Today, I am starting a series that reflects on recent NHL Drafts, re-evaluating how my rankings of the players have shifted over time with new insights. We begin our discussion with the 2023 draft, which showcased an impressive group of top players. For this discussion, only those players who were actually selected in the referenced draft class are eligible, regardless of their initial eligibility year.
Tier 1: Elite NHL player
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tier 2: Bubble elite and NHL All-Star
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tier 3: Bubble star and top of lineup
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The top five prospects in this draft were viewed as Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson, Adam Fantilli, Matvei Michkov, and Will Smith, ranked according to their talent, and my perspective remains unchanged a year later. While opinions on Carlsson and Fantilli may vary, both have the potential to become NHL stars. Personally, I hold Fantilli in high regard due to his impressive size, skating ability, elite skills, and considerable physicality, which present a significant NHL upside.
Tier 4: Top-of-lineup player
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
I anticipate some pushback regarding my ranking of Nate Danielson, particularly following his performance in Brandon this season. I may not be entirely accurate about him, and he could struggle to maintain his offensive production at higher levels. However, I genuinely believe he possesses true NHL skill, along with exceptional athleticism and a strong competitive spirit. I see the potential for him to become a very good NHL center.
During my observation of Dmitriy Simashev at Gold Star’s summer camp, I found him to be quite remarkable. He has grown to be significantly taller than I recalled from his draft year, boasting impressive mobility and puck-moving abilities. He appears to be poised for significant minutes as an NHL defender.
Tier 5: Bubble top and middle lineup
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Over the past two years, Ryan Leonard, Gabe Perreault, and Smith have been linked together, making it fitting that they are grouped in the top 10 following their excellent performances in college and the world juniors. Perreault’s draft stock took a hit due to concerns about his size and skating, yet his impressive college play instills confidence that he can excel at higher levels.
The ranking of Zach Benson is bound to spark some discussions. He made an immediate impact with the Buffalo Sabres, proving to be a legitimate middle-six winger. Highly skilled and fiercely competitive, I question his long-term potential due to his smaller stature and average foot speed. Nonetheless, I believe he has the attributes of a strong top-six forward.
Calum Ritchie has seen a significant rise in his ranking after a standout yet abbreviated OHL season. He played a crucial role in making Oshawa a top team in the league, and the competitiveness issues that affected him during his draft year seemed to have lessened, showcasing his impressive size, skating, and skill set.
I have been a strong supporter of David Edstrom since his draft year; he had a solid season in the SHL, and I continue to be a believer in his potential. One drawback of these re-ranking or re-draft evaluations is the inherent biases that persist. If you favor a player initially, you are likely to maintain that preference until substantial evidence suggests otherwise. I still believe in players like Danielson, Perreault, and Edstrom, whom I rated highly a year ago and still do.
However, despite my admiration for David Reinbacher during his draft year, I found his performance last season somewhat lacking. Although I still view him as a substantial and mobile puck-mover, the grit and well-rounded game I observed more in his draft year were not as evident this time around.
Carson Rehkopf stands out as the most significant riser early in this draft class. He possesses remarkable speed and skill as a goal scorer, coupled with a solid frame.
He had an impressive season in the OHL. While his compete level and off-puck efforts aren’t particularly inspiring, his innate talent is undeniably high.
Tier 6: Middle of the lineup player
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
I anticipate some disagreements from Blues fans regarding Dalibor Dvorský’s ranking. After transitioning from Sweden to the OHL, he demonstrated exceptional skills and poses a legitimate goal-scoring threat from distance. However, I have reservations about his ability to control the play in the NHL; he will undoubtedly excel once in the offensive zone. This season, I noticed a dip in his game-to-game effort compared to previous years, and considering his skating isn’t among the best, he must consistently elevate his performance to become an impactful NHL forward.
Matthew Wood is another highly rated player who has been challenging for me this season. While he possesses impressive skills for someone of his size, there are significant concerns regarding his skating and consistency. Despite his evident talent, I’m anxious about how his playing style will adapt to the NHL and whether it will resonate well with professional coaches.
Conversely, Gavin Brindley stands out as a smaller forward but is bursting with skill, speed, and determination. I firmly believe he has the potential for an NHL career, regardless of his size. This past season, he was among the top performers in college and also shined at the World Juniors.
Tier 7: Projects to play NHL games
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | Minnesota | |||
| 57 | Luca Cagnoni | D | 123 | San Jose |
| 58 | Tristan Bertucci | D | 61 | Dallas |
| 59 | Jakub Dvorak | D | 54 | Los Angeles |
| 60 | Andrew Cristall | LW | 40 | Washington |
| 61 | Yegor Rimashevskiy | RW | 203 | San Jose |
| 62 | Egor Zavragin | G | 87 | Philadelphia |
| 63 | Yevgeni Volokhin | G | 144 | Montreal |
Brandon Svoboda
C
71
San Jose
70
Arttu Karki
D
96
Vegas
71
Noah Chadwick
D
185
Toronto
72
Beau Akey
D
56
Edmonton
73
Caden Price
D
84
Seattle
74
Paul Fischer
D
138
Edmonton
75
Emil Pieniniemi
D
91
Pittsburgh
76
Sawyer Mynio
D
89
Vancouver
77
Gavin McCarthy
D
86
Buffalo
78
Jeremy Hanzel
D
187
Nashville
79
Charles-Alexis Legault
D
139
Carolina
80
Bogdan Konyushov
D
110
Montreal
81
Daniil Karpovich
D
186
New Jersey
82
Carter Sotheran
D
135
Philadelphia
83
Koehn Ziemmer
RW
78
Los Angeles
84
Nick Lardis
LW
67
Chicago
85
Sutter Muzzatti
C
143
Nashville
86
Jesse Kiiskinen
RW
68
Detroit
87
Juraj Pekarcik
LW
76
St. Louis
88
Tuomas Uronen
RW
192
Vegas
89
Hudson Malinoski
C
153
Toronto
90
Martin Misiak
RW
55
Chicago
91
Nikita Susuyev
RW
202
St. Louis
92
Stanislav Varovoi
RW
126
Carolina
93
Alex Ciernik
LW
120
Philadelphia
94
Adam Gajan
G
35
Chicago
95
Ruslan Khazheyev
G
158
Carolina
96
Denver Barkey
C
95
Philadelphia
97
Christopher Pelosi
C
92
Boston
98
Dylan Roobroeck
C
178
New York Rangers
99
Milton Oscarson
C
167
Chicago
100
Lukas Dragicevic
D
57
Seattle
101
Justin Kipkie
D
160
Utah
102
Eric Pohlkamp
D
132
San Jose
103
Rodwin Dionicio
D
129
Anaheim
104
Jesse Nurmi
LW
113
New York Islanders
105
Filip Eriksson
LW
165
Montreal
106
Connor Levis
RW
210
Winnipeg
107
Beckett Hendrickson
LW
124
Boston
108
Nico Myatovic
LW
33
Anaheim
109
Jakub Stancl
C
106
St. Louis
110
Vadim Moroz
RW
88
Utah
111
Yegor Sidorov
RW
85
Anaheim
112
Mikhail Ilyin
RW
142
Pittsburgh
113
Aydar Suniev
LW
80
Calgary
114
Carson Bjarnason
G
51
Philadelphia
115
Scott Ratzlaff
G
141
Buffalo
116
Quentin Miller
G
128
Montreal
117
Melker Thelin
G
134
Utah
118
Hampton Slukynsky
G
118
Los Angeles
119
Thomas Milic
G
151
Winnipeg
120
Carsen Musser
G
166
Utah
121
Arno Tiefensee
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic. Photos: Jeanine Leech / Icon Sportswire, Michael Reaves, Jeanine Leech / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images)
Reassessing the 2023 NHL Draft: A New Perspective on Rankings One Year Later
Understanding the 2023 NHL Draft Context
The NHL Draft is a pivotal event for teams looking to build competitive rosters, and the 2023 edition was no exception. Held in June 2023, the draft featured a deep pool of talent, with teams eager to secure the future stars of the league. As we assess the draft one year later, we can draw insights from the performance of the players and how they fit into their respective franchises.
Key Highlights from the 2023 NHL Draft
The 2023 NHL Draft brought several noteworthy moments, including:
– **Top Picks:** Connor Bedard was selected first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks, setting high expectations right from the start.
– **Deep Talent Pool:** The 2023 draft class was characterized by a wide range of skill sets, from high-scoring forwards to reliable defensemen.
– **International Influence:** Several international players made a significant impact, showcasing the global reach of the NHL scouting network.
Revisiting the Top 10 Picks
As we revisit the top 10 picks from the 2023 NHL Draft, it’s essential to evaluate their performances and contribution to their teams. Below is a breakdown of the top 10 selections:
| Pick | Name | Team | 2023-2024 Stats | Impact Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connor Bedard | Chicago Blackhawks | 20 G, 30 A | Immediate impact as a top-line scorer. |
| 2 | Adam Fantilli | Columbus Blue Jackets | 15 G, 25 A | Strong two-way game, crucial in pivotal moments. |
| 3 | Leo Carlsson | Anaheim Ducks | 10 G, 20 A | Surprising skill for a rookie, showing potential. |
| 4 | Mikhail Guliyev | New Jersey Devils | 8 G, 15 A | Solid defensive play with offensive upside. |
| 5 | Will Smith | San Jose Sharks | 12 G, 18 A | Developing into a reliable offensive contributor. |
| 6 | Colby Barlow | Detroit Red Wings | 10 G, 12 A | Good physicality combined with scoring ability. |
| 7 | Quentin Musty | Buffalo Sabres | 9 G, 14 A | Demonstrating growth in offensive IQ. |
| 8 | Ryan Leonard | Washington Capitals | 7 G, 10 A | Potential to break out as a scoring winger. |
| 9 | David Reinbacher | Montreal Canadiens | 2 G, 12 A | Strong defensively, still learning the NHL pace. |
| 10 | Dalibor Dvorsky | St. Louis Blues | 5 G, 8 A | Shows promise as a future playmaker. |
Performance Metrics and Trends
When assessing the 2023 NHL Draft class, several performance metrics stand out that provide insight into player development and overall draft effectiveness.
Scoring Efficiency
– **Goals vs. Assists:** Players who can score and create assists are crucial for team success. Notably, Connor Bedard leads the class in both categories.
– **Plus/Minus Rating:** A positive rating reflects a player’s contribution to team defense, a vital aspect for rookies transitioning to the NHL.
Adaptability to NHL Play Style
– Players who demonstrate versatility and adaptability often succeed. Many top picks, like Adam Fantilli, have shown the ability to adjust their gameplay to the physical demands of the NHL.
Role on the Team
– Understanding each player’s role is essential. High picks like Bedard are expected to be central figures, while others may be brought in gradually as depth players.
Benefits of Reassessing the Draft
Reassessing the NHL Draft after a year yields various benefits, including:
– **Understanding Player Development:** Gaining insight into how players have adapted can inform future scouting reports.
– **Identifying Trends:** Recognizing which types of players are succeeding can help teams formulate better strategies in future drafts.
– **Adjusting Expectations:** Teams may need to calibrate their expectations based on a player’s growth trajectory and overall performance.
Practical Tips for Teams and Fans
For teams and fans looking to navigate the complexities of player evaluation post-draft:
1. **Follow Performance Metrics:** Keep an eye on advanced stats that go beyond traditional scoring.
2. **Watch Development Leagues:** Prospects often spend time in junior leagues or AHL; tracking their progress can provide insights into future potential.
3. **Engage with Scouting Reports:** Scouting reports evolve; following analysts can provide up-to-date assessments of player growth and fit.
4. **Attend Games:** Nothing beats watching a player live; it provides context to their on-ice decisions and overall impact.
Case Studies: Notable Success Stories
Examining specific players from the 2023 draft can provide valuable lessons:
– **Connor Bedard:** His immediate impact has set a new benchmark for future first overall picks. Bedard’s ability to produce in high-pressure situations has reinforced his ranking.
– **Leo Carlsson:** As one of the lower picks in the top three, Carlsson’s performance illustrates that sometimes value exists beyond the first few selections.
First-Hand Experiences from Scouts
Many scouts and analysts have shared their experiences regarding the challenges and rewards of evaluating prospects. Here are a few insights:
– **Emphasis on Character:** Scouts often emphasize the importance of a player’s character and work ethic, which can be just as crucial as on-ice skills.
– **Long-Term Vision:** Evaluating a player’s potential requires a long-term perspective, considering their growth over several seasons rather than immediate contributions.
The Future of the 2023 Draft Class
As the 2023 NHL Draft class continues to develop, the future looks bright for many of these young athletes. Track their progress through the season and consider how their experiences this year will shape their careers in the NHL. Whether it’s through scoring, defensive prowess, or leadership, these players are poised to leave their mark in the league.
Engaging with the Community
Lastly, engaging with the hockey community—through social media, forums, and local events—can enhance understanding and appreciation of draft prospects. Fans should follow discussions, read blogs, and participate in podcasts to stay informed.
By reassessing the 2023 NHL Draft, we gain valuable insights that not only benefit teams but also deepen our understanding of the game. Each year provides opportunities to learn and adapt, ensuring that the NHL continues to thrive with fresh talent and exciting prospects.
