Sixth in this draft day history series is the Carolina Hurricanes. A fairly new franchise in terms of drafting history, only drafting for what will be 26 years this draft in June. Never holding the number one pick, let’s see what the Hurricanes have been able to do in those 26 years.
To start off we will go with a Hurricanes legend, Cam Ward. Ward was drafted 25th in the 2002 draft and began to play for the Hurricanes in the 2005-2006 season. Ward burst onto the scene with a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe in his rookie year. This was for sure a sign of things to come as Ward would backstop the Hurricanes for a total of 13 seasons out of his 14 and totaling 318 wins for the club, most by any Hurricanes goalie in franchise history.
The next player is probably one of their most successful players to put on the Canes jersey. Eric Staal was drafted in the 2003 in the first round pick number two and Staal burst onto the scene in his second season scoring 45 goals and 55 assists for a 100 point season at only 21. Staal would play the first 12 years in Carolina between 2003-2016 before being traded at the deadline in the 2015-2016 season to the Rangers. Scoring 775 points during his tenure with the Hurricanes, Staal will go down as one of the best Hurricanes in their history when he’s all said and done.
Third on this list is someone who has the potential, if they are here long enough, to be the best drafted Hurricane and that is Sebastian Aho. Aho was selected in the second round pick 35 in 2015. So far in his young career he has been electric and has brought that top forward back to Carolina since Eric Staal in his prime. So far Aho has over 450 points in a little more than 500 games played in his career, with four 30 goal campaigns already, Aho looks poised to be the best Hurricane when he hangs up his skates.
Now on to players who could have fared better for the Hurricanes during their respective tenures. First up would be third overall selection in the 2005 draft, Jack Johnson. Johnson never played one game for the Hurricanes before being traded away to the Los Angeles Kings in 2006 for not much of a spectacular return. In 2005 Johnson was third, but there were future hall of fame names selected shortly after him starting at number five with Carey Price, then at number 11 with Anze Kopitar and at 21 with Tuukka Rask. With many more viable options that had nice careers Johnson will definitely go down as a bust of a pick for the Hurricanes.
Next up is former fourth overall pick Andrew Ladd. Ladd was selected in the 2004 draft and played three years for the club before being traded to the Blackhawks. The Hurricanes had a solid return for Ladd in Tuomo Ruutu, but Ladd never played at a fourth overall selection level, in 137 games Ladd scored 50 points. It was more beneficial for Ladd then it was for the Hurricanes, winning a Stanley Cup and then being traded to a team that will also win a Stanley Cup in his short time with them.
Third and final choice is former seventh overall pick Haydn Fleury. The defensemen was drafted in 2014 and just never got it clicking in his career. Fleury played 167 games for the Hurricanes and scored 24 points. He struggled to gain footing in the league and was traded away to the Ducks part way through the 2020-2021. He has continued to bounce around since leaving Carolina and has played on four different teams in the last three seasons.
Currently the Hurricanes are a playoff bound team and are looking like strong contenders so the draft is probably not very high on their list of things to focus on just yet. But when June comes around the Hurricanes hold nine picks in total: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (PHI), 4th, 5th, 5th (VAN), 6th, 6th (CHI), 7th. Right now the Hurricanes are stocked up on forward and with their top prospect being rookie Seth Jarvis, the blue line should be their focus. Given their season, a pick between 27-32 wouldn’t be a surprise so to focus on that area and their need for defence they should keep close eyes on the following three defence, Theo Lindstein, Oliver Bonk, and Lukas Dragicevic. All three will add a steady mix of offence and defence which will benefit the Hurricanes greatly for such a low selection.
For more information on the 2023 NHL Draft class be sure to pick up your copy of the comprehensive DraftPro 2023 NHL Draft Guide.
Top 10 Defensive Defensemen in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft
By Isaiah Bouchard
The 2023 NHL entry draft is getting ever closer to hockey fans, and the excitement fans have for who their teams are going to draft this year is ever higher as the regular seasons across the globe are coming to an end, and playoff season is just around the corner. And there is a lot for fans to be excited for this year, as the draft is looking like one of the strongest in years.
Connor Bedard is looking increasingly like a franchise-level player, rivaling the likes of Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Nathan Mackinnon, Austin Matthews, and Connor McDavid. Adam Fantilli would have been a first-overall pick in arguably the last six drafts, Leo Carlsson is the next big center to come out of Sweden, and he is a must-grab in the top 5. And, of course, there is the Russian sniper: Matvei Michkov, who, despite being signed to the KHL until 2026, is so good that any team picking in the top 5 will be more than willing to wait for the Russian star.
But after the big 4 in this year’s draft, who fills out the remaining slots is always an exciting mystery come draft day. Teams must allocate their scouting resources to best support the organization’s roster on draft day. Who needs the top defensemen? Say, over-the-top sniper or goaltender? That is why we at DraftPro are excited to present an in-depth look at every position and who best thrives in that position. Who is the best sniper? The best power forward? offensive defensemen? Hopefully, after this 8-part series, all these questions will be answered.
Seven DraftPro scouts were asked their top 5-7 players for the following positions: sniper, playmaker, two-way forward, power forward, offensive defenseman, defensive defenseman, two-way defenseman, and goaltender. Their lists were recorded separately, and then once all seven scouts handed in their lists, their results were compared to one another. The final lists you read here determined the average each player placed. This is not a ranking of the best players overall, simply a ranking of who is the best for each given position. Players may be placed on multiple lists, as many players are not one-dimensional, and can not be forced into one category.
Thank you to the following scouts for providing their lists: Jared Brown, Matt Hnatiuk, Tyler Karoway, Andrew LeBlanc, Murray Caldwell, Andy Miller, and Jody Horak.
The defensive defenseman, or the shutdown defenseman, has been around in hockey since players wished for their net to not be scored on. Back then, it wasn’t uncommon to see defensemen prioritize size and physicality over speed or any kind of offensive qualities. Their points will be low, rarely cracking 10 assists, and scoring a goal was out of the question. Nowadays, defensemen are expected and allowed to do a lot more on the ice. As a result, the traditional defensive defenseman has become less common in modern hockey. But that doesn’t mean a really good defensive defenseman can’t find any success in the game or favor with their coach. So who plays the best defensive hockey in the draft? Well, there is no better way to answer that question than to list out DraftPro’s Top 10 defensive defensemen.
Because the defensive defenseman is becoming increasingly uncommon, it was difficult to find ten players to put on this list. So, as a result, there are only two honorable mentions to give: Matteo Mann and Theo Lindstein.
Tom Willander, Rögle BK J20, J20 Nationell, #32-42 overall (1st-2nd Round).
“Willander uses his excellent skating and four-way mobility effectively on both sides of the puck. He can lead the rush and act as a fourth forward occasionally off the Ozone cycle. Then he uses his feet to manage the opposing rush and close his gaps quickly when the carrier is along the boards, forcing them into making a challenging play with the puck.” – Jared Brown.
It’s fair to say that Tom Willander operates more as a two-way defenseman rather than a pure defensive defenseman, but that is true for many on this list. As mentioned earlier, pure defensive defensemen are becoming rarer these days. But that doesn’t mean defensemen with defensive qualities are fading in relevance, far from it, and that is precisely why Willander is so intriguing as a prospect. With excellent skating qualities, Willander shows just how much the defensive strategies have shifted in the game. He also has a solid frame to him, so it is likely we will see his defensive game develop even more so as he gains the confidence to throw his body around.
“Hammell’s shutdown positioning and brute strength stop anyone coming into his zone. Strong on his stick and pushes the play to the walls to negate any scoring chances.” – Tyler Karoway.
At 6’2″ and over 180 lbs, Hammel is a flashback to the days of old for defensive defensemen. Playing on a ‘not bad but also not good team’ in Everett also makes his -3 plus/minus not too shabby either. I know plus/minus triggers people, but I can only cite their height and weight so many times. In all seriousness, Hammell is a good option for the later rounds, and many gem defensemen are often found in rounds 3-7.
Brady Cleveland, University of Wisconsin, NCAA, #93-103 overall (2nd-3rd Round).
“Cleveland is a big defender who typically positions himself well and makes good reads. He is an average skater but uses his size and reach to compensate at times. Cleveland can get caught flat-footed and take penalties occasionally, but he is at his best when he has a bit of a mean streak and plays physically.” – Andy Miller.
Playing most of his games in the USDP, Cleveland has over 100 penalty minutes! This may seem like an alarming stat, but it’s not always so clear. One just has to look at the traditional role of the enforcer or antagonizer type of player to see the value they can bring to the team. Getting under players’ skin and rallying your teammates behind you are excellent qualities. Cleveland also finished his year in the USDP with a +18 +/-, which reflects he doesn’t let these penalty minutes get in the way of his defensive game.
Andrew Gibson, Soo Greyhounds, OHL, #81-91 overall (2nd Round).
“Gibson is a big defender who defends well but also has a bit of an offensive side to his game. He makes good breakout passes and has demonstrated some good hands in tight. Gibson does need to be aware of elite level players/skaters on the opposing team so that he does not get caught flat-footed.” – Andy Miller.
Almost over 200 lbs at 18 years old, while also being 6’3″, Gibson has a good chance at being drafted this year on his physical size alone. On top of that, he’s a steadfast defender who can provide some offensive assistance from time to time. He had a great season in the NOJHL in his younger years, winning many awards for his time with the Soo Thunderbirds. Now he’s slowed down slightly in the tougher OHL competition, but not enough for scouts to dismiss him. Not at all, in fact, as he still makes the top 100 in many overall rankings. Gibson could just have a rockier path than most in his journey to the NHL.
Jakub Dvorak, Bili Tygri Liberec, Czechia, #50-60 overall (2nd Round).
“He’s got good mobility and a rangy active stick to confidently defend the rush and keep attackers at bay, away from the middle of the ice. Also possess the big frame to play physical man-on-man and has a strong stick to be harder on picks to win those important puck battles in the Dzone.” – Jared Brown.
Coming in at 6’5″ and 205lbs, I feel like I’m announcing a pro wrestler rather than a 17-year-old hockey player. Dvorak may just be the largest skater in the top 100, maybe even the whole draft, and that is why he is currently sitting in the 2nd round selection at the time of writing this. Dvorak plays interesting for a big player, as he has solid skating behind him, helping get in position and avoid the cliched ‘pylon’ insult thrown towards many big bulky defensemen. Being 17 years old, Dvorak is only going to get bigger, so he will be a very interesting player to see develop for sure.
David Reinbacher, EHC Kloten, National League, #16-27 overall (1st Round).
“Reinbacher’s tight gap control, blend of mobility, strong defensive stick checking, and physicality make him highly effective at shutting down the rush. He can stop the cycle as he knows how to close players off along the perimeter and pin them while a teammate comes in to recoup the puck.” – Jared Brown.
A perfect example of how defensive techniques have changed in hockey, Reinbacher prioritizes speed and mobility to shut down offense in a very effective way. He has excellent motor which helps him utilize these techniques more effectively and also helps him recover faster. Reinbacher’s performance at the World Juniors showcased his playstyle’s effectiveness, as one could see the momentum shift when he stepped onto the ice. He was always willing to throw himself in front of any opponent, no matter how outmatched his team was.
Oliver Bonk, London Knights, OHL, #23-33 overall (1st-2nd Round).
“He always seems to be in the right place at the right time because he has such strong awareness on the ice. He also is very strong defensively and displays excellent gap control when backing into his zone. When defending in his zone, you can expect effective, consistent play with the added bonus of quick puck movement to get the puck out of his end.” – Matt Hnatiuk.
Speaking of momentum shifting, we now look at Oliver Bonk. He plays a very similar style to Reinbacher, but his style is more effective in more situations. He’s excellent at breakout passing and can naturally shift his game to an offense-focus blue liner. Bonk seems to have many advantages to his game, but his excellent defensive awareness and solid passing are two to definitely take home. However, Bonk appears to be more focused on offense, which is a shame because his defensive abilities are pretty high. He would be a very effective shutdown defenseman if he wanted to be. We will have to wait and see how he develops.
Maxim Strbak, Michigan State University, NCAA, #49-59 overall (2nd Round).
“I found Strbak to be a great partner and would work well with Brzustewicz or Bonk as he has some offensive skills but thinks defense first. He gets in the passing and shooting lanes and is comfortable in both ends of the ice.” – Andy Miller.
Playing in the U18 and U20 Sarja leagues before coming to the USHL and now NCAA, Strbak’s success in a variety of situations and leagues is a testament to his skill as an all-around defender. His defensive skill, in particular, transfers best from league to league, as his defensive positioning is one of the best in the draft. As Andy mentioned, he would be a great partner to pair with more offense-focused defensemen, as he can cover for his buddy when the game starts to heat up in the Dzone. This sounds dirty, but it isn’t. This is just how hockey people talk.
Dmitri Simashev, Loko-76 Saroslavl, MHL, #19-29 overall (1st Round).
“Reads and anticipates very well defensively, makes good breakout passes, has a great shot from the offensive blue line, and is not afraid to skate it up when the opportunity presents itself.” – Jody Horak.
Another big player, standing just a little under Dvorak at 6’4″, Simashev is another steadfast, smart defenseman who knows how to play his role well. This type of defenseman isn’t flashy but is a crucial player on your team. Simashev offers that defensive stability while also easing pressure and helping to shift momentum with his breakout passing. Arguably the purest defensive defensemen on this list, it is nice to see someone like Simashev succeed, excel at his game, and get recognition from scouts. He’s a hard player to predict where he will be picked in the draft, as his rankings range from late first round to early third. But no doubt he will be a highly valued asset to his team, and coaches will love his defense-first mindset.
Cam Allen of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
“A stay-at-home defenseman who is positionally sound and strong in front of his own net.” – Jody Horak.
Cameron Allen is an old-school defenseman in many ways. He loves playing physical man-on-man hockey, has excellent shut-down positioning, and can make great passes to make him a bit of a two-way defenseman if needed. But where Allen shines is his tenacity and drive to play. He led Canada to gold in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2022 and was seen actually leading out there on the ice. Fighting for his teammates and standing up for his coach. He’s every coach’s dream defenseman, making him undoubtedly one of the best overall in the draft. While he may fall short in individual skill-based qualities like skating, shooting, puck control, etc. Allen arguably has one of the best mindsets out of all the defensemen in the draft. He’s going to play for his team and play the style of game that he needs to play. So while he may not be the best defenseman overall, Cameron Allen of the Guelph Storm is the best defensive defenseman in the 2023 NHL draft class.
For more information on the 2023 NHL Draft class be sure to pick up your copy of the comprehensive DraftPro 2023 NHL Draft Guide.
Coming in at seventh in this draft day history series is a team that has had some of the, if not the, best drafting success in the 2000s. Drafting quality players and future Hall of Fame players. The Chicago Blackhawks have one of the best track records in the last 20 years when it comes to their drafting and development and it led to three stanley cups in under 10 years. We will take a look at some of those players who made the cut and some that just didn’t quite fit.
To start off the ones that fit right in we will backtrack to the 2007 draft where Chicago won the lottery and moved up from the second to first slot and chose Patrick Kane. Kane was a perennial all star for the Hawks. Not only contributing heavily in team success but also personally. Kane won three Stanley cups with the Hawks and he took home one of the Conn Smythe trophies as playoff MVP during their runs. Kane also won a Calder trophy, Art Ross, Hart and Ted Lindsay trophy during his time in Chicago. Kane was just traded this season to the Rangers ending his tenure with the Hawks, the former number one overall pick ends up with 1161 games, 446 goals and 779 assists for a whopping 1225 points in those 1161 games.
Coming up next is Winnipeg born centre Johnathan Toews, a staunch two way forward and captain of the Hawks who helped guide them to three Stanley cup victories. Toews was drafted in 2006 third overall to the Blackhawks and began playing for them in the 2007-2008 season. Toews has played his entire 15 year career in Chicago and has become an all time great for the team. With almost 900 points in just under 1100 games the two way forward has definitely found himself up in the rafters with the rest of the Chicago elite once he hangs up his skates.
Third was a rough one with two players sticking out as great choices. Both Duncan Keith and Denis Savard were Blackhawk legends but for arguments sake this spot goes to Duncan Keith. Keith was selected in the second round 54th overall in the 2002 draft. Making his NHL debut in the 2005-2006 season Keith would only need four seasons to capture the first of his two Norris trophies. Along with the two Norris trophies Keith was also the backbone on defence for the Hawks during their dynasty run, earning himself a Conn Smythe in the 2014-2015 season. Keith was a fan favourite in Chicago and will definitely see his number in the rafters in Chicago in the not so distant future.
Now we will talk about the picks that did not go so well. To begin we will go back to the 2000 draft, Chicago held the 10th and the 11th picks that year and selected Mikhail Yakubov 10th and Pavel Vorobiev 11th. Both were Russian forwards and their total combined games played with the Chicago Blackhawks were 97, Yakubov played 40 and Vorobiev played 57. Yakubov scored a total of 11 points in his 40 career games with the Hawks and Vorobiev totalled 25 points in his 57 career games with the Hawks. Both players spent a large majority of their careers in Russia so the fact that Chicago had two back to back high picks that both did not pan out hurts even more and lands these two picks on the list of wishing for a Time Machine.
For the third and final player on this list we will have to go back to the 1989 draft when Chicago held the sixth overall pick that year. The Hawks went with defenseman Adam Bennett and in his total of 21 games played for the Blackhawks he scored zero goals and recorded two assists. He ended up playing only one more season in Edmonton where in 48 games he scored three goals and six assists for his total career points of nine. In this draft there were a handful of much better options that were available for the Hawks, Bobby Holik, Adam Foote, Olaf Kolzig, and Patrice Brisebois but opted for Bennett instead and it did not pan out which puts Bennett on this list of missed picks.
Flash forward to 2023 and the Blackhawks are in full blown rebuild and are out of the playoffs and look to end up with a top three pick in this year’s draft. They are in need of a new superstar to rebuild around so being that they will end up with one of the best picks in the draft it would make sense that they would target the following three players, Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli and Leo Carlsson. They should go away from selecting Michkov as he will take too long to come into the league, if at all, and given their rebuild status it would make sense to use this high pick for a player who will be in the lineup within one season. Chicago currently has a lineup of 11 picks in the 2023 draft and many in the first two rounds, 1st, 1st (TB), 2nd, 2nd (OTT), 2nd (NYR), 2nd (TB), 3rd, 3rd (DAL), 4th, 5th, 7th.
For more information on the 2023 NHL Draft class be sure to pick up your copy of the comprehensive DraftPro 2023 NHL Draft Guide.
Next up in this draft day history series, and first Canadian team, is the Calgary Flames. The Calgary Flames had their first draft back in 1980 and have picked up some gems throughout their time. Even though some of their best players in franchise history were not drafted by them, the Flames still have a lot to show for their draft history.
To start off we will go back to the 1981 draft where the Flames were sitting 15th on the board at the draft. This was the first of two franchise defining picks in this draft, where first we saw the Flames select Al MacInnis. MacInnis was an all time great defensemen and went down as such. He played from 1981-1994 for the Flames and captured a Stanley cup with the club and took home the Conn Smythe trophy during that run as well. He had a 103 point season with the Flames and he totalled 803 games and 822 points good for a career points per game with the flames of 1.02.
Moving on from player to goalie we have from the same 1981 draft, and it took until the third round for him to be drafted 56th overall, Mike Vernon. Vernon was the Flames first star goalie, Vernon played in parts of 13 seasons for the Flames between 1982-1994 and again in 2000-2002 and tallied 262 wins for the club and backstopped them to the Stanley cup win back in 1988-1989. The Flames honoured Vernon by retiring his number 30 on February 6th 2007.
Next up is from the 1987 draft where the Flames scored huge in the sixth round pick 166 when they chose Theoren Fleury. Fleury is the archetype for small immensely skilled forwards, he could shoot, pass, skate with speed, and score points. He had two 100 point seasons in a Flames uniform and a 50 goal season to go with that too. Fleury played in parts of 11 seasons with the Flames between 1988-1999, scoring 830 points in 791 games, good for a career ppg with the Flames of 1.05.
Now that we’ve talked about the good of Calgary drafting let’s talk about the bad. First up we will start with Niklas Sundblad, he was drafted 19th in 1991 and played only two games with Calgary before leaving the league with zero career points. This draft has immense talent on the top end of the first round but there were still some longevity players down around the 19th mark and Calgary missed them all on this pick. Seeing what could have been with some more consistent NHLers makes this pick end up on this list.
Coming up next is from the 1997 draft where Calgary held the sixth overall pick and used it to select centre Daniel Tkaczuk. Daniel played only 19 games in his career, all with the flames, finishing with 11 points in those games. Being sixth overall carries with it some high expectations, expectations that Tkaczuk did not come close to meeting. With a player like Marian Hosea coming off the board six picks later at number 12, seeing what he accomplished in his career makes this pick that much harder to swallow.
The final questionable pick for the Flames would come only a year after the 1997 draft in 1998 with again the sixth overall pick. Calgary chose winger Rico Fata, in his 27 games with the Flames Fata scored only one assist and was claimed off waivers from Calgary to the New York Rangers only three years after being drafted sixth overall. Whilst this draft wasn’t one to boast incredible deep talent, there were better options for the Flames at six so this selection ends up on this list.
Currently in 2023 the Flames find themselves just outside the playoffs and if this were to be the case at the end of the season they would likely land at pick 15-16 in the first round. The Flames do not have an incredibly deep prospect pool, with Matt Coronato and Connor Zary being their top two projects. Going into the 2023 draft the Flames have five picks, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 7th. If they were to land at the 15-16 pick mark they could look at drafting a defensemen as their prospect pool is in some serious need of blue liners. At midway through the first round some potential defence they could draft are Swedish defensemen Tom Willander and Canadian defensemen Lukas Dragicevic. Both bring great offensive upside to their team and at midway through the round these would be two great options for the Calgary Flames to choose from.
For more information on the 2023 NHL Draft class be sure to pick up your copy of the comprehensive DraftPro 2023 NHL Draft Guide.
Next in this series is the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo has been drafting since 1970 and has over 50 years of drafting experience, both good and bad. Buffalo as of late has been drafting very well, picking up high quality prospects but of course at the cost of having a competitive team. With that, the future of the Buffalo Sabers is one to be excited about.
Taking a look back at some of Buffalo’s most successful draft selections we will start out going all the way back to their first draft back in 1970 when they held the first overall pick and selected from the Montreal Junior Canadiens, Gilbert Perrault. Perrault was an icon in Buffalo, being their first true superstar Perrault spent his entire 17 year career in a Sabres uniform scoring 1326 points in 1191 games. He was a part of the French Connection line in Buffalo and with his style and speed he put the Buffalo Sabres on the map. He is in the Hockey Hall of Fame and was the first player to have his number retired by the Buffalo Sabres on October 17th 1990.
Another top selection for the Buffalo Sabres was that of goaltender Ryan Miller. The American was selected in the fifth round of the 1999 draft and turned out to be the franchise goalie for the Sabres. Miller played 11 of his 18 seasons for the Sabres, and had 284 wins for the franchise. Miller also captured the Vezina in the 2009-2010 season. Miller goes down as the all time winning goalie in Sabres history and capped off his time there with his jersey retirement on January 19th 2023.
This selection of top choice for best pick in franchise history is tough, since 2000 the Sabres have not picked much in the way of top of the league talent. There was Derek Roy and Thomas Vanek, and in the 80s they had a few very good draft picks in Phil Housely, Dave Andreychuk, and Pierre Turgeon but none of these three players played the majority of their careers in Buffalo or had their best season in Buffalo. But in this scenario I would put Phil Housely in this slot but it can be a very debatable decision. Housely was Buffalo’s best defenseman in their history even though it was only for eight seasons. He was a pillar of consistency, in those eight years he never had less than 15 goals and 62 points. In today’s game that would make him top three in Norris trophy votes every year. Housley is one of the highest scoring defenseman and he started out in Buffalo.
Now that we’ve talked about some successful picks we will now move on to picks that are unsuccessful. Starting it off we will go to the 1992 draft where Buffalo chose David Cooper 11th overall. Cooper never even played one game with the Sabres, only playing in parts of three seasons for their AHL team before going to the Leafs. In total Cooper played 30 NHL games amassing 10 points. Not exactly the way they were hoping this pick would pan out. Even more so because three picks later Sergei Gonchar was selected.
Next up to talk about is coming in from the 1986 draft when Buffalo held the fifth overall pick. They chose to select defenseman Shawn Anderson, Anderson split three seasons between the NHL and AHL with the Sabres totalling 113 games for the club with 32 points in that span. He was not what they had hoped for when selecting him, looking up this draft you will find two well known names drafted after him within four picks. Vincent Damphousse who scored over 1200 points in over 1300 games and at ninth you have Brian Leetch, the Hall of Fame defensemen with over 1000 points, a Calder trophy, two Norris trophies, one Conn Smythe trophy and a Stanley Cup ring to match. Buffalo would definitely go back in time if they had the chance to select Leetch again. For the last pick we’ll talk about we will look at the 2016 draft where Buffalo was eighth up on the podium and chose Alex Nylander. Nylander had a lot of high expectations coming in after his brother looked to be a consistent top six winger for the leafs. Nylander struggled with the Sabres being mainly an AHL player with short stints with the big club. After three failed seasons trying to crack the Sabres roster he was traded away to Chicago where did not fare much better. In total Nylander played in 19 games for the Sabres and scored six points in those games. Three players drafted after Nylander who have had great young careers so far would be Charlie McAvoy drafted 14th, Mikhail Sergachev drafted ninth overall and Jordan Kyrou drafted 35th.
Currently the Sabres roster has now been flooded with top young talent in the likes of Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, Dylan Cozens, and Owen Power with even more young players beginning to play. Currently Buffalo is on the outside of the playoff race and could look to finish with a pick around 12-15 in the first round. Their total number of draft picks stand at eight with, 1st, 2nd, 2nd (PHI), 3rd (LAK), 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th. So looking at their first pick they could have a good chance at choosing players like Swiss defensemen David Reinbacher, Slovakian centre Dalibor Dvorsky, or another Slovakian centre Samuel Honzek.
For more information on the 2023 NHL Draft class be sure to pick up your copy of the comprehensive DraftPro 2023 NHL Draft Guide.
Coming up next in this draft day history series is the Boston Bruins. The bruins have a long-standing history at the podium, drafting all the way back to 1963. With that they have drafted some of the most legendary players, as well as having some pretty upsetting draft choices as well. Let’s take a look at the Boston Bruins’ draft day history.
Taking a look back we will start with one of the best bruins ever drafted and one of the best players in history ever drafted, Ray Bourque. Drafted all the way back in 1979 this former eighth overall pick has a resume better than 98% of the rest. Bourque played 1518 games for the bruins out of his 1612 games total, and to his name he has five Norris trophies, one King Clancy trophy and one Calder trophy. He racked up 1506 points for the bruins while also serving as captain. He is a member of the hall of fame and has his number 77 retired at TD Garden. Bourque is an all-time bruin and their top ever draft pick.
Coming in right behind Bourque is a legendary two way forward from the 2003 draft in Patrice Bergeron. Bergeron was drafted in the second round 45th overall, and has turned out to be one of the greatest two way forwards in league history. Bergeron has currently five Selke trophies as leagues best defensive forward. Bergeron currently holds a career total of just over 1000 points in just under 1300 games. He has a Stanley Cup to his name with the bruins and will most certainly be in the hall of fame and have his number in the rafters right alongside Bourque once his career ends.
The third and final top three pick all time will be from the 2006 draft. Brad Marchand was drafted in the third round 71st overall, and has been a top bruin for almost a decade and a top winger in the NHL for over five seasons. One can definitely make a case for Pastrnak being a top all time pick, and he may very well be down the road, but currently Marchand has a longer career and great stats and given that he was a third round pick, all this combined carries him into the top three over Pastrnak. Not to mention his Stanley cup ring with the Bruins as well.
Now moving on from the best picks, we will discuss some of their worst draft picks in their history. First up, in no particular order, is from the 2015 draft. This draft had an immensely talented pool of prospects and given the fact that the bruins had three top half first round picks and did not choose one consistent top six forward of top four defensemen is shocking. Zachary Senyshyn was their first of three picks at number 15 and was nothing more than a former first round bust. He played a total of 14 games with the Bruins and had a total of three points. Senyshyn is currently in the AHL for Carolina’s farm team. Given that the bruins passed on players like Mathew Barzal, picked 16th in 2015, Kyle Connor, picked 17th in 2015, Thomas Chabot, picked 18th in 2015, and Joel Eriksson Ek, and those are just some of the names they passed on, Senyshyn belongs on this list.
Next is Johnathan Aitken, picked eighth overall in 1996 and didn’t stick around for long. Aitken played three games for the Bruins and scored zero points. He played 41 games in his total NHL career with only one assist for his career total points. Given that in this draft were former Stanley cup winners, 15 plus year career players drafted after him and the very short stint in the NHL, Aitken winds up on this list.
Last player on this list for this article is Gord Kluzak. Kluzak was hampered with knee injuries that cut his career very short. Playing only 299 games and being a tougher defenseman who fights he did not have the career normally expected from a first overall selection. This draft had players like Brian Bellows, Scott Stevens, Phil Housley, and Dave Andreychuk. Given the short career, the Hall of Fame names drafted after him. This puts Kluzak on the list because if there were a redo button for this draft knowing the trajectory of all the players, Kluzak wouldn’t have been number one overall.
As of today the Bruins are the best team in the league by far, it’s not even close. But currently their prospect pool is not very deep. In the last six drafts the Bruins have only had three first round picks, choosing Fabian Lysell, and John Beecher who would be considered their top two prospects. The majority of their top picks in the last six drafts since 2017 have been forwards so it would help greatly for the Bruins to look on the blue line for their first pick.
The Bruins currently only have these picks remaining headed for the 2023 draft: 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 7th (LAK). With this, their opportunity to find top tier talent may be a little harder to accomplish. With keeping defence in mind the Bruins could look to use their first pick in the draft in the third round to choose either Paul Fischer, Brady Cleveland, or Quinton Burns. All defences standing over six feet will help with the toughening up of their back end.
For more information on the 2023 NHL Draft class be sure to pick up your copy of the comprehensive DraftPro 2023 NHL Draft Guide.
Top 10 Two-Way Forwards in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
By Isaiah Bouchard
The 2023 NHL entry draft is getting ever closer to hockey fans, and the excitement fans have for who their teams are going to draft this year is ever higher as the regular seasons across the globe are coming to an end, and playoff season is just around the corner. And there is a lot for fans to be excited for this year, as the draft is looking like one of the strongest in years.
Connor Bedard is looking increasingly like a franchise-level player, rivaling the likes of Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Nathan Mackinnon, Austin Matthews, and Connor McDavid. Adam Fantilli would have been a first-overall pick in arguably the last six drafts, Leo Carlsson is the next big center to come out of Sweden, and he is a must-grab in the top 5. And, of course, there is the Russian sniper: Matvei Michkov, who, despite being signed to the KHL until 2026, is so good that any team picking in the top 5 will be more than willing to wait for the Russian star.
But after the big 4 in this year’s draft, who fills out the remaining slots is always an exciting mystery come draft day. Teams must allocate their scouting resources to best support the organization’s roster on draft day. Who needs the top defensemen? Say, over-the-top sniper or goaltender? That is why we at DraftPro are excited to present an in-depth look at every position and who best thrives in that position. Who is the best sniper? The best power forward? offensive defensemen? Hopefully, after this 8-part series, all these questions will be answered.
Seven DraftPro scouts were asked their top 5-7 players for the following positions: sniper, playmaker, two-way forward, power forward, offensive defenseman, defensive defenseman, two-way defenseman, and goaltender. Their lists were recorded separately, and then once all seven scouts handed in their lists, their results were compared to one another. The final lists you read here determined the average each player placed. This is not a ranking of the best players overall, simply a ranking of who is the best for each given position. Players may be placed on multiple lists, as many players are not one-dimensional, and can not be forced into one category.
Thank you to the following scouts for providing their lists: Jared Brown, Matt Hnatiuk, Tyler Karoway, Andrew LeBlanc, Murray Caldwell, Andy Miller, and Jody Horak.
Two-way forwards are arguably one of the most crucial pieces to any hockey team, on the NHL level or lower. As the name suggests, two-way forwards excel at playing at both ends of the ice. Their ‘jack of all trades’ play style means they aren’t usually king at anything in particular. They can’t shut down offense like the best defensemen, and they can’t rack up points like the best playmaker, but their utility in a multitude of situations makes them a key role when out there on the ice. That is why having an excellent two-way forward is like having an advantage unlike no other. A strong two-way forward often, not always, but often plays center, utilizes incredible stick checking, vision, and is capable of seeing both offensive and defensive plays develop around the ice.
So here are DraftPro’s Top 10 two-way forwards in the 2023 NHL Draft Class:
First, our honorable mentions: Riley Heidt, Carson Rehkopf, Colby Barlow, Koehn Ziemmer, Alex Wiermier, Kalan Lind, Noah Dower-Nilsson, Aydar Suniev, Bradley Nadeau, Nico Myatovic, Danny Nelson, Calum Ritchie, and Gavin Brindley.
Connor Bedard, Regina Pats, WHL, #1 overall (1st Round).
“Bedard is an incredibly smart player on the ice. We all know about his sniper shot and unreal offensive production, but his defensive game is slightly underrated. His anticipation of where the puck is going coupled with his sheer strength and stick work make him one of the greatest prospects we’ve ever seen.” – Tyler Karoway.
Yes, you can be more than one thing. And you can be more than two, three, four, or five things concerning Connor Bedard. The tools Bedard has in his sniper and playmaking game, such as his excellent hockey IQ and vision, can be applied well to his defensive game as well. This makes him efficient at both ends of the ice. But this isn’t a ‘the best defense is an overwhelming offense’ type of player. Bedard is a genuine defensive threat playing center, and his ability to pickpocket will give him even more ways to snuff out opposing offense in the future.
Adam Fantilli, University of Michigan, NCAA, #2 overall (1st Round).
“Fantilli is one of those forwards that can do it all. He has great velocity on his shot, he will bury you into the boards, and with his improving speed, he is always going to find a way to beat his opposition.” – Tyler Karoway.
Fantilli is similar to Bedard in that his tools to score goals and make plays can also be applied to his defensive game. He’s a larger-than-average player, standing at 6’2″, making him already built like a defenseman. He’s also excellent at utilizing every ounce of his height and weight advantage. Mainly in his great board play. Coupled with his incredible speed for such a larger player and you got one of the best recovery forwards in the draft. Being able to knock guys off pucks with relative ease and help shift the momentum back for his team makes him an underrated defensive player.
“Dvorský is a fantastic play reader and has excellent anticipation on the defensive side of the puck. He doesn’t cheat for offense and regularly is putting himself in good defensive positions to assist his defensemen.” – Jared Brown.
As Jared mentioned, Dvorský is a player who utilizes his excellent patience and very level-headed style of play. He’s not known to make many big mistakes, which is a great quality for a two-way guy. As Brown said, he consistently positions himself to assist his defensemen. This makes him more effective in the common plays players will find themselves in. While Fantilli and Bedard are more capable of making the big saves and highlight spots, Dvorský will often remain the unsung hero as he grinds his way through every shift, never really missing a beat. Sometimes the greatest defensive players are not the flashiest.
“Has high hockey IQ, hustles all over the ice, and plays just as hard in the defensive zone as he does in the offensive zone.” – Jody Horak.
Benson is capable of taking complete control of a game when he is firing on all cylinders. His overwhelming speed and tenacity make him hard to stop when he gets going. This makes him an effective player in the defensive zone, as he is not one to let the opposing players cycle the puck for long. He’s not a wild bull, however, as he has built up an excellent reputation for his IQ when out on the ice. Making high effort plays to snuff out opposing offense but has the wherewithal not to leave his goalies and defenders hanging while doing so.
Oliver Moore, University of Minnesota, NCAA, #8-#12 overall (1st Round).
“Moore is one of the most demanding working prospects in the 2023 class. Demanding in the sense that he’s always busting his butt to get the puck back when his team doesn’t have the puck. He plays that complete 200ft game that every coach wants their center to play and is a player that can play in all situations for his club.” – Jared Brown.
Moore is sort of the quintessential two-way forward and arguably the first pure two-guy on this list. He has high utility, high work effort and can apply these skills on both ends. This is obviously an excellent quality to have in a prospect, and many players who have this ability to perform effective and consistent two-way efforts are usually guaranteed a future NHL spot in one way or another. Because of this, Moore is seen as a sort of safe pick early on and has been growing in interest as the seasons are ending. That, coupled with his underrated offensive prowess, means Moore could be walking up to the stage a little earlier than many scouts anticipated at the beginning of the year.
Otto Stenberg, Frölunda HC, SHL, #18-22 overall (1st Round).
“Stenberg is a player with great offensive upside, and he uses his skating to cover and, at times, gets really low to support his defense on the breakout. He is a 200-foot player who puts in a consistent effort.” – Andy Miller.
Stenberg is a player that seems to be up in the air as to where he will land in the draft order come July. He’s got many upsides but no real hook that makes him stand out compared to his fellow Swedes, speedy forwards, or two-way forwards. But despite this, Stenberg just doesn’t seem to have many downsides. Like Moore, he is a safe pick, and like Benson, he has an excellent combination of skating and high-effort play styles. The only difference is that Stenberg seems to hone his abilities in the two-way department more so than Benson or Moore. His skating should be praised even more in a sense, as he has some of the best agility in the draft class. This makes him excellent at utilizing his 200-foot game that Andy mentioned.
“Plays with poise, intensity, grit, focus & excellent compete in all three zones.” – Murray Caldwell.
Now we’re getting into the players that our scouts just had to mention. Yager’s name came up a few times when discussing the best two-way forwards in the draft. And likely, his name was mentioned due to Murray’s words: “Poise, intensity, grit, and focus.” Yager is also a smooth and controlling player when on the ice. He has a lot of control and doesn’t make many mistakes. This confidence at all ends and his incredible shot made Yager a favorite to be a potential Top 5 pick. While those aspirations have fallen slightly, Yager is still undoubtedly an excellent prospect, and his two-way game has much to do with that.
Leo Carlsson, Örebro HK, SHL, #3-5 overall (1st Round).
“A young player who has become well known for his two-way, power forward plays in Sweden. His smooth skating allows him to move quickly and cleanly in all areas of the ice. He is able to defend his zone and is a threat to put up points or make a great play in the offensive zone.” – Matt Hnatiuk.
It was a close call between Leo Carlsson and Brayden Yager for the #3 spot. But in the end, Carlsson has just proven to be a bit more dedicated to his defensive game than Yager. Regarding #3 spots, Carlsson practically guaranteed a Top 5 position in July. Not only Top 5, but Carlsson is rumored even to go higher than Michkov. And one can’t help but think that Carlsson’s excellent two-way play is the cause for that, as it makes him excel in more situations. Carlsson is big and can play at both ends. What more do you want in a player?
“Supportive at both ends of the ice, moves the puck effectively from the defensive zone to the offensive zone.” – Jody Horak.
If you’re looking for the purest of two-way forwards, look no further than Nate Danielson. This guy drops anchor as a centerman like no other player in this draft. He falls into a defensive position so naturally and utilizes all the skills of a defenseman to protect the net and drive offense back into his team’s possession. Danielson is a unique player in this draft as he is heavily team-oriented. All players are, to some extent, but Danielson’s entire playstyle depends on the players around him working together. This doesn’t necessarily make Danielson a star compared to some other players, but his ability to play the level-headed style of game he does, and rack up the points that he has, makes him an undeniably crucial player to have on your team.
Will Smith, Boston College, NCAA, #4-6 overall (1st Round).
“Smith gets the most out of whoever he is playing with. Reliable defensive game and a great motor.” – Andrew LeBlanc.
Will Smith and Nate Danielson were neck and neck for this position. But while they both play defensive games and Danielson’s dedication to the defensive end is admirable, Will Smith is just too good on the offensive end. And they are called two-way forwards for a reason. If you have already read our TOP 10 Playmakers list, then you know just how good Will Smith is on the offensive end. No other player in this draft is as obviously dedicated to both ends of the ice as Will Smith, other than maybe Danielson, but again, his offensive prowess places him a little higher than Danielson. Find him on our TOP 10 Playmakers list to see just how good Will Smith is on the offensive end. But he is certainly #1 at something, and that is being the best two-way forward in the 2023 NHL draft class.
For more information on the 2023 NHL Draft class be sure to pick up your copy of the comprehensive DraftPro 2023 NHL Draft Guide.
The 2023 NHL entry draft is getting ever closer to hockey fans, and the excitement fans have for who their teams are going to draft this year is ever higher as the regular seasons across the globe are coming to an end, and playoff season is just around the corner. And there is a lot for fans to be excited for this year, as the draft is looking like one of the strongest in years.
Connor Bedard is looking increasingly like a franchise-level player, rivaling the likes of Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Nathan Mackinnon, Austin Matthews, and Connor McDavid. Adam Fantilli would have been a first-overall pick in arguably the last six drafts, Leo Carlsson is the next big center to come out of Sweden, and he is a must-grab in the top 5. And, of course, there is the Russian sniper: Matvei Michkov, who, despite being signed to the KHL until 2026, is so good that any team picking in the top 5 will be more than willing to wait for the Russian star.
But after the big 4 in this year’s draft, who fills out the remaining slots is always an exciting mystery come draft day. Teams must allocate their scouting resources to best support the organization’s roster on draft day. Who needs the top defensemen? Say, over-the-top sniper or goaltender? That is why we at DraftPro are excited to present an in-depth look at every position and who best thrives in that position. Who is the best sniper? The best power forward? offensive defensemen? Hopefully, after this 8-part series, all these questions will be answered.
Seven DraftPro scouts were asked their top 5-7 players for the following positions: sniper, playmaker, two-way forward, power forward, offensive defenseman, defensive defenseman, two-way defenseman, and goaltender. Their lists were recorded separately, and then once all seven scouts handed in their lists, their results were compared to one another. The final lists you read here determined the average each player placed. This is not a ranking of the best players overall, simply a ranking of who is the best for each given position. Players may be placed on multiple lists, as many players are not one-dimensional, and can not be forced into one category.
Thank you to the following scouts for providing their lists: Jared Brown, Matt Hnatiuk, Tyler Karoway, Andrew LeBlanc, Murray Caldwell, Andy Miller, and Jody Horak.
The power forward is a term and title often hard to recognize for casual fans. But here are qualities that most can agree qualifies a player as a power forward: Physicality, Intensity, Strength, and Speed, or ‘P.I.S.S’ for short. In all seriousness, the Power Forward is a fast-growing player archetype in hockey. In the earlier years, what used to be more of a side position now has names such as Gabriel Landeskog, Blake Wheeler, Mark Stone, Brady Tkachuck, and much more. Their rise in popularity is not surprising when you consider their unique abilities to crash through the defense and offer the qualities of a defenseman in a forward position. As the defensemen around the league got better, the need for bigger and stronger forwards grew.
So who are the best Power Forwards in the draft class of 2023? Here are DraftPro’s Top 10 Power Forwards, as voted on by our scouts.
First, our honorable mentions: Eduard Sale, Koehn Ziemmer, Matt Wood, Charlie Stramel, Danny Nelson, and Kalan Lind.
Ryan Leonard, Boston College, NCAA, #7-11 overall (1st Round).
“A Hard-nosed, strong hockey player who goes to the net hard and is good in tight battles in the offensive zone.” – Jody Horak.
While Leonard is only 5’11”, that doesn’t stop him from playing like a power forward in his mind. Leonard is more than willing to get into the thick of it and is a valuable player in the offensive zone. With his excellent combination of hard-nosed playing and just maybe the best shot in the USDP, it’s not a surprise that Leonard is one of the top players in the USDP this year. Because of his height, he will likely not rank highly on many others’ top power forward lists, but his physicality is undeniably effective for him, so he deserves the nod here.
“Overwhelming intelligence, does it all & does it right, controls the ice, has hockey sense, vision, anticipation, extremely quick hands, one of top 3 power forwards in the CHL.” – Murray Caldwell.
Anyone who knows even a little about Nate Danielson knows he is one of the best-defensively-minded forwards in this draft class. Nate Danielson will be fun to watch develop because of his high ceiling. He can skate, has excellent senses, and can score goals, as he broke just over 30 goals this season in Brandon. Danielson stands at 6’1″ and weighs just a bit more than Leonard. If Danielson adds more weight to him, he will develop into a fine power forward. Of course, he is also one of, if not the best two-way guy in this draft (see our TOP 10 two-way forwards to find out), so it will be interesting to see which role Danielson will embrace as he develops.
“A large Finn who plays a grinding, power-forward role. He uses his speed and physical play to hunt pucks down and then uses his skill with the puck to get it to the net or to find his linemates for high-quality chances.” – Matt Hnatiuk.
Now we’re getting into the big boys. Haltunnen is 6’3″ and over 200lbs, making him undoubtedly a power-forward type in shape. He also plays a clear-cut power-forward style of play. He is crushing the U20 leagues in Europe and even has a few games in Liiga. Only time will tell just how effectively he can apply his weight in the bigger leagues, but for now, there is a lot of buzz and excitement for Halttunen, and justifiably so.
“Dvorský is a quick player for a big young man. He works hard and moves his feet well. He combines his size and speed on the forecheck effectively. He has a high skill set too that will certainly have him selected in the mid to last third of round one.” – Andy Miller.
Dvorský is a player who seems to come up a lot on these lists. And that is no surprise as he seems to do it all. He can make big offensive plays, play very physically, and have a solid defensive mindset. What catches a lot of Scout’s eyes is how well he performs in HockeyAllsvenskan. This is a league for adults, and Dvorský competes just fine at this level. While Dvorský is mentioned a lot, I have certainly heard his name plenty as I wrote this series, his ‘jack of all trades’ persona can only carry him so far when we live in such an ‘X-factor’ era of the NHL. But don’t sleep on Dalibor. His high skill ceiling is an excellent quality to have for a power forward, especially when the height advantage is never a given when moving to the big leagues.
“Musty is a pain for anyone to deal with. He can get under the opponent’s skin and is a pain in the side for any defender.” – Andrew LeBlanc.
What’s interesting about Quentin Musty as a Power Forward is his preference to set up plays compared to shooting at the net. Power Forwards are much more synonymous with goal-scoring, so seeing such a change with Musty is refreshing. That’s not to say he can’t score, as he is more than capable of pushing past defensemen and setting up his own goals as well. Musty is a great player to have in deep by the net. He can anchor himself down well and has top-notch stick handling. Definitely a dangerous player. And plays well physically.
“Barlow plays a style that hockey fans love, coaches love, and his teammates probably love as well! He’s physically abrasive and brings a heavy forechecking game that forces many turnovers. He plays inside the guts of the ice and is always willing to get his hands dirty.” – Jared Brown.
If you like the Alex Ovechkin style of player, that is, a strong sniper who is more than capable of forcing his will around, then Colby Barlow is your guy. Like Ryan Leonard, Barlow has a strong sniping game and has fast feet, giving him plenty of options to push pass defenders or score goals. It was a close call between Barlow and Musty for the #5 spot, but overall Barlow’s style of play complements the Power Forward in him slightly better.
Samuel Honzek, Vancouver Giants, WHL, #21-31 overall (1st Round).
“Honzek possesses the build to become a quality power forward at the pro level. He’s tough to knock off the puck, has great puck skills, and has the offensive instincts to drive the net hard if he’s got a step on the defender.” – Jared Brown.
Standing 6’4″, Samuel Honzek has much potential as a power forward in the NHL level. He needs to beef out a bit more, but once he does, he is going to be fun to see develop. As Jared said, he’s hard to knock off the puck, don’t be surprised to see Honzek dish out some checks, as he barely falters his positioning. Besides being slightly slower than the other power forwards you will see on this list, Honzek has great senses and shooting. He’s a point-per-game player with the Giants, who he only joined in 2022. Honzek, like Musty, plays a more well-balanced game between passing and shooting. This makes him harder to predict as his size quickly becomes an issue for defenders trying to piece together how to stop such a big player.
“A player with a rare blend of size, mobility, speed, and skill. He has all of the makings of an excellent power forward who can put up very good numbers offensively. His ability to get into hard areas and be very difficult to move out of those areas makes him a formidable opponent.” – Matt Hnatiuk.
Calum Ritchie is another player who fits the mold well for a Power Forward but needs some more bulking up. But aside from that, he has great playmaking abilities, utilizing excellent shooting and positioning to give him chances. He’s obviously hard to knock off the puck and has some of the best skating so far on this list. Ritchie is another player who will be hard to predict where he will land in the draft come July. But with his combination of speed, size, skill, and shooting, he will be a safe pick no matter where he lands in the draft.
Leo Carlsson, Örebro HK, SHL, #3-4 overall (1st Round).
“Carlsson is a beast on the ice and can impose his will at the U20 level. He not only does that, but he has a high skill set and great vision on the ice that helps him to be a responsible player too.” – Andy Miller.
Many seem to forget that Leo Carlsson is 6’3″ and nearing 200 lbs. He’s, of course, an excellent playmaker and two-way guy and has great senses to assist his game. But his ability to crash through the neutral zone and put defensemen on their heels is already damn-near elite. This awesome power forward in him makes him possibly the #3 guy come draft day. Michkov fans may be triggered to hear that, but Carlsson’s weight and size bring so much more potential to his game and future in the NHL. Carlsson’s utility has led to him being named many times on these lists, but he is always the bride’s maid, never the bride for that #1 spot. The same cannot be said for…
Adam Fantilli, University of Michigan, NCAA, #2 overall (1st Round).
“A power forward if there ever was one. He has the size, mobility, and the ability to put up points. His ability to quickly adjust to a higher level of play is something to take note of. He has been able to use his body and skill to accomplish a lot this season.” – Matt Hnatiuk.
The points leader in the NCAA with 30 goals, 35 assists, and 65 points, Matt Hnatiuk, put it perfectly: Adam Fantilli is a power forward if we have ever seen one. Everything about his game screams the title of P.I.S.S! Or perhaps it should be P.I.S.S.S as Adam Fantilli has plenty of strength, speed, and skill. Arguably the best skater on this list, Fantilli’s skating was even noticeable at the World Juniors this year, which was a much more elite crowd to stand out in. With the NCAA’s growing reputation as a difficult and highly competitive league to play in, Fantilli’s dominance should be greatly admired. As easy as it is to praise a guy like Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli might be one of the greatest consolation prizes since Patrick Laine. And as Fantilli’s reputation grows, it’s more likely that he will join that list of greatest #2’s in NHL draft history. And Adam Fantilli from the University of Michigan, is the best power forward in the 2023 NHL draft class.
For more information on the 2023 NHL Draft class be sure to pick up your copy of the comprehensive DraftPro 2023 NHL Draft Guide.
The Arizona Coyotes have been drafting in Arizona since 1996 and have had some decent names come up along the way. With one exception to this list, as he was drafted by the jets but only played one season for them before moving to Arizona and then only playing for the Coyotes franchise. Let’s see just how well they’ve drafted throughout their history.
To start off we will go with the most obvious name that comes up when you think of the Arizona coyotes, Shane Doan. Shane was drafted seventh overall in the 1995 draft for what would be the Coyotes franchise. Playing over 1500 games and scoring a little over 400 goals and amassing 972 points in his 21 seasons, which 20 were with the Coyotes jersey on, Doan was the face of the franchise. Doan captained the Coyotes for 13 seasons and retired as the NHL’s longest tenured captain.
Coming up second in the Coyotes best picks would be that of Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Swedish defensemen was selected sixth overall in the 2009 draft and was considered at top defenseman during parts of his time in the desert. With a handful of 40+ point seasons and one 55 point season Ekman-Larsson was a great pick up for the Coyotes especially when their defence was in need of a consistent too pairing player.
Third on this list would be what would be considered one of their two best picks of the last decade. Clayton Keller, with three 60+ point seasons and this year being his first 30+ goal season and his first season that will finish with over a point per game, Keller has turned into the star the Coyotes thought he would be when they drafted him seventh in 2016.
Now for some less than great picks that the Coyotes have made over the years. We start off with 2010 13th overall pick Brandon Gormley. Gormley played a total of 58 games in his NHL career and only 32 with the Coyotes and amassed 4 points in that time. Gormley had the ability to be a second pair defenseman but never even touched that potential. At 13th you would expect a little more result out of the pick.
Next up we will have to go all the way back to their inaugural draft to see the Coyotes select Dan Fichte 11th overall in the 1996 draft. Focht played a total of 82 NHL games between 2001-2004 before retiring fully in 2006. With the Coyotes he played only 18 games and scored zero points in that time. Considering some of the players drafted after Focht, Daniel Briere, Dainius Zubrus, Marco Sturm and Matt Cullen, this pick is quite disappointing.
Third and final pick of this article would be 2007 third overall pick Kyle Turris. Turris had a ton of hype behind him after being selected third overall in 2007 but after a few rocky years in Arizona (then phoenix), he was traded away to the Ottawa Senators. Trading away your third overall player only four years after drafting him and having one of those seasons full time in the AHL doesn’t bode well for your future. Turris only played 137 games for the Coyotes and scored 46 points. Coupled with the lacklustre return on his trade to Ottawa, David Rundblad and Anthony Stolarz, this pick turned out to be more than it was worth for the Coyotes franchise.
Now flash forward to 2023, the Coyotes sit in the bottom eight teams and are eliminated from the playoffs this year. For the Coyotes in their last 10 years of drafting in the first round, (not including 2019) they have selected 10 forwards and four defence, in which only two defence remain with the club, one being a 2022 draft pick in Maveric Lamoureux. With this information it is clear that the Coyotes lack defensive prospects and defence in general on their team so the Coyotes would be hard pressed not to go with defender Axel Sandin Pellikka, even if the Coyotes select higher than Pellikka’s projected 10th overall choice, it would be the best choice for their future. If they choose to go with someone else between six to eight they would be best going for a winger to go along with the trio of young prospects Guenther, Geekie, and Cooley, the latter two play centre, so their best bets could be Eduard Sale, Zach Benson, or Andrew Cristall.
The 2023 NHL entry draft is getting ever closer to hockey fans, and the excitement fans have for who their teams are going to draft this year is ever higher as the regular seasons across the globe are coming to an end, and playoff season is just around the corner. And there is a lot for fans to be excited for this year, as the draft is looking like one of the strongest in years.
Connor Bedard is looking increasingly like a franchise-level player, rivaling the likes of Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Nathan Mackinnon, Austin Matthews, and Connor McDavid. Adam Fantilli would have been a first-overall pick in arguably the last six drafts, Leo Carlsson is the next big center to come out of Sweden, and he is a must-grab in the top 5. And, of course, there is the Russian sniper: Matvei Michkov, who, despite being signed to the KHL until 2026, is so good that any team picking in the top 5 will be more than willing to wait for the Russian star.
But after the big 4 in this year’s draft, who fills out the remaining slots is always an exciting mystery come draft day. Teams must allocate their scouting resources to best support the organization’s roster on draft day. Who needs the top defensemen? Say, over-the-top sniper or goaltender? That is why we at DraftPro are excited to present an in-depth look at every position and who best thrives in that position. Who is the best sniper? The best power forward? offensive defensemen? Hopefully, after this 8-part series, all these questions will be answered.
Seven DraftPro scouts were asked their top 5-7 players for the following positions: sniper, playmaker, two-way forward, power forward, offensive defenseman, defensive defenseman, two-way defenseman, and goaltender. Their lists were recorded separately, and then once all seven scouts handed in their lists, their results were compared to one another. The final lists you read here determined the average each player placed. This is not a ranking of the best players overall, simply a ranking of who is the best for each given position. Players may be placed on multiple lists, as many players are not one-dimensional, and can not be forced into one category.
Thank you to the following scouts for providing their lists: Jared Brown, Matt Hnatiuk, Tyler Karoway, Andrew LeBlanc, Murray Caldwell, Andy Miller, and Jody Horak.
Playmakers are the team’s main offensive force. Playmakers tend to hog all of the MVP awards, all the Art Ross, and the Willie Marshal awards. Playmakers tend to hog the glory. But we love them for it. Playmakers also tend to come in many forms. A sniper tends to fit into an all-encompassing mold of a hockey player, but playmakers are much more flexible in this way. They can be a Joe Thornton, making perfect passes from all areas of the ice. A Sidney Crosby, making space for themselves and their teammates with subtle puck-dangling magic. Or a Matthew Barzal, utilizing excellent rink awareness and hockey sense to see potential plays that other players can’t.
With all that being said, here are DraftPro’s Top 10 Playmakers in the 2023 NHL draft class:
First, our honorable mentions: Leo Carlsson, Nate Danielson, Adam Fantilli, Brett Hyland, and Luca Pinelli.
“One of the best playmakers in the game due to his quick feet. He either shovels a short pass or uses his feet when in tight to kick a pass to a linemate or circles around, drawing the play to himself before distribution of the puck. Extremely dangerous because he elusive.” – Murray Caldwell.
In his first year as a Seattle Thunderbird, Sawchyn is sitting at a point-per-game level and has racked up forty assists. Currently, Sawchyn is seated in a 2nd round position, but with his playmaking potential, we could see him jump up considerably if a team is looking to bolster its pool of offensive prospects.
“He is an exceptional setup man, leading the OHL in assists for first-year draft-eligible players. Musty has good vision, and he has a quick release, so defenders must respect that he could pass or shoot.” – Andy Miller.
Musty has made a considerable impact this year. He’s sitting well over a point-per-game and has improved significantly from his rookie season in Sudbury. He’s also a tall player who can throw his weight around, which is a welcomed feature for any position he plays. Suspect Musty to be grabbed in the second, but his size could let him jump a few slots, maybe even all the way into the first.
Riley Heidt, Prince George Cougars, WHL, #18-28 overall (1st Round).
“A similar version to Benson. (Referring to Benson’s excellent speed and hockey sense) He uses higher speeds to get into areas where he draws opponents in before moving the puck quickly and accurately. Has high-end distribution ability but needs to remain consistent.” – Matt Hnatiuk.
Riley Heidt is absolutely tearing up the WHL’s West division. In 64 games, Riley Heidt has racked up 94 points. 70 of those points were assists. To tell you how good that is, he is tied with Connor Bedard in assists. Riley Heidt has no doubt developed an effective style of play. He is a boom or bust of this year’s draft. With a big boom. If Heidt finds a way to utilize his talents effectively and consistently, he could easily be the Mathew Barzal of this year’s draft, a player that many scouts are comparing him to.
Eduard Šalé, HC Kometa Brno, Czechia, #9-15 overall (1st Round).
“Great patience with the puck and excels using his vision when making passes.” – Jody Horak.
Šalé continues to impress as he battles to remain in a top 10 position come draft day. Despite playing with men over in Czechia, he gets noticed. Despite playing on a stacked team Czechia at the World Juniors, Šalé gets noticed. Despite competing with the likes of Dalibor Dvorský, Zach Benson, and Andrew Cristall, Šalé remains a strong contender for a top-10 draft position. Šalé has the skill set, the height, and the momentum to become an excellent player one day, and only time will tell how successful this young Czech will be.
Gabriel Perreault, USNTDP, USHL, #14-20 overall (1st Round).
“A skilled player who can put up points as both a scorer or a playmaker, but he tends to be the distributor more often than not. His ability to read the play as it develops and move the puck at just the right time is something that very few can do. He has excellent timing and awareness/IQ and the ability to make excellent passes on the regular.” – Matt Hnatiuk.
Our first player to be named three times on our scouts lists, Gabe Perreault, is a point-producing machine in the USHL. He’s going to be an excellent consolation prize for teams out in round 1 of this year’s playoffs or perhaps teams who just missed the playoffs. He’s not a bad piece on any team, and his skills as an excellent play-reader will always come in handy.
Oliver Moore, USNTDP, USHL, #8-12 overall (1st Round).
“Handles hot passes, is on & off the stick in a heartbeat, has hard accurate half slap shots, excellent vision, explosive speed, and can reach top speed in two hard strides.” – Murray Caldwell.
Another player representing the USHL, Moore, barely sneaks into the top five. Moore is a dynamic player who was mentioned many times by our scouts in more categories than just playmaker. He was an honorable mention for our top Snipers list and may also appear later in this series. But for now, Oliver Moore is recognized as one of the top playmakers in this year’s draft. He’s fast, plays hard, and has excellent passing and shooting potential.
“A speedy forward who has excellent hands and vision. Uses his speed to get into position to move the puck to high-danger areas. Threads his passes consistently through tight seams and is incredibly accurate when moving the puck. High-end hockey IQ and passing ability.” – Matt Hnatiuk.
This is Zach Benson’s second mention in this series. See our Top 10 Snipers article to see where he placed there. But clearly, he is building up tons of value in this draft because of his highly dynamic skill set. He can score, make excellent passes, and has incredible hockey sense. Benson is the top runner for the #5 spot for this year’s draft, and with his plethora of upsides, it’s getting hard to argue otherwise. Benson was nominated three times by our scouts, where he placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Will Smith, USNTDP, USHL, #5-7 overall (1st Round).
“He is an incredibly fast skater who has wonderful hands. Smith uses these skill sets with his vision and sets up his teammates with beautiful passes. He will likely finish with a top 5 single season USNTDP U18 record for points and assists this season.” – Andy Miller.
Since we are talking about the #5 spot, it seems so natural to talk about Zach Benson’s main competitor, not named Šalé or Cristall. Will Smith is right at the top in the USHL’s player standings, and he is building up a reputation as a pure playmaker that needs to be feared. Will Smith was nominated five times by our scouts. Being ranked as the 2nd best playmaker in this year’s draft three times. Very impressive, but not quite as good as our #2 playmaker…
Andrew Cristall, Kelowna Rockets, WHL, #11-17 overall (1st Round).
“Enter Rocket Man. Great IQ, whistle beater, incredibly intelligent, the boy can flat-out fly. He creates turnovers, quarterbacks PP, wicked wrist shots, shoots from any place on the ice, down low right along the line, has the patience of a cat, may have the strongest backhand shot in the WHL, capitalizes on his opportunities, the toolbox may only have a small space in one drawer.” – Murray Caldwell.
Though he isn’t ranked as high on the overall rankings as the previous players are, there is no doubt that when it comes to pure playmaking ability, Andrew Cristall may be the top guy. He’s got excellent stick handling. He utilizes good speed and passing, much like the others on this list. But what gives Cristall the edge is his superior hockey senses. He can read plays and make space for plays unlike anyone else. Cristall just got over Will Smith on this list because he was mentioned six times over Smith’s five. He was ranked #1 by one of our scouts and remained in the top 3 positions by the others. He will undoubtedly be a hot commodity for teams looking to add pure playmaking support to their prospect pool.
Connor Bedard, Regina Pats, WHL, #1 overall (1st Round).
“With his pure goal-scoring ability also comes with the skill to deceive his opponents and gravitate players to him, which opens up passing lanes for him to set up his teammates. He possesses that elite touch on the puck and impressive intelligence to execute skilled passes.” – Jared Brown.
Yeah, I mean… obviously? Right? This is also Bedard’s second time being mentioned in this series. See our Top 10 Snipers list to see where he ranks there, (spoiler, he ranks high.) But Bedard is a franchise player. He’s allowed to dominate these lists. If you don’t know what makes Bedard great, here’s a quick list: Amazing wrister, excellent skating, excellent puck movement, excellent stick handling, and excellent hockey senses. There’s more than that, I’m sure, but here are a few of his credentials: As of right now, he’s sitting at 139 points in the WHL. He got 23 points in 7…SEVEN…games at the World Juniors, He’s been on so many all-star teams, and he’s won a gold medal and was the points leader at the World Juniors. AND Connor Bedard of the Regina Pats is the best playmaker of the 2023 NHL draft class.
For more information on the 2023 NHL Draft class be sure to pick up your copy of the comprehensive DraftPro 2023 NHL Draft Guide.
