Revisiting the 2023 NHL Draft: A Year Later
As we dive into the world of hockey, the NHL Draft stands as a pivotal moment for teams and players alike. It’s a time filled with hope, potential, and the promise of future stars. Today, I kick off a series that will reflect on recent NHL Drafts, starting with the 2023 class. This retrospective will examine how my rankings of the drafted players have evolved over the past year, informed by their performances and developments since being selected.
The Elite Tier: Future Superstars
Tier 1: Elite NHL Player
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Connor Bedard (C, Chicago, 1st Overall)
The consensus top pick in the 2023 Draft, Connor Bedard has lived up to the hype. His combination of skill, vision, and scoring ability has made him an immediate impact player in the NHL. Bedard’s ability to change the game with his offensive prowess places him firmly at the top of this list. - Adam Fantilli (C, Columbus, 3rd Overall)
Following closely behind is Adam Fantilli. His size, skating, and elite skill set make him a formidable force on the ice. Fantilli’s physicality and competitive nature give him a high ceiling, and he has quickly established himself as a key player for Columbus.
Tier 2: Bubble Elite and NHL All-Star
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Leo Carlsson (C, Anaheim, 2nd Overall)
Leo Carlsson is a player who has shown flashes of brilliance. His playmaking ability and hockey IQ suggest he could be an NHL All-Star in the making. The debate between Carlsson and Fantilli is ongoing, but both players have immense potential. - Matvei Michkov (RW, Philadelphia, 7th Overall)
Michkov’s skill set is undeniable. Despite being drafted lower than expected, his offensive talent and creativity on the puck make him a player to watch. His development will be crucial for Philadelphia as they look to build a competitive roster.
The Rising Stars: Promising Contributors
Tier 3: Bubble Star and Top of Lineup
- Will Smith (C, San Jose, 4th Overall)
Will Smith has quickly become a standout player, showcasing his offensive capabilities in college and international play. His vision and playmaking skills make him a valuable asset for San Jose as they look to rebuild.
Solid Contributors: Building Blocks for the Future
Tier 4: Top-of-Lineup Player
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Nate Danielson (C, Detroit, 9th Overall)
Nate Danielson has drawn mixed reviews, but his athleticism and compete level suggest he has the potential to be a solid NHL center. His performance in the OHL has shown promise, and he remains a player to keep an eye on. - Dmitriy Simashev (D, Utah, 6th Overall)
Simashev’s impressive size and mobility make him an intriguing prospect. His ability to move the puck and play significant minutes could make him a cornerstone of Utah’s defense.
The Middle Tier: Potential Role Players
Tier 5: Bubble Top and Middle Lineup
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Ryan Leonard (RW, Washington, 8th Overall)
Leonard has proven to be a reliable scorer, and his performance in college has solidified his status as a potential top-six forward in the NHL. -
Gabe Perreault (RW, New York Rangers, 23rd Overall)
Despite concerns about his size and skating, Perreault’s offensive production in college has been impressive. His ability to adapt and excel at higher levels bodes well for his future. -
Daniil But (LW, Utah, 12th Overall)
But has shown flashes of brilliance, and his skill set suggests he could develop into a solid middle-six forward. -
Axel Sandin-Pellikka (D, Detroit, 17th Overall)
Sandin-Pellikka’s offensive upside from the blue line makes him a valuable asset for Detroit as they look to bolster their defense. -
Zach Benson (LW, Buffalo, 13th Overall)
Benson’s competitive nature and skill have made him a promising addition to the Buffalo roster. His ability to contribute in various roles will be key to his success. -
Calum Ritchie (C, Colorado, 27th Overall)
Ritchie’s strong performance in the OHL has elevated his status. His size and skill combination make him a player to watch as he develops. -
David Edstrom (C, San Jose, 32nd Overall)
Edstrom has shown potential in the SHL, and his development will be crucial for San Jose as they look to build a competitive team. -
David Reinbacher (D, Montreal, 5th Overall)
While I was initially high on Reinbacher, his performance this past season has left me wanting more. His mobility and puck-moving skills are still evident, but consistency will be key. -
Oliver Bonk (D, Philadelphia, 22nd Overall)
Bonk’s solid play has made him a reliable option on the blue line, and he could develop into a valuable NHL defender. - Carson Rehkopf (LW, Seattle, 50th Overall)
Rehkopf has emerged as a riser in this draft class, showcasing his scoring ability and size in the OHL.
The Developmental Tier: Future Prospects
Tier 6: Middle of the Lineup Player
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Dalibor Dvorský (C, St. Louis, 10th Overall)
Dvorský has shown skill but needs to improve his consistency and skating to become a reliable NHL player. -
Tom Willander (D, Vancouver, 11th Overall)
Willander’s development will be crucial for Vancouver as they look to solidify their defensive core. -
Gavin Brindley (C, Columbus, 34th Overall)
Brindley’s skill and speed make him a player to watch, and his performance in college has been promising. -
Samuel Honzek (LW, Calgary, 16th Overall)
Honzek has shown potential, but consistency will be key as he transitions to the NHL. -
Brayden Yager (C, Winnipeg, 14th Overall)
Yager’s offensive upside makes him an intriguing prospect, but he will need to refine his game at the next level. -
Oliver Moore (C, Chicago, 19th Overall)
Moore’s skill set suggests he could develop into a solid NHL player, but he will need time to adjust. -
Easton Cowan (RW, Toronto, 28th Overall)
Cowan’s development will be key for Toronto as they look to build a competitive roster. -
Colby Barlow (LW, Winnipeg, 18th Overall)
Barlow’s skill and scoring ability make him a promising addition to Winnipeg’s lineup. -
Anton Wahlberg (LW, Buffalo, 39th Overall)
Wahlberg’s development will be crucial for Buffalo as they look to build a competitive team. -
Matthew Wood (RW, Nashville, 15th Overall)
Wood’s skill is evident, but concerns about his skating and consistency remain. -
Tanner Molendyk (D, Nashville, 24th Overall)
Molendyk’s development will be key for Nashville as they look to solidify their defensive core. -
Quentin Musty (LW, San Jose, 26th Overall)
Musty’s offensive upside makes him an intriguing prospect, but he will need to refine his game. -
Bradly Nadeau (RW, Carolina, 30th Overall)
Nadeau’s skill set suggests he could develop into a solid NHL player, but consistency will be key. -
Roman Kantserov (RW, Chicago, 44th Overall)
Kantserov’s development will be crucial for Chicago as they look to build a competitive roster. - Kasper Halttunen (RW, San Jose, 36th Overall)
Halttunen’s skill set suggests he could develop into a solid NHL player, but he will need time to adjust.
The Future: Projects and Potential
Tier 7: Projects to Play NHL Games
This tier includes players like Oscar Fisker Molgaard, Jonathan Castagna, and Danny Nelson, who have shown promise but will require further development to reach their full potential. Each of these players has the skill set to make it to the NHL, but consistency and growth will be key.
Tier 8: Has a Chance to Play Games
Finally, this tier features players such as Riley Heidt and Gracyn Sawchyn, who are still developing their games. While they may not be immediate impact players, their potential keeps them in the conversation for future NHL opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 NHL Draft class has shown a lot of promise in its first year, with several players already making their mark in the league. As we continue to monitor their development, it will be fascinating to see how these rankings evolve over time. The journey from draft day to becoming a key contributor in the NHL is a long one, filled with challenges and opportunities. The excitement surrounding these young players is just beginning, and the future looks bright for the NHL.