2023 NHL Draft Thread

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Spurs

Going off that list I am going to guess it is a US based scouting group?

Yup, based out of Boston.

[Sandman]

More Draft Thoughts:

-If Adam Fantilli were a new Lamborghini Revuelto, then 6'3" 201lb Czech Center Jakub Stancl would be bread truck, and there's nothing wrong with that- after all, we need bread trucks, right? Scouts say Stancl has improved by leaps and bounds over where he was last year, in terms of his boots, and his offensive play. Still, Stancl still needs improvements to his first-step and acceleration, but once he's going, he's impossible to stop. Some time with a skating coach will benefit him, but he moves ok for a big man. This year, he played 4 different levels in Vaxjo's system in Sweden, from the J18 Region up to 8 games in 6 different call-ups with the powerhouse SHL team, who won the championship. His offensive numbers are still mediocre, with 11 goals and 17 points in 35 games with the J20 team, but getting games on a top-tier men's championship team shows that he's doing something very right. Stancl gets high grades for his mature defensive play, and the physicality and work ethic he employs while doing so. He is trusted by his coaches on the PK, and late in games with a lead to protect. He has the presence of mind to avoid mistakes, and he never gives the puck up easily, showing great puck-protection and control, while being patient and calm. His off-puck game is a plus, and he knows where to be to intercept attackers, or make himself an option for passes from teammates, then connecting with wingers on the breakout. He is an effective transitional player, and despite low numbers, he is said to be an offensive threat, with good IQ and vision, capable of creating chances for himself and his teammates. His off-puck game comes in to play here as well, as he finds spaces to go to recieve passes, and has a decent, fairly accurate shot. He has no problem handling the dirty work, fighting for contested pucks, or attacking the net-front, and he knows how to use his size. Stancl still needs to further upgrade his offensive game, his shot, and his skating, but he was ranked #72 by Bob MacKenzie. He could someday be an effective bottom-6 player in the bigs.

-6'1",195lb D Albert Wikman is not the Swedish Denis Gauthier, but it seems like he wants to be. Wikman is known as a true defensive defenseman, with physicality being one of his specialties. He has been said to have glimpses of a two-way game from time-to-time, sometimes even giving pinching-up into the offensive zone a try, but he takes a lot of pride in his own-zone play. He has some flashes of offensive IQ, being able to distribute from the blueline, and spot open lanes to get shots on net. 12 points in 43 J20 games for Farjestad, along with 11 SHL games under his belt, which shows he's doing something good. Wikman is a smooth skater, with a powerful stride, but could use some work on his top-speed. He has all of the skills you would expect a quality defensive player to have- a tight gap, good stick, positioning, and high-end anticipation to break up plays and intercept passes.He's often dominant along the boards, and in front of the net, very energetic and competitive. Wikman is not devoid of puck-skill, and creates many successful zone exits with smart, efficient breakout passes- but he can also carry through the neutral zone himself with solid stickhandling and puck-control. He's been climbing the rankings lately, even up to the second round, and # 71 by Craig Button.

-The Kingston Frontenacs finished 17th out of 20 teams in the OHL, and they finished second-last in goals-for. That's one reason why I believe 5th-overall OHL Draft selection, 5'11" RW Matthew Soto is being severely underrated. As one of the youngest players in the Draft, with an August.31st birthday, 17 year-old Soto, and fellow draft-eligible Owen Outwater, were 1 and 2 respectfully in scoring for the Fronts- not exactly the blueprint for success in junior hockey, or a breeding ground for offense. Despite the adversity, Soto put up some numbers- 15 goals and 42 points in 54 games. Obviously, with numbers like that, you can easily tell that Soto is primarily a playmaker, and he is just that, with top-tier IQ, vision, and smarts. He is adept at manipulating checkers into opening seams for him to get the puck to open teammates, and often he can pull off passes that nobody would see coming, or think possible- but most of the time, he doesn't need to be flashy and just keeps it simple and efficient. There's a decent shot in his arsenal, but he chooses to defer to his passing. Soto isn't just a one-dimensional offensive player though, as he exudes awareness defensively, with good positioning and a smart stick. He has some bad habits in this area though, as he can be guilty of puck-watching, and not being fully engaged. Soto is a good skater, light on his feet with good edges and agility, but he still has room to make upgrades to his acceleration and top-speed. At only 168lbs, he has a ton of bulking up to do, and he needs to get stronger. If he learns to shoot more, and rounds out his game, he has a shot at being a middle-six NHL player. Getting traded to another team would help, too. I'm thinking 3rd/4th round.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Sandman

-The Kingston Frontenacs finished 17th out of 20 teams in the OHL, and they finished second-last in goals-for. That's one reason why I believe 5th-overall OHL Draft selection, 5'11" RW Matthew Soto is being severely underrated. As one of the youngest players in the Draft, with an August.31st birthday, 17 year-old Soto, and fellow draft-eligible Owen Outwater, were 1 and 2 respectfully in scoring for the Fronts- not exactly the blueprint for success in junior hockey, or a breeding ground for offense. Despite the adversity, Soto put up some numbers- 15 goals and 42 points in 54 games. Obviously, with numbers like that, you can easily tell that Soto is primarily a playmaker, and he is just that, with top-tier IQ, vision, and smarts. He is adept at manipulating checkers into opening seams for him to get the puck to open teammates, and often he can pull off passes that nobody would see coming, or think possible- but most of the time, he doesn't need to be flashy and just keeps it simple and efficient. There's a decent shot in his arsenal, but he chooses to defer to his passing. Soto isn't just a one-dimensional offensive player though, as he exudes awareness defensively, with good positioning and a smart stick. He has some bad habits in this area though, as he can be guilty of puck-watching, and not being fully engaged. Soto is a good skater, light on his feet with good edges and agility, but he still has room to make upgrades to his acceleration and top-speed. At only 168lbs, he has a ton of bulking up to do, and he needs to get stronger. If he learns to shoot more, and rounds out his game, he has a shot at being a middle-six NHL player. Getting traded to another team would help, too. I'm thinking 3rd/4th round.

Soto is interesting, two years ago there was talk he could be a first rounder, injury problems and off ice problems seem to have stalled his progress but if he's around in the 4th round he could be a steal.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

-I will admit that I usually turn my nose up at prospects that are smaller than 5'10", but I recently read a description of C/W William Whitelaw that compared him to Yanni Gourde, and my eyebrows were raised. Whitelaw is small, but he has enormous heart, and plays like he's 6'2". In 2021-22, Whitelaw played at the famed Shattuck-St.Mary's School, where he produced the 10th-best U-17 season in Prep-circuit history, with 110 points in 55 games (didn't hurt that he played with Mack Celebrini). He graduated to the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL this season, where he had 61 points in 62 games, to go with 90 PIM, and then contributed 9 points in 9 playoff games en route to winning the USHL Championship. Whitelaw is like the Tasmanian Devil, with his never-ending well of energy, his relentless work ethic, killer compete level, his grit, and his bite. Despite being listed at 5'9", and a stocky 172lbs, he plays a hard, heavy game, never gives up on plays, and makes life miserable for opponents. Whitelaw is a high-end skater, with built-in shiftiness, agility, and balance, and is hard to knock off the puck. He pushes the pace, drives play, and can stickhandle and make plays at top speed. Supremely skilled, with outstanding vision and creativity, and he has an NHL-caliber shot and release. Whitelaw has good 1-on-1 skill, and can score highlight-reel goals. He can transport the puck through neutral ice, pushing pace in transition, and gain entry- and is very good at creating opportunities off the rush. He can also drive the net like a power-forward, and is tenacious on both the forecheck and the backcheck, limiting time and space for puck carriers. He is counted on to play both sides of special teams, and shows effort in all 3 zones. The one hitch he has is that his defensive game is still a work in progress, as his awareness in this zone is still catching up to his awareness in the other end of the rink. Most scouts seem to believe that Whitelaw will be shifted to the wing when he gets to the pros, but you never know- Gourde can still play C at his size, and if Whitelaw has the desire, the sky seems to be the limit. Next year, he's going to the University of Wisconsin, where Cole Caufield went. Whitelaw looks to have the ceiling of a middle-six forward. Like Stankoven, look for him in the 2nd round.

Reading about him on THW, after a 2-1 shootout victory over Cedar Rapids, his coach was quoted as saying,"...I don't think I've ever seen a hockey player work that hard. He was backchecking. He was tracking, he was heavy, he was hard. He's made for those moments. Let's be honest, Will Whitelaw is a future NHL player, and he's an unbelievable kid."

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

Soto is interesting, two years ago there was talk he could be a first rounder, injury problems and off ice problems seem to have stalled his progress but if he's around in the 4th round he could be a steal.

You seem to have a lot of knowledge, Snuffy. Please keep comments/notes/opinions/critiques coming!

[serratedmuffin]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Draft Thoughts:

-I will admit that I usually turn my nose up at prospects that are smaller than 5'10", but I recently read a description of C/W William Whitelaw that compared him to Yanni Gourde, and my eyebrows were raised. Whitelaw is small, but he has enormous heart, and plays like he's 6'2". In 2021-22, Whitelaw played at the famed Shattuck-St.Mary's School, where he produced the 10th-best U-17 season in Prep-circuit history, with 110 points in 55 games (didn't hurt that he played with Mack Celebrini). He graduated to the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL this season, where he had 61 points in 62 games, to go with 90 PIM, and then contributed 9 points in 9 playoff games en route to winning the USHL Championship. Whitelaw is like the Tasmanian Devil, with his never-ending well of energy, his relentless work ethic, killer compete level, his grit, and his bite. Despite being listed at 5'9", and a stocky 172lbs, he plays a hard, heavy game, never gives up on plays, and makes life miserable for opponents. Whitelaw is a high-end skater, with built-in shiftiness, agility, and balance, and is hard to knock off the puck. He pushes the pace, drives play, and can stickhandle and make plays at top speed. Supremely skilled, with outstanding vision and creativity, and he has an NHL-caliber shot and release. Whitelaw has good 1-on-1 skill, and can score highlight-reel goals. He can transport the puck through neutral ice, pushing pace in transition, and gain entry- and is very good at creating opportunities off the rush. He can also drive the net like a power-forward, and is tenacious on both the forecheck and the backcheck, limiting time and space for puck carriers. He is counted on to play both sides of special teams, and shows effort in all 3 zones. The one hitch he has is that his defensive game is still a work in progress, as his awareness in this zone is still catching up to his awareness in the other end of the rink. Most scouts seem to believe that Whitelaw will be shifted to the wing when he gets to the pros, but you never know- Gourde can still play C at his size, and if Whitelaw has the desire, the sky seems to be the limit. Next year, he's going to the University of Wisconsin, where Cole Caufield went. Whitelaw looks to have the ceiling of a middle-six forward. Like Stankoven, look for him in the 2nd round.

Reading about him on THW, after a 2-1 shootout victory over Cedar Rapids, his coach was quoted as saying,"...I don't think I've ever seen a hockey player work that hard. He was backchecking. He was tracking, he was heavy, he was hard. He's made for those moments. Let's be honest, Will Whitelaw is a future NHL player, and he's an unbelievable kid."

As much as the flames need to draft some defensemen I'd love to pick up another 2nd rounder for Whitelaw. I'm a sucker for undersized bulldog type players

[ForeverFlameFan]

@sandman, do you have a cut off with talent level in the first round? I’m having a hard time pin pointing:

1-6 consensus top 6 (Bedard/Michkov/Fantilli/Carlsson/Smith/Sandin-Pellekka)

And then something like 7-24? Then 24-whatever? I’d love the flames to get another pick in the top 20.

[Bingo]

Average list updated ... (McKeen's update and now 14 rankings)

No change in the top five

1 Connor Bedard C 1.00
2 Adam Fantilli C 2.00
3 Matvei Michkov RW 3.64
4 Leo Carlsson C 3.64
5 Will Smith C 5.36

One man island ...

6 Zach Benson F 7.71

Guys that should go before Calgary

7 Ryan Leonard C 10.21
8 Dalibor Dvorský C 10.29
9 Oliver Moore C 12.64
10 Colby Barlow LW 13.07
11 Axel Sandin Pellikka D 13.29
12 David Reinbacher D 13.57

Calgary's group

13 Eduard Sale RW 14.71
14 Nate Danielson C 15.21
15 Matthew Wood F 15.93
16 Brayden Yager C 16.36
17 Gabe Perreault RW 17.21

Next ones up ...

18 Andrew Cristall LW 19.31
19 Samuel Honzek C 21.71
20 Calum Ritchie C 22.43
21 Otto Stenberg C 23.21
22 Dmitri Simashev D 23.38
23 Quentin Musty LW 23.54
24 Gavin Brindley RW 24.17
25 Mikhail Gulyayev D 24.71

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Yager way down at 30.
I like McKeens because their list is different and they aren't afraid to put out a differing POV.

Yager has been dropping in several rankings. A bit of a red flag.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

Yager has been dropping in several rankings. A bit of a red flag.

Ive always found it odd how a player can rise or drop in these things when they havent played in 2 months.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Ive always found it odd how a player can rise or drop in these things when they havent played in 2 months.

A lot of sources are updating Feb - Apr lists with pre draft lists. So there will always be change.

End of season + playoffs + intl tournaments have a big impact.

[Jiri Hrdina]

I think Benson will drop from where we are seeing him in these rankings, because of his size. Similarly, I think the lists are placing dmen too low. I think we will see 3 go in the first 12, with Wallinder being the third. Though I think it will be a record low for number of dmen drafted in the first. I'll put the over under on that at 5.5. And then you will see a bit of a run on them in the early 2nd.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

I think Benson will drop from where we are seeing him in these rankings, because of his size. Similarly, I think the lists are placing dmen too low. I think we will see 3 go in the first 12, with Wallinder being the third. Though I think it will be a record low for number of dmen drafted in the first. I'll put the over under on that at 5.5. And then you will see a bit of a run on them in the early 2nd.

I could see some defensemen going high as well. It seems like there is a lot of parity in the 1st round outside of the top 10 or so. If it comes down to hair splitting and a BPA isn’t obvious, some teams might draft by position.

[Tkachukwagon]

Hockey News has an article on the 2023 NHL Draft called Our Pick vs. the Team Pick. Some interesting choices in the article, including having defenceman Reinbacher going 6th overall to the Coyotes.

Here is Calgary's pick at 16:

16. CALGARY FLAMES
Team Pick: Colby Barlow, LW | Our Pick: Brayden Yager, C

The Calgary Flames take scoring winger Colby Barlow with their first pick. The big, scoring winger from Owen Sound gets to the dirty areas and finishes chances with efficiency. His strength on the puck and ability to play through contact will serve him well in the West, adding another dimension to Calgary’s prospect pool.

We went with the smaller forward in Yager. The combination of speed and scoring prowess is difficult to ignore. While he’s smaller, he’s competitive in all zones and is able to score off-balance, making his shot unpredictable. Calgary needs players with high potential, and Yager fits the mold of a top-line player at his best. - Rachel Doerrie

[1qqaaz]

I'd be very happy with Barlow. If he fell to the Flames' spot they should take him and run, Ikea lady style.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

@sandman, do you have a cut off with talent level in the first round? I’m having a hard time pin pointing:

1-6 consensus top 6 (Bedard/Michkov/Fantilli/Carlsson/Smith/Sandin-Pellekka)

And then something like 7-24? Then 24-whatever? I’d love the flames to get another pick in the top 20.

Here's my shelves (thanks for asking):

1)Bedard
2)Fantilli
3)Carlsson
4)Smith
5)Dvorsky/Michkov
6)ASP/Reinbacher/Benson/Leonard/Barlow
7)Sale/Danielson/Wood/Moore
8)Ritchie/Willander/Heidt/Perreault
9)Musty/Gauthier/Dragicevic/Cristall/Gulyayev/Honzek/Yager
10)Stenberg/Halttunen/Ziemmer/Simashev/Nadeau/Cataford
11)Kiiskinen/But/DowerNilsson/Hameenaho/Edstrom/Lindstein/Fowler/Hrabal

Would love to see everyone's lists!

[sch19lks]

Great info Sandman, love it.

What is your opinion on Kalan Lind? I thought he was going to have a bigger year than he did

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by sch19lks

Great info Sandman, love it.

What is your opinion on Kalan Lind? I thought he was going to have a bigger year than he did

I love Kalan Lind! You're right, his offensive numbers should've been higher, but I believe he has more to show. Here's my write-up:

-I have compared LW Kalan Lind to a poor man's Brad Marchand. This is the kid who was running around, playing physical, and stirring the pot so much in the Top Prospects Game, that he had to fight 6'4" Alex Pharand. Lind is not at all afraid of the rough-going, fighting hard in the dirty areas, or driving opponents crazy. Likes to crash the net, and has a knack for scoring garbage goals, but he has a good shot from farther out as well. He might be one of the best forecheckers in this draft, and has a non-stop motor. His hard-working nature, and competitiveness makes him a quality, 200-ft player, and he uses his physicality and stick to pressure puck-carriers, and separate man from puck. Though he plays like a bull in a china shop, he also has good IQ and vision, with strong playmaking ability, and a good off-puck game. Kole Lind's brother had 44 points in 43 games for the Red Deer Rebels. He's 6'0", but is listed at only 154lbs, so he needs to seriously bulk up.

[sch19lks]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I love Kalan Lind! You're right, his offensive numbers should've been higher, but I believe he has more to show. Here's my write-up:

-I have compared LW Kalan Lind to a poor man's Brad Marchand. This is the kid who was running around, playing physical, and stirring the pot so much in the Top Prospects Game, that he had to fight 6'4" Alex Pharand. Lind is not at all afraid of the rough-going, fighting hard in the dirty areas, or driving opponents crazy. Likes to crash the net, and has a knack for scoring garbage goals, but he has a good shot from farther out as well. He might be one of the best forecheckers in this draft, and has a non-stop motor. His hard-working nature, and competitiveness makes him a quality, 200-ft player, and he uses his physicality and stick to pressure puck-carriers, and separate man from puck. Though he plays like a bull in a china shop, he also has good IQ and vision, with strong playmaking ability, and a good off-puck game. Kole Lind's brother had 44 points in 43 games for the Red Deer Rebels. He's 6'0", but is listed at only 154lbs, so he needs to seriously bulk up.

I saw him play when he was at the Hlinka last summer and fell in love with him. I figured he dropped down some lists due to a “lack” of production. I would love him in the second round

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by sch19lks

I saw him play when he was at the Hlinka last summer and fell in love with him. I figured he dropped down some lists due to a “lack” of production. I would love him in the second round

He's an agitator, a pest, and a tough nut to crack!