(WGR 550) - Nashville, Tennessee has become the hockey hotspot this summer. The city hosted the 2023 NHL Awards on Monday, and is going through a quick turnaround to host the 2023 NHL Draft on Wednesday and Thursday.
The first round of the draft will get under way Wednesday night starting at 8 p.m. ET, while Rounds 2-7 will continue Thursday morning and into the afternoon.
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While every first overall draft pick is highly anticipated a year or two away from their draft year, none have been talked about quite like Connor Bedard. Bedard's hype has had the same magnitude as Connor McDavid or Sidney Crosby in years past. He is the consensus first overall pick, and has been for a few years now.
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There are a few other names that have circled the hockey world for the past year such as Russian prospect Matvei Michkov. Michkov was once seen as Jack Eichel was to McDavid, a fantastic player but not good enough to beat out a generational talent.
The Russian winger is still highly regarded as a top-five draft pick in this class, however, given the current political climate, he has slipped in some rankings.
Aside from these two highly talented players, there are many others that could greatly impact NHL franchises. This draft has the potential to be one of the best first rounds since 2015, a draft that still has NHL stars bursting onto the scene.
Let's dive in to see how Wednesday evening could pan out for all 32 NHL teams:
***For this exercise there will not be any potential mock trades that could happen in the first round.
1.) Chicago Blackhawks
SELECTION: Connor Bedard - Center - Regina Pats (WHL)
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 185 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: July 17, 2005
2022-23 stats: 57 GP, 71 G, 72 A, 143 P, 62 PIM, +39
Bedard is, without any shadow of a doubt, the first overall choice in the 2023 NHL Draft.
The 17-year-old center checks every single box, in terms of what NHL teams need. He is a prolific skater, has fantastic stickhandling skills, an amazing shot and great hockey IQ. He will make an immediate impact at the NHL level next year for the Blackhawks.
Bedard has been turning heads for a few years now since he was granted exceptional status to play in the WHL at the age of 15. He will take the sports world by storm next year on the game's biggest stage.
In terms of accolades, if he was eligible to win it, he probably did. Bedard had an unheard of season with Regina and won many awards in the process, including the CHL Player of the Year, WHL Player of the Year, Most Points in the WHL, Most Assists in the WHL, and Most Goals in the WHL.
On top of the domestic success, Bedard also took the world by storm on the international stage. He won Player of the Tournament at the IIHF World Junior Championship, while helping Team Canada secure gold by recording 23 points (9+14) in just seven games.
While Chicago has quite a ways to go in their upcoming rebuild, they have an amazing head-start with a player like Bedard.
2.) Anaheim Ducks
SELECTION: Adam Fantilli - Center - University of Michigan (NCAA)
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 187 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: Oct. 12, 2004
2022-23 stats: 36 GP, 30 G, 35 A, 65 P, 67 PIM, +31
Fantilli took a different route than some Canadian hockey prospects by playing college hockey with Michigan Wolverines. However, that didn't stop him from showcases his incredible skill. He was able to show dominance that hasn't been seen at the college level since Eichel was playing at Boston University ahead of his draft year.
While it's difficult to say if Fantilli could have overtaken Bedard, there were moments this season that it didn't seem out of the question. While on a dominate Michigan team, he utilized his size and stickhandling skills to carve up defenses all over the NCAA. That helped him earn the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in college hockey as a freshman.
Fantilli also had fantastic international success, winning the gold medal with Team Canada in a great showing at the 2023 World Juniors, as well as the 2023 IIHF World Championship in Finland a few months later.
The Ducks have a great amount of talent waiting in their pipeline. Fantilli will fit right in with their plans, and will bring size and power to an already dynamic group of players.
3.) Columbus Blue Jackets
SELECTION: Will Smith - Center - U.S. National Team Development Program
Height: 6' 0"
Weight: 172 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: United States
Birthday: March 17, 2005
2022-23 stats: 60 GP, 51 G, 76 A, 127 P, 28 PIM, +71 // USHL: 20 GP, 15 G, 27 A, 42 P, 20 PIM, +18
Smith has been an interesting player to follow throughout this draft year, because of how much he's fluctuated in terms of draft position. He never really got above third overall, but he was always inside the top-10 conversation. His point totals certainly helped those arguments.
The U.S. National Team Development Program has produced many great players since its inception, but sometimes it's difficult to tell how real the output is given their competition. With a player like Smith, though, it's easy to tell the numbers match the player.
The 18-year-old has a way of connecting pass-after-pass, dangle-after-dangle, leading to multiple highlight reel goals a night for him or his teammates. He had a great campaign with the USNTDP, and will take his talents to Boston College next season in the NCAA.
Smith played with Team USA at the IIHF U-18 World Championship this year, and helped his team to a gold medal win at the tournament over a stacked Swedish group. Smith shined throughout, posting 20 points (9+11) in just seven games and earned honors as Tournament MVP.
Pairing a player like Johnny Gaudreau with Smith in a few years will be a much-needed boost for the Blue Jackets, and could get them back in a competitive mode quicker than expected.
4.) San Jose Sharks
SELECTION: Matvei Michkov - Right Wing - SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 148 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Russia
Birthday: Dec. 9, 2004
2022-23 stats: 30 GP, 9 G, 11 A, 20 P, 16 PIM, +1
The biggest question of the entire 2023 NHL Draft has been, "Where will Matvei Michkov be drafted?".
It may be fair to say Michkov would be the consensus second overall pick if it wasn't for world politics.
A slow start to the year didn't help Michkov either, in terms of moving up the draft board, but the player he truly is began to show as the season progressed. His offensive abilities are too much to handle, even for the best defenders he's faced. A great shot, quick hands, and smooth decision making skills in the most high pressure situations make him a threat at all times.
The only reason he fell down draft boards is the worry of when he'll come to the NHL. He is signed with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL through the 2025-26 season, so he's out of the equation for, at least, three years, unless he decides to waive the remainder of his contract.
For a team like San Jose, its rebuild may take longer than expected. Between their aging veteran players and young prospects not panning out yet, Michkov would make perfect sense for them to get now and have later when they're more prepared.
That's if he falls this far.
5.) Montreal Canadiens
SELECTION: Leo Carlsson - Center - Örebro HK (SHL)
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 194 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Sweden
Birthday: Dec. 26, 2004
2022-23 stats: 44 GP, 10 G, 15 A, 25 P, 6 PIM, -5
Carlsson is a complete player through-and-through, and has been ranked within the top-five for most of the year. He started to make much more of an impact at the Swedish Hockey League level this season rather than bouncing between there and the J20 Nationell.
The 18-year-old has confidence and maturity at a very young age in this game, and it shows on the ice. He drives play for his Örebro HK squad, and also did it on the first line for Team Sweden at the IIHF World Championship. He has all the tools of an NHL ready player, and shows that every game.
While it might not be as likely Carlsson falls to five, if he does, it's hard to see Montreal passing on him. The other players in Picks 2-5 could all be switched around and still be justified, but sometimes it comes down to what does a team need, not best player available.
Montreal seems to be headed towards the right direction with players like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki progressing along with head coach Martin St. Louis. A player like Carlsson would bring a new level of play to the Canadiens.
6.) Arizona Coyotes
SELECTION: David Reinbacher - Defense - EHC Kloten (NLA)
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 187 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: Austria
Birthday: Oct. 25, 2004
2022-23 stats: 46 GP, 3 G, 19 A, 22 P, 26 PIM, +7
Reinbacher is the first defenseman off the board in a, somewhat, weaker first round for defenseman. This doesn't mean, though, that Reinbacher doesn't deserve to be here.
The 18-year-old played years ahead of his age group, and kept pace, if not dominated his competition from the blue line. Playing in the Swiss league is no easy task, as it is often a landing spot for many former NHLer players that can't make it in the league anymore. He has excellent hockey IQ and defensive ability when in the neutral zone and his own zone, showing the profile of a true defensive-defenseman.
He handled all kinds of competition incredibly well at every level, and will be a welcomed piece on the blue line in the desert for the Coyotes to, hopefully, bring them some much-needed defensive stability.
7.) Philadelphia Flyers
SELECTION: Ryan Leonard - Center - U.S. National Team Development Program
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 181 pounds
Shoots: Right
Nationality: United States
Birthday: Jan. 21, 2005
2022-23 stats: 57 GP, 51 G, 43 A, 94 P, 46 PIM, +77 // USHL: 17 GP, 11 G, 9 A, 20 P. 18 PIM, +20
Leonard is another enticing USNTDP product who is very similar to some of his teammates, in terms of point production, and the ability to control play. He does it, though, with a physicality unlike any other player in the draft.
He is a great offensive producer and showed that by scoring over 100 points between the two leagues he played in. He is also a great defensive-minded player that could be a future winner of the Selke Trophy in his career, if he continues on his current trend.
Newly appointed general manager Daniel Briere would be putting his best foot forward drafting a player like this in his first draft leading the Flyers' front office. A team like Philadelphia has the same identity as Leonard, and could prove to be a great match for years to come.
8.) Washington Capitals
SELECTION: Zach Benson - Right Wing - Wenatchee Ice (WHL)
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 159 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Canada
Birthday: May 12, 2005
2022-23 stats: 60 GP, 36 G, 62 A, 98 P, 49 PIM, +68
Benson is a small, but extremely dynamic player, as exhibited during his dominant 2022-23 season in the WHL. His moves on the ice appear small, but that's what sets him apart from his competitors.
The 18-year-old winger utilizes slight movements to throw his opponents off entirely and go the opposite direction. While he does have the ability to pull off the flashy moves, most of the time he uses more subtle tactics to create offense. He also proved his ability as a finisher, using his speed to get on the end of passes from his teammates and finding the back of the net.
The Capitals have always been an interesting team when it comes to prospects, but as of now, they don't have many. Benson would add a nice bit of flair and pizzazz to their prospect pipeline.
9.) Detroit Red Wings
SELECTION: Dalibor Dvorsky - Center - AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 201 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: Slovakia
Birthday: June 15, 2005
2022-23 stats: 38 GP, 6 G, 8 A, 14 P, 16 PIM, -19
Dvorsky has been an interesting prospect to observe over the year due to his unpredictability. He has been up-and-down draft boards like a yo-yo due to, what seem to be ,inconsistencies in his game.
The Slovak center definitely has all the tools that a top-six NHL forward needs, but the question is, can he develop them for the next level?
Dvorsky has shown a knack for having great all-around ability, a jack of all trades kind of player. The problem is, though, there isn't one ability that jumps off the paper more than the other, at least not at this stage of his career.
Enter Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings. Yzerman has proven time and again he is a project manager, drafting players like Moritz Seider and turning them into high quality NHL products. Dvorsky seems to be the ideal next project for him, and fits Detroit's timetable nicely.
10.) St. Louis Blues
SELECTION: Gabe Perreault - Right Wing - U.S. National Team Development Program
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 165 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: United States
Birthday: May 7, 2005
2022-23 stats: 63 GP, 53 G, 79 A, 132 P, 8 PIM, +79// USHL: 22 GP, 19 G, 26 A, 45 P, 8 PIM, +22
Perreault scored the most points by any USNTDP player ever this season, beating out names like Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes. This stat line alone can't get him higher in the draft rankings, though, because of other deficiencies in his game.
Perreault did earn a large majority of his points and deserves recognition for this amazing feat. He has one of the highest hockey IQ's in this class, and uses that when it comes to making high stakes decisions in game. He pairs this sense of the game with the ability to be in the right place at the right time to bury goals or set up his teammates.
He would be a perfect player to pair with others like Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas, who are dynamic scorers in their own right. A player like Perreault would put St. Louis in the right direction, as they seem to lack one right now.
11.) Vancouver Canucks
SELECTION: Axel Sandin Pellikka - Defense - Skellefteå AIK (J20 Nationell)
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12.) Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa Senators)
SELECTION: Oliver Moore - Center - U.S. National Team Development Program
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13.) Buffalo Sabres
SELECTION: Quentin Musty - Left Wing - Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 190 pounds
Shoots: Left
Nationality: United States
Birthday: July 6, 2005
2022-23 stats: 53 GP, 26 G, 52 A, 78 P, 71 PIM, +16
A Western New York native reunited with his childhood team. Musty would be a bit of a reach for the Sabres at 13th overall in some mock drafts, but the ceiling for a player like him is too high to wait.
Musty has a very big frame for someone in his position. While he may need to add some muscle to totally utilize his physicality, he already shows the potential to be great at winning the tough battles that come at the NHL levels. He has a good sense of the game while he's involved on the forecheck, and uses his size to win back the puck and create high danger chances for his team.
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While his defensive skill has a little room for improvement, he has a great foundation to become a good two-way forward mixed with a power forward.
Aside from being a physical forward, Musty has a very deceptive shot. He has a lethal one-timer that, as of now, only seems to be active on the power play, but it’s evolving into 5-on-5 play as well. Along with that, he fools goalies and defenseman alike when flying down the wing and scoring quick goals from anywhere in the offensive zone.
Not only would a homecoming for Musty be a great story, he would be a fantastic addition for the Sabres as well. Musty has all the tools to become a top-six NHL forward that would bring a different edge to the team.
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14.) Pittsburgh Penguins
SELECTION: Colby Barlow - Left Wing - Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
15.) Nashville Predators
SELECTION: Nate Danielson - Center - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
16.) Calgary Flames
SELECTION: Matthew Wood - Left Wing - University of Connecticut (NCAA)
17.) Detroit Red Wings (from Vancouver Canucks via New York Islanders)
SELECTION: Tom Willander - Defense - Rögle BK (J20 Nationell)
18.) Winnipeg Jets
SELECTION: Brayden Yager - Center - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
19.) Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning)
SELECTION: Dimitri Simashev - Defense - Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia)
20.) Seattle Kraken
SELECTION: Eduard Sale - Right Wing - HC Kometa Brno (Czechia)
21.) Minnesota Wild
SELECTION: Samuel Honzek - Center - Vancouver Giants (WHL)
22.) Philadelphia Flyers (from Los Angeles Kings via Columbus Blue Jackets)
SELECTION: Mikhail Gulayev - Defense - Omsk Jr. (Russia)
23.) New York Rangers
SELECTION: Otto Stenberg - Center - Frölunda HC (J20 Nationell)
24.) Nashville Predators (from Edmonton Oilers)
SELECTION: Calum Ritchie - Center - Oshawa Generals (OHL)
25.) St. Louis Blues (from Toronto Maple Leafs)
SELECTION: Andrew Cristall - Left Wing - Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
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26.) San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey Devils)
SELECTION: Riley Heidt - Center - Prince George Cougars (WHL)
27.) Colorado Avalanche
SELECTION: Gavin Brindley - Right Wing - University of Michigan (NCAA)
28.) Toronto Maple Leafs (from Washington Capitals via Boston Bruins)
SELECTION: Daniil But - Left Wing - Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia)
29.) St. Louis Blues (from New York Rangers via Dallas Stars)
SELECTION: Ethan Gauthier - Right Wing - Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)
30.) Carolina Hurricanes
SELECTION: Oliver Bonk - Defense - London Knights (OHL)
31.) Colorado Avalanche (from Montreal Canadiens via Florida Panthers)
SELECTION: Lukas Dragicevic - Defense - Tri-City Americans (WHL)
32.) Vegas Golden Knights
SELECTION: Gracyn Sawchyn - Center - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Coverage of Round 1 for the 2023 NHL Draft on WGR Sports Radio 550 will get started at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday. I will be hosting with Brayton Wilson, while Paul Hamilton will check in from Nashville periodically throughout the night.
Also be sure to check out Brayton's 2023 NHL Mock Draft available below:
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