the skating, but more importantly, great positioning and awareness. Plays all situations, iirc. Captain material for sure.
  
  
• Oliver Moore – USA – C - TWF/GRD – top 6/elite; elite skating and defensive IQ, left-handed center. Skating and defense will guarantee the NHL, offense the rest. He's not that small either, or light for that matter. He's got serviceable skill in the o-zone, if it all clicks in the NHL, another jackpot pick here, the ceiling is very high, if there is more offense to come.
  
  
• Colby Barlow – CAN – LW - SNP; top 6, left-handed. Absolute puck hound, with a major rip. Maybe the best shooter in the draft. Couple of guys sleeping on this. Comes with a two-way game as I said. Gets in your face. Will need to work on endurance and speed, for the NHL level.
  
  
• Samuel Honzek – SVK - W/C - TWF; top 6, left-handed. One of my dark horses - definitely one of the the high upside picks and underrated imo. Not sure about the risk part. Makes it look easy and makes stuff happen, certainly too good for the WHL. Played all situations for the Giants. Big kid on the ice. Very interesting around pick 20 as he does it all, with dekes and backhanded goals and what you will.
  
  
• Gabe Perreault – USA – RW - PLY; top 6, played all year with Will Smith and Ryan Leonard, (complemented) them greatly. Passing is off the charts; dangling, shot, offense are all very solid. A little bit of a size issue maybe. Speed is lacking just a bit. Looks to be very disciplined.
  
  
• Zach Benson – CAN – LW - TWF; top-6, his skating is sus to me, he’s extremely effective against his age group. Size and weight are an issue. I'm not as sold as other. I certainly underrate him.
  
  
• Eduard Sale – CZE – RW- SNP; top-6, strong and accurate shot. Scouting reports talk about non-existant back-checking and general lack of interest when the puck is going the other way. That's not good, but his offense is very strong, making plays and shooting. Skating is fine. At the combine I saw picture. Looks to lean to me. One hit and he's toast.
  
  
• Nate Danielson - CAN - C - TWF/GRD; middle-6/bottom-6, right-handed. Many like the prospect (in the middle of the 1st rd), I don't. He's got above average skating, and is great defensively. But offense is sus. Puck control is the mechanical kind, not the intuitive flow of truly offensively talented players. His numbers look good on paper, he was to go to guy in all situations for his club.
  
  
• Dimitri Simachev – RUS – LHD - DFD; top 4, really great skating (speed and agility/edges) for his size, rather soft though. I don't get where people come up with the physical aspect. Weak shot, but good passing ... imo, 2nd rd pick and one of the traps in the 1st rd.
  
  
• Quentin Musty - USA - PLY - LW; top-6, big body that can playmake. Genarally an offensive threat, great shot too. Can shield the puck but is shy throwing the body around. Takes penalties and some questionable decisions. Nothing that can't be taught.
  
  
• Riley Heidt – CAN – LW - PLY; top-6/elite, size is super sus!! whether or not he's a center too, imo no way, junior tape, he wasn't playing much center either. His play making, puck control, passing and offensive IQ are a sight to behold though.
  
  
• Bradly Nadeau - CAN - RW/C - SNP - top-6, right-handed, best attribute are a very heavy slapper and generally his offense. He can deke, and make great passes. He's pesty fore-checker and responsible in his own zone. Generally strong stick. Skating is fine, good agility and edges. Not the biggest guy but certainly a nice pick-up late in the 1st. Steal potential.
  
  
• Daniil But – RUS – RW -TWF; top-6, gigantuan with good playmaking, right-handed. Huge body that can skate. He needs to be meaner in the NHL. His strength is actually the defensive part of his game. Great on the PK and solid distribution on the PP. Unclear on upside, depends on how his skill translate to the NHL. But he can be a monster. Steal potential.
  
  
• Matthew Wood - CAN - LW/RW - PWF; top-6, big body, right-handed, strong along the boards, shy on the hitting. Very weak skater. Great offensive skills, heavy shot, accurate and creative passing. Needs to work on D and skating or he won't make it imo.
  
  
• Gavin Brindley - USA -RW - TWF; middle-6/bottom-6, Fantilli's sidekick in Michigan. Skates like a beast, fore-check, back-check, he does it. Has a nice shot and ok passing. Biggest issue is obv. size, one of the smallest and lightest prospects.
  
  
• Charlie Stramel – USA - C - PLY/TWF; top-6, big, a tad bit slow for it and lacks strength, he's is raw, BUT. Great back-checker and high IQ on D and O. Right-handed shot. Strong face-off guy.
  
  
• Calum Ritchie - CAN - C/RW - TWF/PLY; middle-6, high defensive IQ in the O and D zone, great positioning, more of a playmaker. The ability isn't that over the top. Ok shot, ok passing. Skating can be worked on. EP has him at 6"2 ... which I find optimistic. Doesn't look that big on the ice. Maybe it's his legs, he got like o-legs. Risky pick imo, if you're looking for a homerun.
  
  
• Luca Dragicevic - CAN - RHD - TWD/OFD; top 4, good skating and agility, ok size, not much tape on D work. Can whip it from the point. Nifty moves, great passing and offensive IQ. Maybe the #2 defenseman of this draft, when we look back in a decade or two.
  
  
• Mikhail Gulyayev – RUS – OFD – LHD; top 4, elite skating, passing and play in the O-zone. Not much happening in the D zone. Undersized like ASP, and since Lundkvist, these type of undersized defenseman scare me. I like Gulli's skating better, but ASP had the better competition.
  
  
• Sandin Pellikka – SWE – OFD - RHD; top 4, elite skating, passing and play in the O-zone. Not much happening in the D zone.Undersized like Gulyayev, and since Lundkvist, these type of undersized defenseman scare me.
  
  
• Hunter Brzustewicz – USA – RHD - TWD; top 4, kid has a motor, jumps on the rush frequently and effectively. Ok size, bit short but heavy, not sure on physicality. Plays all situations. Safer pick than the smaller OFD, imo.
  
  
• Ethan Gauthier - CAN - RW - TWF; bottom-6, small but feisty winger with a great backhand pass. He's engaged physically, but he can't lay anybody out, that spells doom imo. His skating isn't anything special either, does make up much ground with all the steps he takes. Not a 1st rd talent imo.
  
  
• Otto Stenberg - SWE - tape was quite meh. Don't like the size or much of the skill. Tbh, I just stopped watching after 2 minutes. Like without having scouted Edstrom or that Dower-NIlson (?) kid, I can fairly certainly conclude, that they are better than Stenberg.
  
  
• Etienne Morin - CAN - TWD/OFD; fell of for me during the year. Size and skating issues. When he's off his offensive play, everything takes a dive. Should drop out of the 1st rd.

Edit: I will keep updating this list. It is a ranking and basically numerical.

 

[SimGrindcore]

Oops i meant Bonk.
They mention a bit about him here 5 Prospects the New York Rangers Should Draft in the First Round

And for Yager at 9 and 13?

 

[EbonyRaptor]

Fair feedback. Sawchyn has a lot of skills that he hasn't quite put together yet IMO. But his biggest asset is his ability to anticipate the play. He's an absolute beast on the forecheck and is probably a top 3 player in this draft in terms of hands and small ice plays. He just needs to learn to shoot the puck a bit more (and get a bit stronger/faster). I see him as being a really well rounded NHL player, even if he never becomes an elite offensive player (though I think the offensive upside is really high too).

My comp for him is Dawson Mercer.

If he reaches Dawson Mercer - the team that drafts him will be ecstatic. I hope he does as I've really taken a shine to the kid.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

I've updated my rankings. Probably not final. Note that these are ordered how I would select them if I were GM of NHL team, so doesn't reflect specific team needs, but does reflect how I view the player, geopolitical concerns in regards to Russian prospects, positional value, and my thoughts on how to build a team:

1. Bedard
2. Carlsson
3. Fantilli
4. Smith
5. Dvorsky
6. Willander
7. Michkov
8. Leonard
9. Reinbacher
10. Honzek
11. Benson
12. Sale
13. Perrault
14. Wood
15. Stenberg
16. Moore
17. Lindstein
18. Ritchie
19. Edstrom
20. Sandin Pellikka
21. Wahlberg
22. Danielson
23. Barlow
24. Nadeu
25. Bonk
26. Yager
27. Strbak
28. Fisker Moolgard
29. Heidt
30. But
31. Akey
32. Musty
33. Gulyayev
34. Sawchyn
35. Simashev
36. Rehkopf
37. Halttunen
38. Morin
39. Hameenaho
40. Gauthier

The following HM players are listed alphabetically:

Brindley, Cataford, Cristall, Dragicevic, Gibson, Lind, McCarthy, Minnetian. Nelson, Perron, Stramel, Terrance, Unger Sorum, Ziemmer

 

[FriarChill]

1 Bedard
2 Michkov
3 Carlsson
4 Fantilli
5 Smith
6 Benson
7 Leonard
8 Dvorsky
9 Reinbacher
10 Sale
11 Yager
12 Moore
13 Wood
14 Cristall
15 Barlow
16 Pellikka
17 Stenberg
18 Willander
19 Perreault
20 Honzek
21 Danielson
22 Heidt
23 Ritchie
24 But
25 Musty
26 Gulyayev
27 Gauthier
28 Simashev
29 Brindley
30 Edström
31 Wahlberg
32 Hrabal

 

[SwedishFire]

My final top 32 rankings, lots of movement from a few months ago:

Rk	Player
1	Connor Bedard (C)
2	Leo Carlsson (C/W)
3	Matvei Michkov (RW)
4	Matthew Wood (F)
5	Adam Fantilli (C)
6	Will Smith (C)
7	Dalibor Dvorský (C)
8	Zach Benson (F)
9	Gracyn Sawchyn (C)
10	David Reinbacher (D)
11	Gavin Brindley (F)
12	Axel Sandin Pellikka (D)
13	Andrew Cristall (LW)
14	Oliver Moore (C)
15	Ryan Leonard (C)
16	Quentin Musty (F)
17	Gabe Perreault (F)
18	Eduard Sale (RW)
19	Otto Stenberg (C/RW)
20	Calum Ritchie (C)
21	Jayden Perron (F)
22	Mikhail Gulyayev (D)
23	Nick Lardis (F)
24	Riley Heidt (F)
25	Nate Danielson (C)
26	Colby Barlow (LW)
27	Brayden Yager (C)
28	Samuel Honzek (C)
29	Beau Akey (D)
30	Charlie Stramel (C)
31	William Whitelaw (F)
32	Trey Augustine (G)

Fantelli sucks.?? Overrated?

 

[Realgud]

Fantelli sucks.?? Overrated?

He's 5th lol

 

[SwedishFire]

Me says;

I doubt Benson, Perrault, Yager will be drafted top 10. They are wingers, and they are small. Why use a pick in top 10 on a winger, that is small. Seldom happens. Meanwhile, you always build through centers, and there are so much demand for centers, since they can also be moved to wing.

And Ds, but there are now only 2 Ds at the top 15, wich makes them targets
Thus makes wingers late round finds.

This , in my book, makes Oliver, Danielson, Reinbacher, Pekkalli-boy, Ghylibuyv-russian guy risers.

Chi Bedard
Ana Fantelli
Cbj Carlsson
SJ Smith
Mtl Dvorsky/Michkov
Arizona Reinbacher
Philly Michkov/Dvorsky
Wsh Moore
Detroit Leonard
St Louis Danielsson
Vancouver Benson
Arizona Yager
Buffalo Wood
Pittsburgh Perrault
Nashville Sale
Calgary Barlow
Mtl Pellika
Detroit Honzek
Wpg Heidt
Chicago Gulyayev
Seattle Stenberg
Minnesota Cristall
Cbj Augustine
Ny Rangers Musty
Nashville But

Accordi

He's 5th lol

According to him, I meant.

 

[tomd]

Me says;

I doubt Benson, Perrault, Yager will be drafted top 10. They are wingers, and they are small. Why use a pick in top 10 on a winger, that is small. Seldom happens. Meanwhile, you always build through centers, and there are so much demand for centers, since they can also be moved to wing.

And Ds, but there are now only 2 Ds at the top 15, wich makes them targets
Thus makes wingers late round finds.

This , in my book, makes Oliver, Danielson, Reinbacher, Pekkalli-boy, Ghylibuyv-russian guy risers.

Chi Bedard
Ana Fantelli
Cbj Carlsson
SJ Smith
Mtl Dvorsky/Michkov
Arizona Reinbacher
Philly Michkov/Dvorsky
Wsh Moore
Detroit Leonard
St Louis Danielsson
Vancouver Benson
Arizona Yager
Buffalo Wood
Pittsburgh Perrault
Nashville Sale
Calgary Barlow
Mtl Pellika
Detroit Honzek
Wpg Heidt
Chicago Gulyayev
Seattle Stenberg
Minnesota Cristall
Cbj Augustine
Ny Rangers Musty
Nashville But

Accordi
According to him, I meant.

Good mock and I agree with much of your analysis. Just FYI, Montreal no longer picking 17th and everyone behind them moves up 1 spot.

 

[WayneGretzky]

My latest rankings:

1. Connor Bedard
2. Adam Fantilli
3. Matvei Michkov
4. Leo Carlsson
5. Will Smith
6. Zach Benson
7. Dalibor Dvorsky
8. Ryan Leonard
9. Colby Barlow
10. Brayden Yager
11. Eduard Sale
12. Oliver Moore
13. Matthew Wood
14. Gabriel Perreault
15. Axel Sandin-Pelikka
16. Samuel Honzek
17. David Reinbacher
18. Otto Stenberg
19. Nate Danielson
20. Riley Heidt
21. Andrew Cristall
22. Quentin Musty
23. Tom Willander
24. Calum Ritchie
25. Mikhail Gulyayev
26. Gavin Brindley
27. Danil But
28. Ethan Gauthier
29. Dmitri Simashev
30. Michael Hrabal
31. Gracyn Sawchyn
32. Maxim Strbak

HM: Lukas Dragicevic, Charlie Stramel, Bradly Nadeau, Oliver Bonk, Jayden Perron, Caden Price, Nick Lardis, Koehn Zimmer, Hunter Brzustewicz, David Edstrom.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

My latest rankings:

1. Connor Bedard
2. Adam Fantilli
3. Matvei Michkov
4. Leo Carlsson
5. Will Smith
6. Zach Benson
7. Dalibor Dvorsky
8. Ryan Leonard
9. Colby Barlow
10. Brayden Yager
11. Eduard Sale
12. Oliver Moore
13. Matthew Wood
14. Gabriel Perreault
15. Axel Sandin-Pelikka
16. Samuel Honzek
17. David Reinbacher
18. Otto Stenberg
19. Nate Danielson
20. Riley Heidt
21. Andrew Cristall
22. Quentin Musty
23. Tom Willander
24. Calum Ritchie
25. Mikhail Gulyayev
26. Gavin Brindley
27. Danil But
28. Ethan Gauthier
29. Dmitri Simashev
30. Michael Hrabal
31. Gracyn Sawchyn
32. Maxim Strbak

HM: Lukas Dragicevic, Charlie Stramel, Bradly Nadeau, Oliver Bonk, Jayden Perron, Caden Price, Nick Lardis, Koehn Zimmer, Hunter Brzustewicz.

I too was bullish on Lardis for a while but ultimately decided to drop him quite a bit because I didn’t see the upside once he reached the NHL. I still think he can become a very good NHLer, but maybe not in a top-6 role.

 

[WayneGretzky]

I too was bullish on Lardis for a while but ultimately decided to drop him quite a bit because I didn’t see the upside once he reached the NHL. I still think he can become a very good NHLer, but maybe not in a top-6 role.

Yeah I tend to agree, I think he’s a good value pick outside of the top 40 or so, but a reach in the top 32

 

[SwedishFire]

Good mock and I agree with much of your analysis. Just FYI, Montreal no longer picking 17th and everyone behind them moves up 1 spot.

Thank you for having agreement. You can make argument also for Barlow rising like three spots. I rooknthe order from mynhldraft.com. So take that with a grain of salt. Reinbacher - Dont know him at all actually more than being top D prospect- its the Arizonas
dire need of defensemen that make me having him at 6. Could as well be Moore. Doubt Arizona should pick one more small player at top.

My latest rankings:

1. Connor Bedard
2. Adam Fantilli
3. Matvei Michkov
4. Leo Carlsson
5. Will Smith
6. Zach Benson
7. Dalibor Dvorsky
8. Ryan Leonard
9. Colby Barlow
10. Brayden Yager
11. Eduard Sale
12. Oliver Moore
13. Matthew Wood
14. Gabriel Perreault
15. Axel Sandin-Pelikka
16. Samuel Honzek
17. David Reinbacher
18. Otto Stenberg
19. Nate Danielson
20. Riley Heidt
21. Andrew Cristall
22. Quentin Musty
23. Tom Willander
24. Calum Ritchie
25. Mikhail Gulyayev
26. Gavin Brindley
27. Danil But
28. Ethan Gauthier
29. Dmitri Simashev
30. Michael Hrabal
31. Gracyn Sawchyn
32. Maxim Strbak

HM: Lukas Dragicevic, Charlie Stramel, Bradly Nadeau, Oliver Bonk, Jayden Perron, Caden Price, Nick Lardis, Koehn Zimmer, Hunter Brzustewicz.

Good list, but as centermen, wouldnt Moore and Danielson go higher?
Or is this just straight a talent list?.

 

[WayneGretzky]

Thank you for having agreement. You can make argument also for Barlow rising like three spots. I rooknthe order from mynhldraft.com. So take that with a grain of salt. Reinbacher - Dont know him at all actually more than being top D prospect- its the Arizonas
dire need of defensemen that make me having him at 6. Could as well be Moore. Doubt Arizona should pick one more small player at top.


Good list, but as centermen, wouldnt Moore and Danielson go higher?
Or is this just straight a talent list?.

In a mock draft, I may have Danielson a few spots higher, but these are straight talent rankings

 

[vildurson]

Updated mock draft after thinking things through more. I find it hard to place Michkov in top 8. There is a heavy chance he drops to Caps unless new Flyers GM's have guts to choose him.

Arizona could pick between Reinbacher and Leonard. I am willing to buy the rumors/ramblings on them being high on Leonard.

Canadiens have ties to Slovakia(Slaf) and this gives good chance for Dvorsky to go around 5th. He fits their type.

Mock Draft - V2:
1. Chicago Blackhawks - Connor Bedard
2. Anaheim Ducks - Adam Fantilli

3. Columbus Blue Jackets - Will Smith
Columbus is reportedly high on Smith and I am willing to buy on this

4. San Jose Sharks - Leo Carlsson
Eklund and Carlsson in same line? Yes sir

5. Montreal Canadiens - Dalibor Dvorsky
Slafkovsky / Slovakian connection. Rose a lot on some peoples boards after u18(I am not a big fan but I understand why people like him).

6. Arizona Coyotes - Ryan Leonard
Lot of rumblings of Coyotes being high on Leonard.

7. Philadelphia Flyers - Matvei Michkov
BPA. New management has time to wait. This is the move they make if they want to start with a splash. Another option could also be trade with Caps for Kuz+other pieces if Michkov falls here.

8. Washington Capitals - Zach Benson
BPA. Caps historically picks best player(usually forwards) available on their high picks.

9. Detroit Red Wings - David Reinbacher
Should fit well on Y's drafting strategy when it comes to defensive guys.

10. St. Louis Blues - Colby Barlow
Barlow just feels Blues type player. I am not sure if they would draft Sandin Pellikka here but it would be interesting option too.

11. Vancouver Canucks - Nate Danielson
They need second/third line center. Danielson could potentially be a good replacement to Horvat.

12. Arizona Coyotes - Axel Sandin Pellikka
Arizona D is rough after shopping out Chuchryn. Wallinder is another good bet here if you go for size.

13. Buffalo Sabres - Matthew Wood
Kind of player Sabres likes. Good size and skill combination. Bit of a project but could reap good benefits if nurtured correctly.

14. Pittsburgh Penguins - Gabe Perreault
Really good complimentary player for Crosby or Malkin

15. Nashville Predators - Samuel Honzek
Feels like he could be Trotz type player to target

16. Calgary Flames - Brayden Yager
This is harder to project but my bet is on Yager. Heidt or Moore would be another interesting pick here too.

Personal drafting order post(not a mock draft) here.

 

[Lavar Ball]

Here is my Final Top 96:

1	Connor	Bedard
2	Matvei	Michkov
3	Leo	Carlsson
4	Adam	Fantilli
5	Will	Smith
6	Zach	Benson
7	Dalibor	Dvorsky
8	David	Reinbacher
9	Ryan	Leonard
10	Matthew	Wood
11	Oliver	Moore
12	Brayden	Yager
13	Eduard	Sale
14	Axel	Sandin Pellikka
15	Nate	Danielson
16	Dmitri	Simashev
17	Colby	Barlow
18	Mikhail	Gulyayev
19	Andrew	Cristall
20	Samuel	Honzek
21	Tom	Willander
22	Riley	Heidt
23	Gabe	Perreault
24	Calum	Ritchie
25	Otto	Stenberg
26	Quentin	Musty
27	Gracyn	Sawchyn
28	Gavin	Brindley
29	Nick	Lardis
30	Etienne	Morin
31	Jayden	Perron
32	David	Edstrom
33	Koehn	Ziemmer
34	Daniil	But
35	Theo	Lindstein
36	Ethan	Gauthier
37	Lukas	Dragicevic
38	Bradly	Nadeau
39	Maxim	Strbak
40	Tanner	Molendyk
41	Michael	Hrabal
42	Oliver	Bonk
43	Anton	Wahlberg
44	Caden	Price
45	Oscar	Fisker Molgaard
46	William	Whitelaw
47	Lenni	Hameenaho
48	Beau	Akey
49	Carson	Bjarnason
50	Charlie	Stramel
51	Hunter	Brzustewicz
52	Felix	Nilsson
53	Luca	Cagnoni
54	Kasper	Halttunen
55	Jakub	Dvorak
56	Alexander	Rykov
57	Danny	Nelson
58	Aydar	Suniev
59	Nico	Myatovic
60	Alex	Ciernik
61	Aram	Minnetian
62	Kalan	Lind
63	Andrew	Gibson
64	Trey	Augustine
65	Carson	Rehkopf
66	Noah	Dower-Nilsson
67	Timur	Mukhanov
68	Tristan	Bertucci
69	Felix	Unger Sorum
70	Gavin	McCarthy
71	Luca	Pinelli
72	Rasmus	Kumpulainen
73	Mazden	Leslie
74	Jayson	Shaugabay
75	Jesse	Kiiskinen
76	Carey	Terrance
77	Juraj	Pekarcik
78	Mathieu	Cataford
79	Denver	Barkey
80	Andrew	Strathmann
81	Coulson	Pitre
82	Jacob	Fowler
83	Carter	Southeran
84	Arttu	Karki
85	Cameron	Allen
86	Noel	Nordh
87	Quinton	Burns
88	Roman	Kantserov
89	Damian	Clara
90	Connor	Levis
91	Matthew	Mania
92	Easton	Cowan
93	Martin	Misiak
94	Scott	Ratzlaff
95	Jordan	Tourigny
96	Adam	Gajan

 

[majormajor]

I wrote quick descriptions / explanations for each player that I'll put behind spoiler tags here so that the list is navigable.

1. Connor Bedard, C
   Spoiler

   - We’ve all heard about what Bedard can do, so I’ll try to rein in expectations a bit. Don’t be shocked if Bedard is a winger in the NHL. His value in the NHL is going to depend on him scoring 50+ goals, and his NHL team might find it easier to set him up starting on the wing position where he doesn’t have to carry pucks from deep in his zone. Bedard isn’t fast and might need linemates to cover defensively for him so he can focus on the goals. One way or the other though, he is going to be put into a position to score those goals, and he will score them.
2. Leo Carlsson, C
   Spoiler

   - This is nearly a draw between Carlsson and Fantilli. Carlsson stands out as a very in control player that can control pucks in all parts of the ice and put teammates in a position to succeed. Ultimately I like that upside more than Fantilli’s more chaotic approach, though Fantilli should be a more effective player initially. Carlsson needs to get lower in his skating stance (more ankle flexion) and develop the attacking mindset from the center position. He has shown that he can burn defenders from the wing but looks more cautious at center at the Worlds. Before long he should have the combination of speed, strength, and handling ability to walk up the middle of the ice in transition. I don’t see much stopping him from becoming a classic 1C playmaker.
3. Adam Fantilli, C
   Spoiler

   - Offensively, Fantilli can be frustrating, a bit like Taylor Hall. The speed and hands and shot are all there but it’s all happening a bit too fast for him. Nonetheless he generates offense, and a lot of it, in a more chaotic fashion, with speed and strength and shot. And Taylor Hall but as a 2-way blazing fast highly physical center is still a great player. I think he’s going to be a 1C and it might not take him long. I prefer Carlsson’s long term upside as an in control player that can better elevate his linemates, but I don’t think for a second that Fantilli’s approach won’t work in the NHL. It’s a chaotic game and Fantilli will thrive in that chaos.
4. David Reinbacher, RD
   Spoiler

   - There’s no real consensus on Reinbacher but my view is that he’s on the level of Jiricek and Nemec as draft prospects. Reinbacher is a great skater that excels both ways in transition. He seems to command the ice. He’s not consistently physical but can level players when he wants to. He’s scored a lot this year. And he’s done all of this playing in a very difficult pro league in Switzerland. I think he’s not far from being NHL ready either, though he’ll have work to do in each end. I don’t see the kind of offensive upside of Jiricek but he’s a better skater and I think of him as a top pair D in the making.
5. Matvei Michkov, W
   Spoiler

   - I don’t think it’s a safe bet that Michkov will be a great player in the NHL. He’s very small and slow which is going to be a tough combination vs NHL defenders. Or it could be that he’s just too good of a creator and makes it work. At #5 I’m willing to take a swing. His ability to make advantages with small moves is tantalizing. One thing we haven’t seen with Michkov is him fitting into a pre-existing team structure - things tend to be built around him for him to work. That’s a harder sell with a lot of NHL teams. I suspect that he will adapt. But I’m not sure, there have been a number of instances this year, with SKA, in the VHL, and back in the MHL, where Michkov wasn’t a fit.
6. Ryan Leonard, F
   Spoiler

   - Leonard does it all. He’s been a big scorer (even if it’s inflated by his linemates, he nonetheless outscored Cooley by about 25%). He plays the more difficult center duties down low and on the breakout for the super line. He’s a very powerful compact forward who can drive the net or deliver hits as needed. Very high intensity, this is a player you’ll want in a playoff battle. There aren’t many downsides. I’m confident that he’ll be a scorer even without Smith - we saw that the Leonard-Moore combination was also terrific.
7. Zach Benson, W
   Spoiler

   - Zach Benson is one of the most pleasant players to watch. He never disappoints, not in any game and not in any part of the ice. He is listed (perhaps generously) at 5’10, which is somewhat concerning, and I doubt he’ll be an elite producer. But he can be a glue guy on a top line that helps tilt the ice and make plays with his shifty skating and great vision. Benson is a menace on the forecheck and I came away from watching NHL playoff hockey recently thinking that he would be effective even at his size. His style in junior is not like Seth Jarvis but I think he probably plays a similar role to Jarvis in the NHL.
8. Will Smith, W
   Spoiler

   - I don’t doubt Will Smith’s scoring upside. The hands are top end and he has amazing deception. I see a Patrick Kane type of player, just somewhat slower and easier to contain if the defense plays smart. He should be a big points guy, but I think he’ll be on the low end of value for big points guys, perhaps somewhat like Zegras or Scheifele. That’s not as valuable to NHL clubs, especially in the playoffs when teams properly prepare themselves. And he’s a winger. His off puck involvement is close to zero. I have some hope that he could become more engaged with better physical development, but he also just seems disinterested to play hockey until he has the puck.
9. Oliver Moore, C
   Spoiler

   - Oliver Moore is the most powerful skater in the draft. Remarkable speed, agility, and an incredible motor all over the ice. He’s a bit smaller than you’d like for an NHL center but his speed and strength on his skates should make it work for him. I see him as an ice-tilting 2C that can drive possession hockey, although he lacks some high end scoring ability. He misreads plays a bit too often. The physical tools are all great beyond the skating, great handling and great shot, but misses something on putting it all together for offense. Defensively and in transition this is a high end player.
10. Quentin Musty, W
    Spoiler

    - Musty is another player that loses ground because of a lack of consistent effort. But the scoring tools should put him nearer the top of the class regardless. He is a big scoring threat in transition and on the PP, and actually has the tools to be great on the cycle if he can be coached to work better on the wall. He seems afraid of contact at times, which is unfortunate, because at 6’2 and as a powerful skater he could be a force. Perhaps with coaching and maturity he might become that player.
11. Tom Willander, RD
    Spoiler

    - Throughout the U18 tournament Tom Willander shut down pretty much everyone, including the USA top liners. Nothing got behind him. He is a very good skater that seems to command the ice around him. He was good on breakouts and entries and ran the Swedish powerplay. I don’t know if he’ll be needed for PP duty in the NHL, or if there’s much special here offensively. But he shows good ability to wrist pucks through traffic and make quick passes to his flanks. I suspect he may be a #2 type D-man in the NHL.
12. Matthew Wood, W
    Spoiler

    - I still have a hard time placing Matthew Wood. He’s a 6’4 player with poor skating, but once he gets going he seems to take over the game, and he can score goals in every way. He is very strong and has rushes where he can carry a defender on his back and protect the puck while going to the net. I like the soft touch on his passes. There are a lot of times where he sort of looks like Mark Stone or Leon Draisaitl. I’m confident that he’ll score a good number of goals in the NHL, but there’s enough inconsistency there and I doubt he has the vision or playmaking to truly compare with luminaries like Stone or Draisaitl. Maybe he’s more of a Jason Robertson, but the total value will depend on scoring totals that are really hard to project.
13. Dmitri Simashev, LD
    Spoiler

    - Dmitri Simashev has two gifts that will combine to make him a valuable NHLer: he can skate the puck with ease in transition, and he defends well enough with his superb skating and 6’4 frame that he should be able to play a shutdown role in the NHL. That’s a rare combination. Even if he’s a zero in the offensive zone, and he might be, teams can really use a player like this to tilt the ice. Think of a Brandon Carlo but much better at skating the puck.
14. Daniil But, W
    Spoiler

    - Daniil But is a fast 6’5 winger with soft hands. I’d compare him to Blake Wheeler, another fast 6’5 forward who can lead a powerplay or drive possession at evens. Daniil doesn’t have a lot of downsides in his game. He breaks up plays defensively and is a threat in transition with his speed. I find him to be a reassuring pick even with some uncertainty about when he’ll come over. He isn’t very physical currently but there’s a lot of upside there if a coach could help him develop that side of his game. He has the strength and skating to be a force.
15. Nate Danielson, C
    Spoiler

    - Nate Danielson is like a Barry Trotz wet dream. Big fast center that defends very well. And Danielson actually led a weak Wheat Kings team in scoring, partly thanks to a lot of goals on the powerplay. The scoring tools are mostly just okay to good, nothing special. He sometimes feels like a Charlie Coyle, sometimes like a Brock Nelson. I feel confident that he’ll be a middle six center in the NHL, perhaps not much of a scorer, but he has the toughness and intelligence that you’d especially want in the playoffs.
16. Dalibor Dvorsky, C
    Spoiler

    - Dalibor Dvorsky is a flat out great player vs the age group. He tore up Swedish Jrs and also the U18s, but hasn’t broken through yet in the SHL. Dvorsky already has a pro build around 6’0 200, and he plays a very complete game with advanced defense and makes mature decisions with the puck. Very good finishing ability. I see him as a step slow in the NHL, he has good skating mechanics but not a lot of natural athleticism. I find him hard to project - there are some players like Nick Suzuki or Ryan O’Reilly who can succeed with seemingly similar size, skating, IQ, and shot combinations. But I still wonder if the lack of pace will greatly hinder him.
17. Otto Stenberg, C
    Spoiler

    - Otto Stenberg put himself back on the map with a great U18 tournament run. He’s a 5’11 center without any clear dominant tools but he outplays players that have those tools. His defensive play is top notch. His shot is good and he seems to read the play very well. I suspect he might be more of a checking center in the NHL but possibly a very valuable one that can take tough matchups.
18. Colby Barlow, W
    Spoiler

    - Colby Barlow is a strong hard-working player with an amazingly quick drag and release on his shot. Great junior goal scorer. I want to put him higher, but Barlow doesn’t seem to have as much upside in other aspects compared to players around him. He is already a man among boys and won’t be very big or fast in the NHL. He’ll use his strength whenever possible but he might not have the quickness and agility to be good on the forecheck. His heavy feet might also make his goal scoring somewhat situational. But he should score a lot in the NHL, he reminds me a lot of James Neal.
19. Brayden Yager, F
    Spoiler

    - Brayden Yager combines very good speed and one of the best shots in the class. But I think he’s probably not actually a great goal scorer, as he hasn’t often found a way to uncork his shot at the right times in the WHL this year. He had a terrific playoffs where he showed off more of a complete game and I think he’ll provide value in the NHL in a more well-rounded way. The passing is good, the defense is good, and with his speed, he should be trusted and moved around the lineup as needed.
20. Eduard Sale, W
    Spoiler

    - There are several reasons to think Eduard Sale might be a big upside player. He has a lot of room left on his 6’2 frame to get stronger and more dynamic. He has great hands and skating that could pop with more athleticism. Getting out of the Czech league could lead to a big breakout of his offensive potential. But he’s been one of the most inconsistent prospects for years at all levels, including internationally. It’s still hard to know what he is because there are a lot of off games for him. I could see him becoming a good NHL scorer but without the consistent drive and edge that teams covet for the playoffs.
21. Axel Sandin-Pellika, LD
22. Andrew Cristall, W
23. Mikhail Gulyayev, LD
24. Juraj Pekarcik, W
25. Gracyn Sawchin, C
26. Samuel Honzek, W
27. Calum Ritchie, C
28. Tanner Molendyk, LD
29. Gabriel Perreault, W
30. David Edstrom, C
31. Oliver Bonk, RD
32. Jayden Perron, W

 

[tomd]

I'm noticing an increasing trend where virtually every mock draft done by "pro/media" sources has Fantilli at #2 while several posters on this thread have him at #3 or even #4. Just an observation...don't take it any other way.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

I'm noticing an increasing trend where virtually every mock draft done by "pro/media" sources has Fantilli at #2 while several posters on this thread have him at #3 or even #4. Just an observation...don't take it any other way.

A mock draft is different than a ranking.

 

[ValeriKamensky]

Still in progress, but so far it is:

1. Connor Bedard
2. Adam Fantilli
3. Leo Karlsson
4. Will Smith
5. Matvei Michkov
6. Calum Ritchie
7. Ryan Leonard
8. Dalibor Dvorski
9. Brayden Yager
10. Zach Benson
11. Riley Heidt
12. David Reinbacher
13. Gabriel Perrault
14. Nate Danielson
15. Matthew Wood
16. Eduard Sale
17. Colby Barlow
18. Oliver Moore
19. Axel Sandin Pellika
20. Quentin Musty
21. Caden Price
22. Andrew Cristal
23. Lucas Dragicevic
24. Tom Willander
25. Bradley Nadeau
26. Samuel Honzek
27. Charlie Stramel
28. Oskar Fisker Molgaard
29. Koehn Ziemmer
30. Hunter Brzustewicz
31. Kasper Halttunen
32. Gracin Sawchyn
33. Otto Stenberg
34. Gavin Brindley
35. Theo Lindstein
36. Ethan Gauthier
37. Beau Akey
38. Jesse Kiiskinen
39. Daniil But
40. Kalan Lind
41. Whilliam Whitelaw
42. Nick Lardis
43. Jayden Perron
44. David Edstrom
45. Maxim Strbak
46. Mikhail Gulyaev
47. Matthieu Cataford
48. Dmitry Simashev
49. Danny Nelson
50. Lenni Hameenaho
51. Ethiene Morin
52. Aidar Suniev
53. Rodwin Dionicio
54. Tomas Milic
55. Felix Unger Sorum
56. Carson Bjarnason
57. Carey Terrance
58. Oliver Bonk
59. Quinton Burns
60. Ryan Conmy
61. Arttu Karki
62. Anton Wahlberg
63. Cam Allen
64. Luca Cagnoni

 

[Bjornar Moxnes]

I legit wonder why people aren't higher on Unger Sörum? He produced great numbers for a defensive specialist and is one of the youngest if not the youngest in draft.

 

[pgfan66]

I legit wonder why people aren't higher on Unger Sörum? He produced great numbers for a defensive specialist and is one of the youngest if not the youngest in draft.

I’ve only ever seen him at the U18s but for a guy with his skating, puck skills and point production, I felt he really struggled to make plays and create offense. I guess that’s a weird assessment to make but that’s why I don’t have him on my draft list.