2023 NHL Draft Review
Our scouting staff calls out their favorite picks, breaks down the top producing leagues/countries,, scouting notes from our 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Report, and complete list of each NHL club’s selections in our NHL update.
The OHL and WHL led the way for prospects in this years draft, and produced 34.3% of selections in rounds 1-3,, leading all other leagues. Draftees from Swedish pro or junior leagues finished just behind with 14 in the first 3 rounds, and led all leagues with 7 first round picks. 18 selections (18.8%) in rounds 1-3 came from the USHL or USNTDP, with 4 USNTDP players selected in the first round.
Most Selections
Arizona Coyotes - 12
Chicago Blackhawks - 11
Nashville Predators - 11
Detroit Red Wings - 11
Philadelphia Flyers - 10
Seattle Kraken - 10
Carolina Hurricanes - 10
Montreal Canadians - 9
St Louis Blues - 9
San Jose Sharks - 9
Anaheim Ducks - 9
Despite no selections in the first round, 6 players from Finnish pro and junior leagues were were selected in rounds 2 and 3, finishing just being Russian leagues (7) and the USNTDP (8) for most picks through rounds 1-3. Another notable producer with low total selections in early rounds was the QMJHL, who had just 4 selections in the first 3 rounds, 0 first rounds selections, and just 12 total.
Much like the 2022 Draft, NCAA hockey produced some top talent, 4 selections in the first 2 rounds and many more draft picks joining NCAA hockey next season after playing their draft seasons in the USHL, Canadian Jr A or the USNTDP.
Most First Round Selections
Swedish Leagues - 7
WHL - 6
OHL - 5
USNTDP - 4
Russia - 4
NCAA - 3
Czechia - 1
Canadian Jr A - 1
Switzerland - 1
Following Adam Fantilli at 2nd overall, Nashville selected Matthew Wood at 15th overall, and Minnesota selected Charlie Stramel 21st overall for the final NCAA draft pick of the first round. UConn’s Matthew Wood is a 6’4”, physical goal scorer, who played last season as a true freshman, a true rarety these days. Gavin Brindley from University of Michigan was selected by Columbus, joining his Wolverine teammate Adam Fantilli, and was one of the top prospects outside the top 32in our 2023 NHL Draft Prospects Report.
Selections By League or European Country
All Rounds
Favorite Picks
Notes from the 2023 TSA NHL Draft Prospects Report
Buffalo 13th Overall : Zach Benson Winnipeg WHL
Rounding out the top 5 is a player who will be a fan favorite from the moment he takes his first shift in the NHL. When talking to people about Benson, the first thing they mention is almost always his motor. Zach Benson is the type of player who plays every shift like it’s the last one he will ever play, leaving it all on the ice every game. He goes hard to the dirty areas, throws his weight around, back checks like his life depends on it, and always looks like he’s playing with something to prove. He shrugs off hits from bigger and stronger players with ease and never passes up an opportunity to initiate contact
Some people like to joke that when the first thing you say about a prospect is “he works hard”, it usually means he’s not a great hockey player. In this case that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Aside from his elite motor, Zach’s best quality might be his poise and patience with the puck on his stick. He has elite hockey sense and when he carries into the zone he is one of the best in the class at making a move to shake a defender and buying time for an opportunity to present itself. Benson is a master of manipulation and using his head fakes and feints to get a defender moving one way before cutting back against the grain. He’s two passes ahead of the defenders in a lot of situations, and will sometimes even surprise his teammates with the quality of his playmaking. Other than Bedard, there might not be another player who understands the timing and positioning of his linemates and opponents as well as Benson.
There may not be another elite quality to his game, but there doesn’t need to be with how well he thinks. Benson’s hands, shot, and feet are all fairly ordinary–at least by the standards of a high-end NHL Draft prospect–but his brain allows him to shine despite this. “He’s not the speediest skater, but he makes up for it with a relentlessly high motor and the ability to anticipate,” said a scout covering the WHL.
Of course, any forward who comes in at or under the 5'10 mark at the combine will have detractors, but Benson’s season with Winnipeg has been so impressive it’s hard to find anyone that doesn’t love his game.
“I really like him. He has a little Brad Marchand in him!” said a crossover scout. If he can even come close to Brad Marchand he will have had quite the career.
Why we like the pick
A notable scorer that plays a 200-foot game. Will be able to play up and down the line up at the NHL level. With his biggest question mark being health and size he will just need to learn how to adjust his game accordingly so he can survive a full NHL season.
Philadelphia 22nd Overall : Oliver Bonk London OHL
This year’s defensive group has a heavy lean towards players that are physically elite but mentally still works in progress, so the fact that Bonk doesn’t fit that description makes him an interesting player who could go practically anywhere in the top 64 of this draft. The son of former 3rd overall NHL pick Radek Bonk, Oliver plays with a maturity and understanding of the game that makes perfect sense for a pro’s son.
Bonk is a two-way defender who is at his best when he keeps his game simple. He has an active defensive stick, will use his 6’2 frame to lean on forwards and muscle them off pucks, and can take care of himself around the net. He quickly closes gaps and takes away time and space from attackers. He’s tough to deal with on the boards and around the net. Bonk scored 51 points in 88 games for London this season, but he definitely will not be an offensive dynamo at the next level. That said, he’s matured incredibly from where he was a year ago with the puck on his stick. Bonk plays with poise and reads the game so well that it’s almost a certainty he will make the right play with the puck. He sees the ice well and doesn’t try to do too much, and these skills combined gave London’s coaching staff enough confidence to give Bonk quite a bit of power play time throughout the season. Oliver looks like a player just coming into his own, with great tools and great hockey IQ.
Why we like the pick
His game is very mature on the defensive side of the puck. He will be able to be a solid support Defensemen in the Philadelphia line up sooner rather than later. His offensive game has rapidly improved and should take another step forward next season.
San Jose 26th Overall : Quentin Musty Sudbury OHL
Buffalo native Quentin Musty has been one of the most polarizing prospects of the season. Some independent draft lists have him around their top 10, others don’t see him as a first round pick at all. There are rumblings that some teams have even removed him from their draft list altogether. There don’t seem to be any major red flags around Quentin, but the combination of attitude issues (whether perceived or real) and lack of real game breaking skating ability have dropped him well below where he probably should be picked.
If you look up a highlight reel of only Musty’s play in the offensive zone, it’s easy to see why some believe he’s a top talent. His vision and playmaking ability are elite, he can make every pass in stride and hit his targets without issue. He’s a pass-first player but he also has an excellent wrist shot and will be able to beat NHL goalies with it. Off the puck, and even on the bench, is a different story. There are a lot of immature penalties, he sulks and complains when he gets hit, and there’s games where he takes a lot of shifts off. “Is he a top-six forward in the NHL?” questioned one scout, “the attitude, lack of intensity, and two-way play don’t suggest he can play a bottom-six role.” Another scout mentioned poor body language and a lack of adaptability while agreeing he’s “boom or bust”. There’s no questioning Musty’s talent, there’s a reason he was the #1 pick in the OHL Draft just a couple of years ago, but his ability to put it all together is still up in the air.
Why we like the pick
Getting one of the best offensive talents in the draft late in the first round to us is an absolute steal especially for the Sharks who selected Musty with their second first round pick. Musty has the ability to be a power play/top 6 offensive threat at the pro level. Away from the puck he needs to improve, but we are sure that will be a point of emphasis moving forward in his development plan.
New Jersey 58th Overall : Lenni Hameenaho Assat Finland
A smart forward who plays a mature 200-foot game. He is not afraid to go into the hard to play areas and win battles. In his game you will find a lot of pro habits already that will translate to the NHL level. His IQ will allow him to be a consistent producer of points because he finds the rights spots on the ice and has knack for finding rebounds in the net front.
Why we like the pick
The Devils are getting a player that many had ranked as a low first round pick/high second round pick late in the second round. He projects as a support forward that is a good combination of skill and toughness. Hameenaho is versatile and can be used in several different ways as he gets to the NHL level.
Montreal 69th Overall : Jacob Fowler Youngstown USHL
Fowler certainly was the USHL’s best goaltender in terms of statis and achievements, leading the USHL in all statistical categories (GAA, Save %, Shutouts, Wins) for regular season, and Clark cup playoffs, en route to a Clark Cup championship and playoff MVP. The Florida Alliance and South Kent Selects product reads the game quickly, managing cross crease or back door plays with ease. An athletic 6’2”, Fowler isnt imposing in the crease, but a goaltender who consistently can beat the puck to its destination, with a high work ethic.
Why we like the pick
A winning pedigree, Fowler backstopped the Phantoms to a Clark cup this past season. Prior to arriving to Youngstown, Fowler was able to back stop impressive South Kent Teams as well. Heading to Boston College he will be tasked in getting the BC hockey program back on track. Fowler's biggest knock is his physical condition which is likely to improve at the University level. He is already explosive in his skating and has shown some high-level athletic ability that is likely to improve in the coming years.
Los Angeles 150th Overall : Matthew Mania Sudbury OHL
A dynamic offensive defensemen who carries elite offensive instincts. Mania uses his skating ability to get up and down the ice from the back end. His feet create passing lanes and his hands allow him to be confident with the puck on his stick to make plays regularly.
Why we like the pick
Getting a player like Mania in the 5th round feels like a steal for the Kings. Mania still needs to work on his defensive play but he has the potential to run their power play down the road. There are few defensemen in this draft class that carry his elite offensive instincts. Mania will be one of the top defensemen in the OHL next season.
Ottawa 215th Overall : Nick Vantassell Green Bay USHL
A 6'4 forward who can skate and shoot, Vantassell has all the offensive tools you look for in a power forward. Despite not being physically dominating he learned to use his body much more the second half of this season. His game grew rapidly throughout the year as he started to become effective even when he was not finding the scoresheet.
Why we like the pick
Vantassell has a long way to go still but his growth in his second year in the USHL was very encouraging for a player with such great physical tools. At his size it is rare to find his puck skills and skating ability. He is heading UMass where he will can physically mature and learn to play a more a physical brand of hockey.
Top Drafts
Buffalo
Sabres did an excellent job in the draft addressing a few needs. Getting a top 10 talent at the 13th slot in Zach Benson we feel is a great pick despite his size and health question marks. In the second round selecting the big Swedish Center Anton Wahlberg could be another steal if he continues to progress over in Sweden. On the backend they took two solid low risk picks in the middle round Maxim Strbak and Gavin McCarthy both of which have shown long term pro upside. The goalie selection of Scott Ratzlaff strategically adds organizational depth. Overall, the Sabres did a great job of adding solid players who project out.
Detroit
Detroit was very busy over the draft with 11 picks overall. Nate Danielson was there first selection at 9 overall and he is a player that is expected to get the NHL very quickly. On the back end they selected 5 defensemen which was clearly an area that the organization wanted to address. Their first defensemen selected was Axel Sandin Pellikka out of Sweden who ranked out as the 7th best international skater per NHL Central Scouting. Pellikka is a bit undersized but is a guy they hope can run their power play. With the other four defensemen being all north of 6'2, they added the length needed. In round 2 they selected Andrew Gibson and Brady Cleveland both of which have shown signs of being impact NHLers. In net the selection of Trey Augustine and Rudy Guimond reminds us of what the Florida Panthers did with Spencer Knight and Devon Levi. Both netminders selected hold value inside the league and have at least back up potential in the NHL.
Draft Picks By Team
Anaheim Ducks
Round: 1 : Leo Carlsson - Forward Orebro (SWEDEN)
Round: 2 : Nico Myatovic - Forward Seattle (WHL)
Round: 2 : Carey Terrance - Forward Erie (OHL)
Round: 2 : Damian Clara - Goaltender Farjestad Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 3 : Coulson Pitre - Forward Flint (OHL)
Round: 3 : Yegor Sidorov - Forward Saskatoon (WHL)
Round: 4 : Konnor Smith - Defenseman Peterborough (OHL)
Round: 5 : Rodwin Dionicio - Defenseman Windsor (OHL)
Round: 6 : Vojtech Port - Defenseman Edmonton (WHL)
Scouting Notes - Damian Clara
In conversation with an NHL Director of Scouting about the best goaltenders in this draft class, the first name that came up was Damian Clara. “He’s not the best right now,” this executive conceded, “but with his size and IQ I think he could be down the line.” Clara has stated that he models his game after Dallas Stars standout Jake Oettinger, and the similarities are obvious. Both are about the same size, move well, and are seemingly never out of position. Clara made the jump to Sweden’s J20 league after playing for the Red Bull Academy in Austria, and he established himself quickly as the starter for Färjestad. He has also appeared in 10 pro games–8 in Austria and two impressive ones in the Allsvenskan–and made 5 starts for the Italian Senior National Team.
Clara will be just the sixth player in general and the first goaltender ever selected from Italy. Most of last year, though, he honed his skills in the Swedish junior league.
Arizona Coyotes
Round: 1 : Dmitriy Simashev - Defenseman Yaroslavl Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Round: 1 : Danil But - Forward Yaroslavl Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Round: 2 : Michael Hrabal - Goaltender Omaha (USHL)
Round: 3 : Jonathan Castagna - Forward St. Andrews College (HIGH-ON)
Round: 3 : Noel Nordh - Forward Brynas Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 3 : Tanner Ludtke - Forward Lincoln (USHL)
Round: 3 : Vadim Moroz - Forward Minsk (RUSSIA)
Round: 4 : Terrell Goldsmith - Defenseman Prince Albert (WHL)
Round: 5 : Melker Thelin - Goaltender BJORKLOVEN U18 (SWE-JR. U18)
Round: 5 : Justin Kipkie - Defenseman Victoria (WHL)
Round: 6 : Samu Bau - Forward Ilves (FINLAND)
Round: 6 : Carsen Musser - Goaltender USA U-18 (NTDP)
Boston Bruins
Round: 3 : Christopher Pelosi - Forward Sioux Falls (USHL)
Round: 4 : Beckett Hendrickson - Forward USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 6 : Ryan Walsh - Forward Cedar Rapids (USHL)
Round: 7 : Casper Nassen - Forward Vasteras Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 7 : Kristian Kostadinski - Defenseman Frolunda Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Buffalo Sabres
Round: 1 : Zach Benson - Forward Winnipeg (WHL)
Round: 2 : Anton Wahlberg - Forward Malmo Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 2 : Maxim Strbak - Defenseman Sioux Falls (USHL)
Round: 3 : Gavin Mccarthy - Defenseman Muskegon (USHL)
Round: 4 : Ethan Miedema - Forward Kingston (OHL)
Round: 5 : Scott Ratzlaff - Goaltender Seattle (WHL)
Round: 6 : Sean Keohane - Defenseman Dexter School (HIGH-MA)
Round: 7 : Norwin Panocha - Defenseman Eisbaren Berlin Jr. (GERMANY-JR.)
Calgary Flames
Round: 1 : Samuel Honzek - Forward Vancouver (WHL)
Round: 2 : Etienne Morin - Defenseman Moncton (QMJHL)
Round: 3 : Aydar Suniev - Forward Penticton (BCHL)
Round: 4 : Jaden Lipinski - Forward Vancouver (WHL)
Round: 6 : Yegor Yegorov - Goaltender DYNAMO MOSCOW JR. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Round: 7 : Axel Hurtig - Defenseman Rogle Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Scouting Notes - Etienne Morin
Morin is one of the most spoken about players around draft circles as the defensive draft pool is very thin this year. Morin sees the ice extremely well and has the puck skills to be effective at the pro level. On the offensive blue line, he finds the shooting and passing lanes regularly making him a high-end power play threat. His deception and ability to take control of the power is something that has scouts extremely excited about his upside. Throughout the playoff season, Morin registered 17 points in 12 games played.
Carolina Hurricanes
Round: 1 : Bradly Nadeau - Forward Penticton (BCHL)
Round: 2 : Felix Unger Sorum - Forward Leksand Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 3 : Jayden Perron - Forward Chicago (USHL)
Round: 4 : Alexander Rykov - Forward Chelmet (RUSSIA-2)
Round: 4 : Stanislav Yarovoi - Forward Vityaz (RUSSIA)
Round: 5 : Charles-Alexis Legault - Defenseman Quinnipiac (ECAC)
Round: 5 : Ruslan Khazheyev - Goaltender Chelyabinsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Round: 6 : Timur Mukhanov - Forward Omsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Round: 6 : Michael Emerson - Forward Chicago (USHL)
Round: 7 : Yegor Velmakin - Goaltender VORONEZH (RUSSIA-2)
Chicago Blackhawks
Round: 1 : Connor Bedard - Forward Regina (WHL)
Round: 1 : Oliver Moore - Forward USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 2 : Adam Gajan - Goaltender Chippewa (NAHL)
Round: 2 : Roman Kantserov - Forward Magnitogorsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Round: 2 : Martin Misiak - Forward Youngstown (USHL)
Round: 3 : Nick Lardis - Forward Hamilton (OHL)
Round: 3 : Jiri Felcman - Forward Langnau Jr. (SWISS-JR.)
Round: 4 : Alex Pharand - Forward Sudbury (OHL)
Round: 5 : Marcel Marcel - Forward Gatineau (QMJHL)
Round: 6 : Milton Oscarson - Forward Orebro (SWEDEN)
Round: 7 : Janne Peltonen - Defenseman Karpat Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Scouting Notes - Adam Gajan
Gajan jumped onto the radar of most NHL scouts during the 2023 World Juniors, with incredible performances for Slovakia. An extremely flexible and athletic goaltender, Gajan is poised and calm in his crease, allowing the game to come to him. He spent the majority of his season with Chippewa of the NAHL, while going 5-1 in 6 USHL starts in December and January for Green Bay. His long legs and arms allow for maximum coverage coming off post coverages, and stretching out while sliding post to post.
Colorado Avalanche
Round: 1 : Calum Ritchie - Forward Oshawa (OHL)
Round: 1 : Mikhail Gulyayev - Defenseman Omsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Round: 5 : Nikita Ishimnikov - Defenseman Yekaterinburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Round: 6 : Jeremy Hanzel - Defenseman Seattle (WHL)
Round: 7 : Maros Jedlicka - Forward ZVOLEN (SLOVAKIA)
Columbus Blue Jackets
Round: 1 : Adam Fantilli - Forward Michigan (BIG10)
Round: 2 : Gavin Brindley - Forward Michigan (BIG10)
Round: 3 : William Whitelaw - Forward Youngstown (USHL)
Round: 4 : Andrew Strathmann - Defenseman Youngstown (USHL)
Round: 4 : Luca Pinelli - Forward Ottawa (OHL)
Round: 5 : Melvin Strahl - Goaltender MODO JR. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 7 : Oiva Keskinen - Forward Tappara Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Round: 7 : Tyler Peddle - Forward Drummondville (QMJHL)
Scouting Notes - Gavin Brindley
The 2022-23 Michigan Wolverines may go down as the most talented NCAA hockey roster in history, with 12 players who had already been drafted (including 4 former 1st round picks), and true Freshmen Adam Fantilli and Gavin Brindley who will both be expecting to hear their names in the first round. Unlike Fantilli though, few thought Brindley would be in this position a year ago.
The small forward from Florida has always been known for his work ethic. “Ferocious,” is the word one scout used to describe him. “He plays such a mature game and has enthusiasm to defend and play without the puck.” Brindley’s compete level puts him in situations to score, and he has the skill to finish his chances around the net when he gets them. Gavin has good feet and is strong on his edges, and despite his size disadvantage he is hard to knock off pucks. His hands are above average and he has a quick release, though he probably won’t be beating NHL goaltenders at range in the near future. “He’s a natural leader who can play anywhere in the lineup,” said former Tri-City teammate and current Boston University standout Jeremy Wilmer. “He has all the tools to be a star in the NHL, he’s one of the best skaters I’ve ever seen. Plays with a ton of detail in all three zones.” Brindley’s versatility and leadership qualities, along with his high compete and skill levels, make him one of the most intriguing players of this draft class.
Dallas Stars
Round: 2 : Tristan Bertucci - Defenseman Flint (OHL)
Round: 3 : Brad Gardiner - Forward Ottawa (OHL)
Round: 4 : Aram Minnetian - Defenseman USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 5 : Arno Tiefensee - Goaltender MANNHEIM (GERMANY)
Round: 6 : Angus Macdonell - Forward Mississauga (OHL)
Round: 7 : Sebastian Bradshaw - Forward Elite Hockey Academy 18U (USMAAAE)
Detroit Red Wings
Round: 1 : Nate Danielson - Forward Brandon (WHL)
Round: 1 : Axel Sandin Pellikka - Defenseman Skelleftea Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 2 : Trey Augustine - Goaltender USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 2 : Andrew Gibson - Defenseman Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Round: 2 : Brady Cleveland - Defenseman USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 3 : Noah Dower Nilsson - Forward Frolunda Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 4 : Larry Keenan - Defenseman Culver Academy (HIGH-IN)
Round: 5 : Jack Phelan - Defenseman Sioux Falls (USHL)
Round: 5 : Kevin Bicker - Forward Mannheim Jr. (GERMANY-JR.)
Round: 6 : Rudy Guimond - Goaltender Taft School (HIGH-CT)
Round: 7 : Emmitt Finnie - Forward Kamloops (WHL)
Edmonton Oilers
Round: 2 : Beau Akey - Defenseman Barrie (OHL)
Round: 6 : Nathaniel Day - Goaltender Flint (OHL)
Round: 7 : Matt Copponi - Forward Merrimack (H-EAST)
Florida Panthers
Round: 2 : Gracyn Sawchyn - Forward Seattle (WHL)
Round: 4 : Albert Wikman - Defenseman Farjestad Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 5 : Olof Glifford - Goaltender HV 71 U18 (SWE-JR. U18)
Round: 6 : Luke Coughlin - Defenseman Rimouski (QMJHL)
Round: 7 : Stepan Zvyagin - Forward Dinamo-Shinnik Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Los Angeles Kings
Round: 2 : Jakub Dvorak - Defenseman Liberec (CZECHIA)
Round: 3 : Koehn Ziemmer - Forward Prince George (WHL)
Round: 4 : Hampton Slukynsky - Goaltender Warroad (HIGH-MN)
Round: 5 : Matthew Mania - Defenseman Sudbury (OHL)
Round: 6 : Ryan Conmy - Forward Sioux City (USHL)
Minnesota Wild
Round: 1 : Charlie Stramel - Forward Wisconsin (BIG10)
Round: 2 : Rasmus Kumpulainen - Forward Pelicans Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Round: 2 : Riley Heidt - Forward Prince George (WHL)
Round: 5 : Aaron Pionk - Defenseman Waterloo (USHL)
Round: 6 : Kalem Parker - Defenseman Victoria (WHL)
Round: 7 : James Clark - Forward Green Bay (USHL)
Montreal Canadiens
Round: 1 : David Reinbacher - Defenseman Kloten (SWISS)
Round: 3 : Jacob Fowler - Goaltender Youngstown (USHL)
Round: 4 : Florian Xhekaj - Forward Hamilton (OHL)
Round: 4 : Bogdan Konyushkov - Defenseman NIZHNY NOVGOROD (RUSSIA)
Round: 4 : Quentin Miller - Goaltender Quebec (QMJHL)
Round: 5 : Sam Harris - Forward Sioux Falls (USHL)
Round: 5 : Yevgeni Volokhin - Goaltender KHANTY-MANSIYSK JR. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Round: 6 : Filip Eriksson - Forward Vaxjo Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 7 : Luke Mittelstadt - Defenseman Minnesota (BIG10)
Nashville Predators
Round: 1 : Matthew Wood - Forward UConn (H-EAST)
Round: 1 : Tanner Molendyk - Defenseman Saskatoon (WHL)
Round: 2 : Felix Nilsson - Forward Rogle Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 2 : Kalan Lind - Forward Red Deer (WHL)
Round: 3 : Jesse Kiiskinen - Forward Pelicans Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Round: 3 : Dylan Mackinnon - Defenseman Halifax (QMJHL)
Round: 4 : Joey Willis - Forward Saginaw (OHL)
Round: 4 : Juha Jatkola - Goaltender Kalpa (FINLAND)
Round: 5 : Sutter Muzzatti - Forward RPI (ECAC)
Round: 6 : Austin Roest - Forward Everett (WHL)
Round: 7 : Aiden Fink - Forward Brooks (AJHL)
Scouting Notes - Kalan Lind
Lind showed his versatility with Team Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and continued to do so with Red Deer. An energetic, consistent player with a high work rate, especially in the offensive zone, doing the little things to create offense. Had some stretches of offensive inconsistencies during the year, while also missing about a month before the WHL playoffs with an upper body injury, but was also an absolute pest in the 2023 CHL/NHL Top Prospects game for Team White. A simple yet efficient style of play, Lind should be a nice, complementary player for a middle 6 line, offering both physicality and offensive skill.. His offensive instincts are there, and if his goal scoring picks up, could be a nice 2nd/3rd round pick up.
New Jersey Devils
Round: 2 : Lenni Hameenaho - Forward Assat (FINLAND)
Round: 4 : Cam Squires - Forward Cape Breton (QMJHL)
Round: 5 : Chase Cheslock - Defenseman Rogers (HIGH-MN)
Round: 6 : Cole Brown - Forward Hamilton (OHL)
Round: 6 : Daniil Karpovich - Defenseman Yekaterinburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
New York Islanders
Round: 2 : Danny Nelson - Forward USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 4 : Jesse Nurmi - Forward Kookoo Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Round: 5 : Justin Gill - Forward Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
Round: 6 : Zachary Schulz - Defenseman USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 7 : Jack Harvey - Forward Chicago (USHL)
Round: 7 : Dennis Good Bogg - Defenseman AIK JR. (SWEDEN-JR.)
New York Rangers
Round: 1 : Gabriel Perreault - Forward USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 3 : Drew Fortescue - Defenseman USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 5 : Rasmus Larsson - Defenseman Vasteras Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 6 : Dylan Roobroeck - Forward Oshawa (OHL)
Round: 6 : Ty Henricks - Forward Muskegon (USHL)
Scouting Notes - Gabriel Perreault
The US National Team Development Program’s single-season scoring record was broken this year, and not by Will Smith, Oliver Moore, or Ryan Leonard, the players hogging all of the attention on this team. Gabe Perreault, the youngest son of former Chicago Blackhawk Yanic, put up an unbelievable 132 points in 63 games this season at The Program. Despite being the most prolific NTDP scorer of all time, scouts are fairly divided on Perreault and what his upside is.
Playing on a line with Smith and Leonard, Perreault was far from a passenger. Gabe’s best asset is his hockey IQ, and his chemistry with Smith was proof of how well he reads the game. While Leonard did a lot of the dirty work, Smith and Perreault were making elite passing plays and finding each other through the tightest of windows. Gabe has a knack for being in the right spot at the right time to create a scoring chance, and would often come in late as the third man to finish a play started by one of his linemates. His physical tools are less than ideal however for a high-end prospect. He has an awkward, hunched over stride that doesn’t generate a ton of speed and may take years to fix, and as a smaller wiry forward you might not see him making a real impact in the NHL for a long time.
Ottawa Senators
Round: 4 : Hoyt Stanley - Defenseman Victoria (BCHL)
Round: 5 : Matthew Andonovski - Defenseman Kitchener (OHL)
Round: 7 : Owen Beckner - Forward Salmon Arm (BCHL)
Round: 7 : Vladimir Nikitin - Goaltender BARYS NUR-SULTAN U20 (KAZAKHSTAN U20)
Round: 7 : Nicholas Vantassell - Forward Green Bay (USHL)
Philadelphia Flyers
Round: 1 : Matvei Michkov - Forward SKA St. Petersburg (RUSSIA)
Round: 1 : Oliver Bonk - Defenseman London (OHL)
Round: 2 : Carson Bjarnason - Goaltender Brandon (WHL)
Round: 3 : Egor Zavragin - Goaltender Khanty-Mansiysk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Round: 3 : Denver Barkey - Forward London (OHL)
Round: 4 : Cole Knuble - Forward Fargo (USHL)
Round: 4 : Alex Ciernik - Forward Sodertalje (SWEDEN-2)
Round: 5 : Carter Sotheran - Defenseman Portland (WHL)
Round: 6 : Ryan Macpherson - Forward Leamington (GOJHL)
Round: 7 : Matteo Mann - Defenseman Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Scouting Notes - Denver Barkey
Ranked #79 by NHL Central Scouting, Barkey’s skill level and vision is of an early draft pick, with most questions coming due to his size and current strength. Putting that aside, this kid has the natural ability offensively. Whether its attacking 1 on 1 situations with confidence, or his playmaking ability, the Newmarket, Ontario native certainly catches attention with the puck on his stick. Smooth skating and explosive edges create separation while surveying, and could become more dynamic as his strength develops. Barkey showed improvement on his 1st OHL season, tallying 22G 37A in 61 regular season games this season vs 7G 8A in 53 regular season games a year ago.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Round: 1 : Brayden Yager - Forward Moose Jaw (WHL)
Round: 3 : Emil Pieniniemi - Defenseman Karpat Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Round: 5 : Mikhail Ilyin - Forward Cherepovets Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Round: 6 : Cooper Foster - Forward Ottawa (OHL)
Round: 7 : Emil Jarventie - Forward Ilves Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Round: 7 : Kalle Kangas - Defenseman Jokerit Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
San Jose Sharks
Round: 1 : William Smith - Forward USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 1 : Quentin Musty - Forward Sudbury (OHL)
Round: 2 : Kasper Halttunen - Forward HIFK (FINLAND)
Round: 3 : Brandon Svoboda - Forward Youngstown (USHL)
Round: 4 : Luca Cagnoni - Defenseman Portland (WHL)
Round: 5 : Axel Landen - Defenseman HV 71 Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 5 : Eric Pohlkamp - Defenseman Cedar Rapids (USHL)
Round: 7 : David Klee - Forward Waterloo (USHL)
Round: 7 : Yegor Rimashevskiy - Forward Dynamo Moscow Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Seattle Kraken
Round: 1 : Eduard Sale - Forward Brno (CZECHIA)
Round: 2 : Carson Rehkopf - Forward Kitchener (OHL)
Round: 2 : Oscar Fisker Molgaard - Forward HV 71 (SWEDEN)
Round: 2 : Lukas Dragicevic - Defenseman Tri-City (WHL)
Round: 3 : Caden Price - Defenseman Kelowna (WHL)
Round: 4 : Andrei Loshko - Forward Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Round: 5 : Kaden Hammell - Defenseman Everett (WHL)
Round: 6 : Visa Vedenpaa - Goaltender Karpat Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Round: 6 : Zeb Forsfjall - Forward Skelleftea Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 7 : Zaccharya Wisdom - Forward Cedar Rapids (USHL)
St. Louis Blues
Round: 1 : Dalibor Dvorsky - Forward AIK (SWEDEN-2)
Round: 1 : Otto Stenberg - Forward Frolunda Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 1 : Theo Lindstein - Defenseman Brynas (SWEDEN)
Round: 3 : Quinton Burns - Defenseman Kingston (OHL)
Round: 3 : Juraj Pekarcik - Forward Nitra (SLOVAKIA)
Round: 4 : Jakub Stancl - Forward Vaxjo Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 5 : Paul Fischer - Defenseman USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 6 : Matthew Mayich - Defenseman Ottawa (OHL)
Round: 7 : Nikita Susuyev - Forward Spartak Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Tampa Bay Lightning
Round: 2 : Ethan Gauthier - Forward Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
Round: 4 : Jayson Shaugabay - Forward Warroad (HIGH-MN)
Round: 6 : Warren Clark - Defenseman Steinbach (MJHL)
Round: 7 : Ethan Hay - Forward Flint (OHL)
Scouting Notes - Jayson Shaugabay
No player in Minnesota hockey was more dominant than Shaugabay this past season for Warroad scoring 96 points in 31 games. Shaugabay displays high-end vision and anticipation with the puck on his stick. He has elite offensive instincts that will translate to the USHL/College level. Away from the puck Shaugabay still needs to develop, specifically in the defensive zone. Shaugabay will be heading to Duluth where many believe that these poor habits will be fixed by playing in Duluth's structure.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Round: 1 : Easton Cowan - Forward London (OHL)
Round: 5 : Hudson Malinoski - Forward Brooks (AJHL)
Round: 6 : Noah Chadwick - Defenseman Lethbridge (WHL)
Vancouver Canucks
Round: 1 : Tom Willander - Defenseman Rogle Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 3 : Hunter Brzustewicz - Defenseman Kitchener (OHL)
Round: 3 : Sawyer Mynio - Defenseman Seattle (WHL)
Round: 4 : Ty Mueller - Forward Nebraska-Omaha (NCHC)
Round: 4 : Vilmer Alriksson - Forward Djurgarden Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 4 : Matthew Perkins - Forward Youngstown (USHL)
Round: 6 : Aiden Celebrini - Defenseman Brooks (AJHL)
Vegas Golden Knights
Round: 1 : David Edstrom - Forward Frolunda Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Round: 3 : Mathieu Cataford - Forward Halifax (QMJHL)
Round: 3 : Arttu Karki - Defenseman Tappara Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Round: 6 : Tuomas Uronen - Forward HIFK Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Washington Capitals
Round: 1 : Ryan Leonard - Forward USA U-18 (NTDP)
Round: 2 : Andrew Cristall - Forward Kelowna (WHL)
Round: 4 : Patrick Thomas - Forward Hamilton (OHL)
Round: 5 : Cameron Allen - Defenseman Guelph (OHL)
Round: 7 : Brett Hyland - Forward Brandon (WHL)
Round: 7 : Antoine Keller - Goaltender Geneve Jr. (SWISS-JR.)
Winnipeg Jets
Round: 1 : Colby Barlow - Forward Owen Sound (OHL)
Round: 3 : Zach Nehring - Forward Shattuck-St. Mary's (HIGH-MN)
Round: 5 : Jacob Julien - Forward London (OHL)
Round: 5 : Thomas Milic - Goaltender Seattle (WHL)
Round: 7 : Connor Levis - Forward Kamloops (WHL)
Scouting Notes - Colby Barlow
Colby Barlow scores goals. Plain and simple. He can score any type of goal from anywhere in the offensive zone, and he will score goals in the NHL. Whether it’s sniping from the half wall on the power play, or banging away at a rebound in the paint, Barlow’s mission is to put the puck in the net. He has an excellent knack for finding soft spots in the offensive zone and getting himself open to unleash his howitzer of a shot, and with even the smallest bit of space he can let his wrister go. He scored 46 goals in the OHL this season, and it’s hard to imagine he doesn’t lead the league in goals next year.
Barlow’s goal scoring is the main appeal, and at times it feels like he forgets there’s more to being a good hockey player than just scoring goals. When he has a scoring opportunity, he hustles and will take contact, but when he’s defending or forechecking he seems far less interested. He doesn’t consistently do the little things that make an offense tick, he wants his linemates to do the dirty work and set him up. His skating is also a work in progress–it isn’t bad but it isn’t great. He lacks separation speed and there’s little explosion in his first stride, which is more of a concern for him than some other top prospects because Barlow is already very physically mature. It’s hard to imagine a situation where Barlow is not a contributor in the NHL to some degree, but he will need to do a lot of maturing over the next few years to get there.
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