2023 Mock Draft

It is that time of year when I get to make a complete fool out of myself. Even I should be able to pick who is picked for the first overall pick. Although it may be a no-brainer, the consensus is that Connor Bedard will be selected.

Chicago Blackhawks

1 Connor Bedard - Centre

Connor is the best prospect to lead since the other Connor; His acceleration and keeping the puck away from opposing players make him the most dangerous player in the draft. His hockey IQ is off the charts, thinking four plays ahead. Bedard is a pinpoint passer who is creative and gives defensemen nightmares. Connor could be a better defensive player, but he tries and works hard at it, which makes him more than adequate on his own end. 

Anaheim Ducks

2 Adam Fantili - Centre

Just as Connor is the consensus number one pick, Adam is a slam dunk as the number two pick. Adam is a slick playing maker with excellent vision. He makes players look better by doing what it takes to be a winner. Fantelli has great puck-handling skills, and his ability to hang on to the puck until the last second is something to behold. Adam's defensive game may require some fine-tuning as he transitions into the NHL; I expect him to develop into a complete player. 

Columbus Blue Jackets

3 Leo Carlsson - Centre/Wing

Leo might be the best two-way player in the draft. He excels at driving to the net, possessing a strong determination to keep the puck. Carlson has excellent puck vision. He is known for playing a mature game. He doesn't panic with the puck. 

He will outwork the players to get the puck out, carry the puck out of the zone, and get out of danger. People love his offensive skills. He has a great shot and is a proven playmaker with excellent passing skills.

San Jose Sharks

4 Matvei Michkov - Right Wing  

Sniper, sniper, sniper. Matvei can score from anywhere. His wrist shot is registered as a deadly weapon. He has all the skills in the world; the one downside is that he is trying to get out of a KHL contract. If Michkov were free and clear, he would be the second-best player in the draft.  

Montreal Canadiens

5 William Will Smith - Centre

 

The fifth pick is challenging because the Habs must prioritize their needs over the best player. William is a dynamic offensive machine. He is the best American-born player in the draft and has all the tools to be a star. William is a smooth skater with a powerful wrist shot. He may not be the best defensive player, but he's adequate. He knows the basics in the defensive zone. William has a quick release on his wrist shot, which catches goalies off guard. All signs point to him being a star in the making.

Arizona Coyotes

6 Zach Benson - Left Wing

Zach's biggest hindrance is his size. He is a gifted winger with a great shot. His 36 goals and 62 assists are a testament to his outstanding playmaker abilities. He could be used efficiently and effectively on the powerplay. He has a tremendous hockey IQ and always seems to be one step ahead of the game. He is a smooth skater; he can find his niche in the League with his talent and hard work. He is an excellent asset to any team that drafts him. 

Philadelphia Flyers

7 Dalibor Dvorsky - Centre/Right Wing

Dalibor is an excellent skater with terrific playmaking abilities. He's a smooth skater who can turn on a dime. He has a high hockey IQ, so he's very creative with the puck. Divorsky is always thinking ahead. He is a terrific passer and can make plays with the best of them, with the potential of being a second-line centre. 

Washington Capitals

8 David Reinbacher - Defense 

David is arguably the best defenseman in the draft. He is a solid defensive dman who knows where he is supposed to be. He Plays a solid game and a solid shot. David is also a talented puck-mover, able to get himself out of trouble with his skating and passing abilities.

Detroit Red Wings

9 Ryan Leonard - Centre

Ryan is a speed demon. He uses his speed to blow past the defenseman in the offensive zone. He has the tenacity of the Tasmanian devil, works consistently hard for the puck, and never gives up. Ryan has an excellent shot. He is a terrific playmaker and all-around good hockey player. Ryan is more than adequate in the defensive zone. He takes his defensive responsibility seriously and sticks with his opponent. 

St Louis Blues

10 Oliver Moore - Centre

Oliver Moore is the kind of player you can build a team around. He has a terrific shot, especially his one-timers. His one-timer is a dangerous weapon, and he has the potential to become a powerplay specialist. He excels in the offensive zone, using crossovers to confuse the defense. Oliver is an excellent stick handler who can work in tight places, allowing him to get out of trouble. 

Vancouver Canucks

11 Colby Barlow - Left Wing

Colby might be one of the fastest skaters in the draft. He's an excellent stick handler with a great shot. Colby uses his size along the boards to get the puck out of difficult spots. He is not afraid to get his nose dirty and will do what it takes to get the win. His leadership abilities would make a great addition to any locker room.

Arizona Coyotes

12 Axel Sundin Pellikka - Defense

Axel's offensive skills are immaculate. He is probably the most skilled offensive defenseman in the draft. His passing and powerful shot from the point make him an ideal candidate to quarterback powerplay units in the future.

Buffalo Sabers

13 Eduard Šalé - Right Wing

Eduard is renowned for his excellent passing skills. He is a swift skater with stickhandling skills that allow him to get out of sticky situations. His ability to handle any passes is out of this world. He is known for his one-timers on the powerplay; he is deadly from the circle.

Pittsburgh Penguins

14 Nate Danielson Centre

Nate is a solid Centreman who is developed in all aspects of his game. He is probably one of the best skaters in the game. Can score from anywhere, great playmaker. A solid star.

Nashville Predators

15 Brayden Yager - Center

Bayden is a smooth-skating forward who glides effortlessly up and down the ice. He has excellent playmaking skills. It is hard to take the puck off him. He has a quick release, a tough shot; his one-timer is especially lethal.

Calgary Flames

16 Matthew Wood - Left Wing

Matthew is an intelligent player with soft hands with a great explosive shot. His greatest strength is his one-timers. He will be an offensive weapon on the powerplay. Matthew is a silk-smooth forward with an intense hockey IQ and will always be dangerous in the offensive zone.

Detroit Red Wings

17 Dmitri Simashev - Defense

Dmitri will be a solid NHL defenseman. Most people agree he has tons of potential and a high hockey IQ. Dmitri has solid defensive and excellent stickhandling skills, allowing him to quickly take control of the puck and move it from end to end. With these abilities, Dmitri will make an impact in any team's defensive zone and help them get the puck out of their own end with ease.

Winnipeg Jets

18 Samuel Honzeky - Centre

Samuel is a solid skater who has plenty of offensive talent. He has a ton of heart and is willing to work in the corner. Once Honzeky fills out, he will be a sold powerplay quarterback. He has a good shot. He could get his share of garbage goals. 

Chicago Blackhawks

19 Andrew Cristall - Left Wing

Andrew has a remarkable ability to read the game and make the right decisions in any situation. His intelligence and skill on the ice are unmatched, and he has an impressive knack for finding the puck. What he does is simply score. He might be one of the smartest players in the draft. A solid skater with an underrated shot. 

Seattle Kraken

20 Riley Heidt - Centre

Riley is a dangerous offensive forward. His impressive puck vision allows him to make precise passes. Riley has a tremendous asset on the powerplay. He can make a difference with his ability to find the open man and excellent skating skills. He is the total package.

Minnesota Wild

21 Otto Stenberg - Center

The best way to describe Otto is a second-line centre. Stenberg knows when to get involved. He is a good all-around player. He is defensively responsible. While he may not have any standout qualities, his all-around ability makes him an invaluable asset to any team.

Philadelphia Flyers

22 Calum Ritchie - Centre

Calum is a solid prospect. He is a solid prospect and an excellent playmaker. He is known for his exceptional vision when it comes to finding open teammates, and rarely gets flustered when in possession of the puck. He always looks at his options before dishing the puck. He has been named a strong puck carrier. It is hard to take the puck off him. Ritchie is developing his physical game, which will only make him stronger. 

 

New York Rangers

23 Tom Wallander - Defencemen

Tom is a well-rounded defenceman who is an asset on both sides of the ice. He excels in the defensive zone and provides a valuable offensive spark. His two-way play makes him a valuable contributor to his team's success.

Nashville Predators

24 Mikhail Gulyayev - Defense

Mikhail is an offensive powerhouse. His ability to jump into the play creates plenty of scoring opportunities for his team. His passing skills are out of this world. If he can improve his defense, he might be the steal in the first round. 

St Louis Blues

25 Gabe Perreault - Right Wing

Gabe is an offensive forward with plenty of tools. He is a great playmaker. His passing is precise and he uses his rapid pace to draw defenders away, thus creating space for his teammates to move into.

San Jose Sharks

26 Kasper Halttunen - Right Wing

Kasper has some grit. He uses his size to his advantage and plays better with the rough stuff. He is especially dangerous on the powerplay, where his heavy one-timers create havoc. If he remains focused, Kasper can be a real menace on the ice.

Colorado Avalanche

27 Charlie Stramel - Centre

Charlie is a solid offensive forward who needs a little work. He has a great shot he can use to his advantage. He can be hard to take off the puck. He is tenacious in working with the puck and does not shy away from the rough game. He is a future power forward.  

Toronto Maple Leafs 

28 Lukas Dragicevic - Defense

Lukas is an offensive defenseman who will put up points in the NHL. He is willing to take risks and join the rush, while also being comfortable playing a line along the boards. He won't shy away from the rough side of the game. Lukas is working on his defensive play. We'll need more development on that side of the game. He is an excellent all-around defenseman.

St Louis Blues

29 Galvin Brindley - Right Wing

Galvin can be summed up as a Tasmanian devil in defense. He is tenacious and attends to detail. Galvin has a high hockey IQ. He will bail out his teammates when they make mistakes. He will make the ideal third-line Right-Wing or great penalty-killing leader in the dressing room. 

Carolina Hurricanes

30 Daniil But Left |Wing

But is highly regarded in the offensive zone. He's a speedy skater with a great shot from the blue line. He will be a great addition to any powerplay. But is a great puck distributor and has great passing skills. He will find the man in the open regularly. While his offensive skills are impressive, he may need additional work in the defensive zone.

Montreal Canadiens

31 Ethan Gauthier - Right Wing

Ethan knows how to get into a team's head. He gets his nose dirty and will fight for the puck. Gauthier has good hands and goes to the net to pick up the garbage goals. 

Las Vegas Golden Knights

32 Koehn Ziemmer - Right Wing 

Koehn is a pinpoint passer with amazing accuracy. He has a high hockey IQ reading the plays. Koehn rarely gets caught out of place because of his hockey vision. He has a quick release, which will be tantalizing to scouts because of its deadly accuracy. In a single word, Koehn can be summed up as a sniper.

NHL Mock Draft

Well, this is the year everyone and their dog will be doing a mock Draft blog. So  I thought I would take a stab at it. This year is harder because the only pick that is a sure thing is the first.

Buffalo Sabres Rasmus Dahlin 1

Rasmus is a can't-miss prospect. He is a terrific playmaking defenceman who can carry the puck out of the zone. A very smooth skater who makes up for his mistakes with his speed.   Dahlin is a terrific powerplay quarterback. The Sabres will benefit right away.  He is what they so badly need in a number one dman.

Carolina Hurricanes Andrei Svechnikov 2

Andrei is the best offensive forward in the draft.  Svechnikov has been described as a  young  OV.  He is a terrific young sniper with a great shot. When he sees his chance, he buries it. I truly believe he is the most gifted player in the draft.

Montreal Canadians Jesperi Kotkaniemi 3 

You get what you pay for in Jasperi. A rugged two power forward who can mess with the best of them. Or you get huge centermen who uses his size at the draw. Either way, he is a no-nonsense player who will do everything well, though nothing exceptional.  He is adequate at all angles of the game and could be big on the Habs powerplay because of his size. I can see Jasperi as a future number two centermen, with some offensive punch.

Ottawa Senators Adam Boqvist 4

Adam is an offensive-minded defenseman who distributes the puck with high accuracy. He has a great shot. He has the ability to get the puck out of the zone to the forwards. He will help the Rangers tremendously in the transition game. His passes will make it easier for the time counterattack. Defensively, he is average, but he will get better with time. He is a great asset to any team. The Rangers will have to be patient, but in time, he will make it worth their while.

Arizona Coyotes Brady Tkachuk 5

I will describe him as GI Joe on skates.  A phenomenal power forward who can score.  Like his brother, Matthew Brady can get into teams heads, his puck in the corner game will outwork his opponents. He will wear the opposing forward down, dominating him physically. When it comes to the big goal, Brady will get it.

Detroit Red  Wings  Filip Zadina  6

A little less talented than the Russian, Philip is a dynamic pistol on the forward line. He could stickhandle through a phone booth. Phillip is the typical offensive juggernaut who pounces on defensive mistakes.  He will add punch to the listless Wings  offence.

Vancouver Canucks Quinton Hughes 7

Quinton is a very explosive defenceman. He is a terrific two player, who can pass to the forwards with high accuracy.  Quinton is an all-around defenseman who will fit in with the Canucks. He is committed to his education. The Canucks are the perfect team to pick him. They will be patient with him, and there will be growing pains.  Quinton has the potential to be a solid number two or three dman who will fit in great in Vancouver.

Chicago Blackhawks Oliver Wahlstrom 8

A talented, big left winger, with offensive skill. A typical power forward who can add to the offence and ensure there is no monkey business on the ice. Oliver has a terrific shot and will score in bunches. He can take one-timers and put them in the net before the goalie even has a chance to move.

New York Ranger Noah Dobson 9

Noah is probably the second best defencemen in this draft. He is a mobile defender who has a solid two-way game. A top playmaking defenceman who is just as dependable in his own end. He has the potential to be a future star. The Wings are getting offensive talent. He will help the Wings in all aspects of the game. He will especially help in the Wings' powerplay with a laser shot from the blue line.

Edmonton Oilers Evan Bouchard 10

Evan is a dynamic offensive defenseman who will do well on the powerplay. An explosive shot is a key. If he uses his howitzer, he will be a powerhouse. Evan is a highly skilled offensive defenceman. He will help with the transition game.

New York Islanders Joe Veleno 11

Joe is a playmaking center who will excel if he continues to develop his skills. He is an excellent passer and will blend in with the odd goal.  He will be an asset to the Islander's powerplay. He sees the ice, thinks well on his feet, and is always two plays ahead. My only concern is that he needs to get stronger. He has tons of potential to become a  good offensive player.

New York Islanders Bode Wilde 12

A big, rugged blueliner who is very smart with the puck. Bodie is very capable of being a bona fide number two dman. He uses his size to his advantage.  Bode is capable of being all-around dman who is adequate in all aspects. He is capable of carrying the puck from end to end. He is going to be a steady number three and maybe even a number two dman.

Dallas Stars  Barrett Hayton 13

A rugged centerman who is hard-working in all aspects of the game. He is an excellent penalty killer who is very good in his own zone. A brilliant centre who understands the game and gets the job done. He is a future number two centerman.

Philadephia Flyers Joel Farabee 14

A solid left winger who knows his role. Hard worker who is a little undersized, but does not let that stop him. He never gives up on a play and is capable of finishing his chances. The offensive opportunities are due to his hard work. A third line winger with a potential of scoring 2-30 goals a season.

Florida Panthers Ty Smith 15

Fast on his feet, Ty defends surprisingly well. He will help the Panthers in the powerplay. He is a smart passer with quick hands. A very fast skater, he can make up mistakes with his speed. Ty could very well be a powerplay quarterback.

Colorado Avalanche  Ryan Merkley 16

Gifted offensive defenceman with speed to burn. Ryan is brilliant and carries the puck with confidence. He will be a factor in the powerplay because of his hockey IQ. He has good vision and the ability to get the puck to the upcoming forwards in the transition game.  He has a ton of potential.

New Jersey Devils Vitali Kravtsov 17

The Devils are in dire need of a big, rugged winger. Hall was run over too many times. Vitall is a huge winger with some offensive upside. He is a fast winger who can get into the corners and uses his strength to his advantage. It is tough to get the puck off of him.

Columbus Blue Jackets Grigori Denisenko 18

A skillful Russsian with speed, high hockey IQ, Grigori thinks two steps ahead at all times. He needs to grow out a bit and get stronger. An extremely intelligent playmaker.

Philadelphia Flyers Rasmus Kupari 19

Rasmus is solid winger-center. He is a versatile player who skates very well, makes transitional plays by either carrying the puck over the blue line or is a good passer, and who knows how to distribute the puck.

Los Angeles Kings Mattias Samuelsson 20

A big mean, nasty dman who does his job well. He knows his ability and does not do more than he should. He does the little things well, a potentially solid stay-home dman.

San Jose Sharks Jett Woo 21

A fast-skating dman who came out of nowhere. Jett seems to be able to handle more each year. He is capable of playing all aspects of his game. Could be very handy on the powerplay.

Ottawa Senators Isac Lundestrom 22

A hardworking centreman. Very good on faceoffs. A very versatile forward, he can play all three forward positions. He will be used on the powerplay and the penalty killing unit. If the Senators are patient with him, he could be a solid second/third line centreman his entire career. A project a little ways away.

Anaheim Ducks  Serron Noel 23

A giant winger who is uses his size to his advantage. Serron has some offensive help, could develop into a power forward.  Perfect for a Duck.

Minnesota Wild Calen Addison 24

An offensive dman who carries the puck to end to end. An undersized dman who nevertheless plays big. He won't let people Push him around. Generally, a good skater. He may need to develop defensively.

Toronto Maple Leafs Alexander Alexeyev 25

A rugged dman with some nastiness. Exactly what the Maple Leafs ordered. He will be polished dman in years to come. He has some offensive potential. The Leafs would be lucky to have him.

New York Rangers Akil Thomas 26

A small centre who plays bigger than his size. Akil will step up when needed. He has some offensive punch and will help in all aspects of the game. A well-rounded centerman. He will take some time to develop. I am sure the Rangers will be patient with him.

Chicago Blackhawks Ryan McLeod 27

The Blackhawks need a big centerman who can add some size to their forwards. Just like his brother, he can handle himself. It is hard to get him off his feet. He will help the Blackhawks get stronger up the middle.

New York Rangers Rasmus Sandin 28

The Rangers' defence is in need of an all-around defence who can help in the offensive zone coverage. Rasmus can certainly help with that. A smart dman who knows how to transition the puck out of the zone.

St. Louis Blues Martin Kaut 29

A highly-skilled right winger with excellent puck skills. He sees the whole ice; he generally makes good decisions with the puck.  He has a strong show, is capable of finishing, and makes plays you don't think are there.

Montreal Canadiens Damien Giroux 30

Damien will put the puck in when called upon. A solid third line right winger with some scoring punch.

Detroit Red Wings Ty Dellandrea 31

Ty is a spark plug who shifts the momentum. He generally lifts his team with hard work. Has a ton of offensive skill.