2023 NHL Mock Draft: And Connor Bedard goes to...

The 2023 NHL Draft isn’t until June and the standings are far from finalized, but we will be using league standings as of March 10, 2023 as a loose foundation for this mock draft. We will be looking at the field through the lens of "best player available."

1. Columbus Blue Jackets: Connor Bedard, C (Regina, WHL)

Columbus, meet your first superstar. The Blue Jackets made a huge splash last summer, signing Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine to long-term deals. Despite those flashy moves, they have been downright terrible this season. Bedard wouldn’t immediately fix the entire roster, but Columbus already has one of the more interesting prospect pools in the league.

2. San Jose Sharks: Adam Fantilli, C (Michigan, NCAA)

The Sharks have a mid-pack prospect pool, but one which received a nice shot in the arm with the additions of Shakir Mukhamadullin and Henry Thrun ahead of the trade deadline. Adding Fantilli would give them a true future No. 1 center who, in theory, should be able to step in immediately and get the job done via his unique mix of size, speed and skill. For as bad as San Jose has been, a center group of Tomas Hertl, Logan Couture and Fantilli would be something. Depth at the wings is a bigger issue, but in a pinch, for what it's worth Fantilli has some experience on the wing.

3. Chicago Blackhawks, Leo Carlsson, C (Orebro, SHL)

The Blackhawks are set for one of the most exciting drafts of any team. Landing Carlsson would be an excellent start. Many scouts believe he’s the true No. 2 prospect in the class, due to the way he uses his 6-foot-3 frame to his advantage. He plays with the mobility and speed of a much smaller forward, but comes with an intimidating package. There isn’t a draft-eligible SHLer in the same production hemisphere as Carlsson this year. Indeed, his production is among the best ever seen from an NHL Draft prospect, in what is considered to be one of the deepest leagues in Europe. Carlsson is going to be a stud.

4. Anaheim Ducks: Zach Benson, LW (Winnipeg, WHL)

It’s so easy to love Anaheim’s future, especially given that we can already see it happening via young stars Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish. You generally don’t draft for need this early, but Benson fills a gap with the Ducks lacking much substance on the left side. There’s a chance that Benson will be the only player not named Connor Bedard who breaks the 100-point barrier in the WHL this season. Benson’s going to be very, very good on a team with a solid prospect pool.

5. Arizona Coyotes: Will Smith, C (USNTDP)

One of the most dynamic forwards in the class, Smith is smart on the ice, an excellent playmaker who doesn’t miss on many high-danger scoring opportunities. The Coyotes currently have 22 picks in the first three rounds of the next three drafts. It’s going to be a slow burn up the standings and Smith will spend some time in the NCAA, but a 1-2 punch of Smith and Logan Cooley – mixed in with all the incoming fresh blood from the next few classes – should have this team playing frisky by the time the new arena is ready to go. I will say if any team would take a chance on Matvei Michkov in the top five, though, it’s Arizona.

6. Montreal Canadiens: Andrew Cristall, LW (Kelowna, WHL)

Some scouts are very mixed regarding Cristall, but most believe there’s potential here. He would fit in snug with the Montreal Canadiens. The Kelowna Rockets star has melded nicely with a group that has given him ample opportunities to prosper and he is on pace for a 40-goal season as a result. Another goal-scorer in the stable won’t hurt Montreal, especially one with a high ceiling.

7. Philadelphia Flyers: Dalibor Dvorsky, C (AIK, Allsvenskan)

After annihilating the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament, Dvorsky put himself on the map, showing the world the Slovaks meant business. He outshone guys like Juraj Slafkovsky and Filip Mesar. He nearly outscored Matvei Michkov. A lot of the hype surrounding Dvorsky has cooled off since he hit the pro ranks, but he has been a solid producer in the second best league in Sweden. that’s no small feat. Dvorsky is strong, well-rounded and has the makings of a solid top-six forward.

8. Vancouver Canucks: David Reinbacher, D (Kloten, NL)

Reinbacher has developed from an afterthought into perhaps the defenseman with the most upside in this class. He is so steady, plays a great two-way game and already looks like a veteran against men in the competitive National League in Switzerland. He’s going to eat minutes in the NHL and would give the Canucks a high-impact defensive prospect with pro experience.

9. St. Louis Blues: Eduard Sale, RW (Brno, Czechia)

Sale’s season has had some ups and downs, but the highs have been high enough to tickle the fancies of scouts across the league. After he was benched during the World Juniors, he answered back as one of Czechia’s best players down the stretch. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of extra motivation. Sale is a smart dual-threat offensive attacker who reads the game at high speed and should have no issue adjusting to the NHL.

10. Washington Capitals: Nate Danielson, C (Brandon, WHL)

The more you watch him, the more you like him. His offensive ceiling might not be as high as others in this range of picks, but he is the type of forward who could have a solid 15-plus-year career due to the nuances in his game. He reads developing plays well, works as a strong playmaker, would qualify as a quick wrister and, most importantly, can play just about any role or situation asked of him. His defensive-zone play is excellent. He wins a ton of faceoffs, too, something which should never be underplayed.

11. Detroit Red Wings: Brayden Yager, C (Moose Jaw, WHL)

Yager is a versatile forward who attacks both ends with high intensity. He possesses an incredible release. He might even be the most competent two-way center in this draft class. Yager is reliable offensively, does an excellent job finding his teammates and has the speed to make his own opportunities on the rush.

12. Buffalo Sabres: Colby Barlow, LW (Owen Sound, OHL)

The Sabres boast an impressive young core, so they could stretch a bit here. Barlow is one of the most natural goal-scorers in the class and would fit nicely as one of the Buffalo’s playmaking forwards. He seems to always be in the right position to put puck to net and plays every shift like he has something to prove. Guys like that will find chances, even if the scoring opportunities aren't always there.

13. Montreal Canadiens (via FLA): Matvei Michkov, C (Sochi, KHL)

If it weren’t for his long-term KHL contract, Michkov would be an easy pick for a top-five selection. He is one of the best European prospects to grace the scene in years. But in a deep first round, most teams in the top 10 might not be willing to wait until 2026 for their franchise cornerstone to enter the fray. That’s why Montreal, with two potential early picks, might just say "damn the torpedoes" to make a run at the slick scorer. It was nott long ago that some wondered if Michkov could be a legitimate challenger to Bedard for the No. 1 spot. His recent dominance in the KHL sparked new conversations about his future potential. If the Habs can snag him here, it will be worth the wait.

14. Calgary Flames: Oliver Moore, C (USNTDP)

Moore might be the fastest skater in the draft class, one with the potential to become a real game-changer. Because he is the USNTDP’s second-line center, it can be easy to overlook him while being dazzled by the high-flying top line led by Will Smith. Moore has intriguing upside and some time with the University of Minnesota will be beneficial. He is a great dual-threat offensive forward who generates much of his line’s scoring chances. And again, his speed is his biggest asset.

15. Arizona Coyotes (via OTT): Ryan Leonard, LW (USNTDP)

You focus on the upside with Leonard. He can score and he can score often. He oozes creativity and that shows in his love for the power play. Leonard will be an excellent pro player and has great chemistry with Smith, who, in this mock, will also be landing with the Coyotes. Arizona could use this pick on a defenseman, but the potential of adding a high-scoring winger to the equation is beyond intriguing. Especially if you love a good narrative about junior teammates reuniting at the pro level.

16. Nashville Predators: Axel Sandin Pellikka, D (Skelleftea, SHL)

Sandin Pellikka is a small defender at 5-foot-10, but he moves the puck well and acts as a fourth forward in certain contexts. There is room to grow in his own zone – important for a defenseman – but it's been a joy watching him with Skelleftea and he has a solid future ahead of him.

17. Detroit Red Wings (via NYI and VAN): Riley Heidt, LW (Prince George, WHL)

The 5-foot-11 Heidt is a tremendous playmaker, one on pace for 69 assists and just over 90 points for the Cougars. He was there for a few difficult years in Prince George, but forged in fire he is now leading the charge. Heidt brings much to the table.

18. Winnipeg Jets: Mikhail Gulyayev, D (Omsk, KHL)

It’s sometimes difficult to evaluate Russian prospects, given how few receive significant ice time prior to a given draft. And while that’s especially true for Gulyayev, there’s upside for the mobile power-play point guard. It’s how he moves the puck and pulls himself out of danger that really opens the eyes. Winnipeg has some solid forward prospects in its pool, including Chaz Lucius, Rutger McGroarty and Brad Lambert, but Gulyayev has a chance to become the organization's prize future blueliner if he keeps to the clean developmental path.

19. Pittsburgh Penguins: Samuel Honzek, LW (Vancouver, WHL)

The Penguins have one of the worst prospect pools in the game and Honzek would instantly become one of the system’s best up-and-comers. A late 2004-born forward, Honzek has had an outstanding season with the Giants, albeit one hampered by a leg injury he suffered during the World Junior Championship. That injurty forced him to miss close to two months. Honzek has come back strong with a handful of multi-point efforts. While there’s still some catching up to do post-injury (and just on the whole) he has taken some big steps against quality opponents in the WHL and continues to improve the more he plays.

20. Colorado Avalanche: Matthew Wood, LW (University of Connecticut, NCAA)

At 6-foot-3, Wood’s size – mixed with his excellent output everywhere he has played – makes him one to watch. He has been playing at a point-per-game pace with the University of Connecticut as a freshman, showing off nice hands and an excellent wrist shot release. The Avalanche are still in win-now mode and can afford to wait, not a luxury possessed by every organization.

21. Nashville Predators (via EDM): Cal Ritchie, C (Oshawa, OHL)

Ritchie was once viewed a potential top-10 pick for the coming summer, but that is not the case anymore. Regardless, he remains a versatile two-way center playing at a point-per-game on a team with very few offensive pieces. His defensive game continues to improve and he possesses an excellent feel for the faceoff dot. At 6-foot-2, Richie posses plus speed and size.

22. Seattle Kraken: Ethan Gauthier, RW (Sherbrooke, QMJHL)

Don’t mess with the Gaut. The son of former NHLer Denis Gauthier plays with an intense, energy-filled game that coaches love. He has been able to mesh effectively with just about everyone in the Phoenix’s lineup. His willingness to lay it on the line for his teammates makes him an immediate locker room winner. There’s some good potential six-upside for Seattle.

23. Minnesota Wild: Tanner Molendyk, D (Saskatoon, WHL)

The Wild scored big with Liam Ohgren and Danila Yurov last summer, adding to one of the more talent-rich prospect pools in the NHL. Brock Faber and Carson Lambos are both highly rated blueline prospects and adding Molendyk to the mix would give them an enviable amount of depth. Molendyk is one of the better skaters among defensemen in this class and he might be closer than you think to unlocking his offensive potential.

24. Chicago Blackhawks: Quentin Musty, LW (Sudbury, OHL)

The first pick from the 2021 OHL Draft, Musty is as competitive as competitive gets. And he's very creative, a whizz at scoring from tough angles and ticking passes to linemates under pressure. Musty plays a mature game and he plays within himself. He will be a 40-50-point guy in the NHL.

25. New York Rangers: Gavin Brindley, C (University of Michigan, NCAA)

Some scouts are worried about how Brindley's 5-foot-9 frame will handle the NHL, but the center is willing to rough it up and take opponents out of their headspace. Additional upper-body strength will allow him to add more power behind an already accurate wrist shot. There is enough raw talent here to get excited.

26. Columbus Blue Jackets (via LAK): Otto Stenberg, C (Froluna, Sweden U-20)

Stenberg loves the puck. Sweden’s captain at the 2022 World Junior A Challenge, he has scored at nearly a goal per game rate with his country in U-18 action this year and has been one of the most consistent players on Frolunda’s U-20 team. He has the foundation to be a reliable third-liner in the NHL.

27. St. Louis Blues (via TOR): Dmitri Simashev, D (Yaroslavl, MHL)

Like big, crushing blueliners? Time to meet Simashev, a 6-foot-4 beast who is excellent in his zone while moving with the quickness of a smaller man. His lack of offensive upside knocks him down a few pegs but if he develops into a next-level contributor, his NHL opponents will feel it the next day.

28. San Jose Sharks (via NJD): Lukas Dragicevic, D (Tri-City, WHL)

Dragicevic found a new top gear with Tri-City this year and there’s still plenty of room for improvement in in his game. He scores at a nice clip, loves the power play and has some good size, too, at 6-foot-2. Unfortunately, the defenseman's biggest drawback is actually his work as a defender, but the raw tools are solid and it's possible he could be coached into defensive respectability in time.

29. St. Louis Blues (via DAL): Caden Price, D (Kelowna, WHL)

The Blues snag a two-way mobile blueliner with their second pick adding a little extra depth. Price displays confidence at moving the puck down the ice and scouts love him as a natural puck distributor. There’s a solid future for Price.

30. Carolina Hurricanes: Gabe Perreault, RW (USNTDP)

Carolina has managed to snag some extremely good values out of players most seem to overlook and Perreault might just be the next to fall into their lap. He is about to break the 100-point barrier, something only a handful of U-18 USNTDP players have managed to do. But unlike Auston Matthews, Jack Hughes, Clayton Keller or Cole Caufield before him, Perreault is more of a benefactor than a play driver. With the way the Hurricanes are looking long-term with some quality prospects, this would be a stellar pick for a top-notch franchise.

31. Vegas Golden Knights: Bradly Nadeau, C (Penticton, BCHL)

Does it matter who they select? Vegas has traded almost every first-round pick they’ve ever had and it might as well be a coin toss. Kidding aside, Nadeau is having an excellent season in the BCHL and should immediately step into a scoring role with the University of Maine next season, unless the Knights just do their thing, again.

32. Toronto Maple Leafs (via BOS): Charlie Stramel, C (University of Wisconsin, NCAA)

Stramel is a forward with solid offensive potential and strong small-area skill. While the ceiling isn’t that crazy here, he looks to be an effective third or fourth-line forward who brings physicality and some scoring ability.