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USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Mary Clarke

Ranking the top-32 hockey prospects ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft

NHL Hockey Leo Carlsson NHL Draft the 2023 USA TODAY Sports Adam Fantilli Connor Bedard Matvei Michkov Will Smith

The 2023 NHL Draft is set for Wednesday and many across the hockey world are excited for the proceedings.

Now that the Stanley Cup has been awarded, the NHL offseason is set to kick into high gear. And the first of these events before the long summer break is the draft, which will see the future of hockey come together on one of the biggest nights in the sport. Hope is in the air for all 32 of the NHL’s teams, as the decisions made over the course of the draft will shape a franchise’s future.

The 2023 NHL Draft, in particular, is of high importance to fans, given the wealth of talent on display. With that being said, you may be wondering who the top prospects are ahead of one of the deepest drafts in recent memory. After all, if your favorite team has a high draft pick this year, you might be curious as to which players are on their radar.

If so, you’re in luck! Ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft, let’s take a look at the top 32 prospects to keep an eye on during the event.

1
F Connor Bedard

Position: Center
Team: Regina Pats (WHL)

What is there to say about Connor Bedard that hasn’t already been said? Bedard’s name is one hockey fans will be hearing about for years to come thanks to his exceptional talent and electric creativity with the puck. He is a bonafide star if there ever was one.

MORE: Who is Connor Bedard, the prospective No. 1 pick at the 2023 NHL Draft?

2
F Adam Fantilli

Position: Center
Team: University of Michigan (NCAA)

Adam Fantilli is as true of a power forward as they come in hockey. While not the most brilliant playmaker, Fantilli’s bread and butter is his big frame (he’s 6-foot-2, 195 pounds) and his overall puck skills. Plus, Fantilli has an incredibly effective shot, scoring 30 goals and 65 points in 36 games for the University of Michigan last season.

3
F Matvei Michkov

Position: Right wing
Team: SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL)

There’s no doubt that Matvei Michkov is one of the most talented players in this year’s draft class. Michkov’s hockey sense and overall smarts with the puck might be second-to-none, plus his shot is extremely deadly from all corners of the ice. The only issue? Michkov’s KHL contract will keep him abroad through the 2025-26 season, meaning he could slip down the ladder if NHL teams want a quicker turn around on their draft pick.

4
F Leo Carlsson

Position: Center/wing
Team: Örebro HK (SHL)

Leo Carlsson may not be the fastest hockey player on the ice, but he has more than enough elite skill to make up for it and then some. Carlsson’s puck skills and general playmaking ability have set him apart from this draft class, especially factoring in his big frame that allows him to make space for himself and his teammates.

5
F Will Smith

Position: Center
Team: United States National Team Development Program

High-end scoring and playmaking are the name of the game for Will Smith. After being named MVP of the 2023 U18 World Championships, Smith’s name has been on the rise as one of the top prospects in this year’s draft. Smith is an incredible offensive talent who has made a name for himself with his dynamic plays and exhilarating creativity.

6
F Ryan Leonard

Position: Right wing
Team: United States National Team Development Program

There’s a lot to like about Ryan Leonard’s game. He’s a very versatile player, which NHL teams love, who can slot into nearly any role you give him. The standout skills in Leonard’s game are his ability to make and take contact while also being able to generate high-danger chances at full speed.

7
F Zach Benson

Position: Left wing
Team: Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

Zach Benson is your prototypical small but extremely skilled hockey forward. What Benson lacks in size and puck strength, he makes up for with his boundless creativity on offense while showcasing a surprising depth on defense as well.

8
D David Reinbacher

Position: Defense
Team: Kloten (Switzerland)

As the likely best defenseman in this draft, David Reinbacher will generate a lot of interest from teams looking for help on the back end. Billed as a fantastic all-around defenseman with a lot of promise, Reinbacher will no doubt be tasked with a lot of tough minutes in his NHL future.

9
F Dalibor Dvorsky

Position: Center
Team: AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Dalibor Dvorsky has the makings of a great two-way player in the NHL given his size and puck controlling ability. Not only are his defensive skills solid, he even shows a dependable flash while in the offensive zone.

10
F Nate Danielson

Position: Center
Team: Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Scouts all agree that Nate Danielson’s biggest strength is his overall well-roundedness. While a play driver at his core, Danielson does still have bite to his offense that has elevated him above others in this class.