2023 NHL Draft Tracker: Catch Up with the Round 1 Results
The 2023 NHL draft began Wednesday evening. Catch up on the picks and analysis of the first round, and catch up on the final draft rankings and mock drafts.
The 2023 NHL draft is here.
Want to catch up on the final rankings, mock drafts and much more NHL draft content? Scroll past the Round 1 coverage for tons of articles to learn more about the players, the draft history and more.
Round 1 Order
Height and weight information are according to NHL Central Scouting's final rankings.
1. Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL), 5-foot-10, 185 pounds
When prodigies are identified at an early age, scouts have time to find almost as many warts as assets in their games. But Bedard is so special that the opposite has happened. As excited as people were about him in the past, they’re even more stoked now about seeing what he’ll be able to accomplish in the NHL. (NHL Draft Preview)
2. Anaheim Ducks: Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (SHL), 6-foot-3, 198 pounds
Carlsson is a player that could have gone first overall in a number of recent drafts, but with Fantilli still on the board, the question has be to be asked, “Did they galaxy brain this?” Carlsson is an impressive blend of size and skill that plays a finesse game built upon his playmaking. His shot is good and should keep goalies honest, but playmaking is his calling card. He plays center, has size and skill, but it will be the big 'what if.' (Tony Ferrari)
3. Columbus Blue Jackets: Adam Fantilli, C, Univ. of Michigan (NCAA), 6-foot-2, 195 pounds
Fantilli is what one scout calls a “new-age power forward,” a big man who can dominate physically but also has the speed to keep pace with today’s NHL. “He’s a really good combination of size and skill, and his motor is always running,” one scout said. “He plays hard. He wants to be the guy out there, and, as a freshman, you don’t see that very often in college hockey.” (NHL Draft Preview)
4. San Jose Sharks: Will Smith, C, U.S. NTDP (USHL), Six-foot, 181 pounds
Smith has been on scouts’ radars for years, and thanks to his top-end passing and shooting skills, hockey sense and compete level, he’s been consistently living up to the high bar he has set for himself. “He’s an elite playmaker, probably one of the most skilled guys in the draft,” said one scout. (NHL Draft Preview)
5. Montreal Canadiens: David Reinbacher, RHD, Kloten (Switzerland), 6-foot-2, 185 pounds
Reinbacher is tied with Thomas Vanek as the highest-drafted Austrian player. Funny enough, Vanek was also drafted in Nashville back in 2003. The Austrian-born defenseman fared well with Kloten in Switzerland this season and has the kind of size and skill set that translate well to the NHL. “There’s really nothing bad in his game,” one scout said. “He’s a good skater, he’s a good puck-mover, he has better than average skill, he has better than average compete, he has really good size. What’s not to like?” (NHL Draft Preview)
6. Arizona Coyotes: Dmitri Simashev, LHD, Yaroslavl (KHL), 6-foot-4, 198 pounds
Projections for Simashev were all over the map, with some seeing him going in the top 15 while other scouts see him dropping to early in the third. Limited viewings have something to do with that, but those who have watched him see a large specimen who could develop into a good defensive D-man. (NHL Draft Preview)
7. Philadelphia Flyers: Matvei Michkov, RW, St. Petersburg (KHL), 5-foot-10, 172 pounds
If the Flyers are willing to be patient, they could very well have a future superstar on their hands. “He has a killer instinct,” said a Russia-based scout who has had a number of viewings this season. “He can make a goal from nothing. And he wants to win every time he goes on the ice. He’s not a big man, but he has very strong legs. I wouldn’t say his skating is elite, but he’s very good in small spaces.” (NHL Draft Preview)
Also check out: The Rise, Fall and Resurgence of Matvei Michkov (by Tony Ferrari)
8. Washington Capitals: Ryan Leonard, RW, U.S. NTDP (USHL), 5-foot-11, 192 pounds
Ryan Leonard is a winger who will go through you if he doesn’t see a path around you. He attacks the middle in the offensive zone, skating downhill at defenders with speed and power while having the requisite skill level to dangle opponents when necessary. He also has a wicked release from a distance and can make tidy work of loose pucks in tight. (Tony Ferrari’s final 2023 NHL draft rankings)
9. Detroit Red Wings: Nate Danielson, C, Brandon (WHL), 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
The Detroit Red Wings have made a habit in recent years of taking the player that projects to an NHL lineup safely, albeit with questionable upside. Danielson fits that mold again. His speed and straight-line skill allow him to be a very effective transition player, but he is a plan-A offensive player who struggles when his first attempt is thwarted. It will be interesting to see how Danielson's high floor helps the Red Wings down the line with other prospects of a similar ilk in the system already. (Tony Ferrari)
10. St. Louis Blues: Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (Allsevskan), 6-foot-1, 201 pounds
The Slovakian national has amazing vision, which he pairs with skill and compete. “It’s not just the skill, vision and hands, but also the compete level,” said one scout. “He’s only going to get stronger, he’s still got a light, immature body. He’s really competitive and plays a skilled, 200-foot game.” (NHL Draft Preview)
11. Vancouver Canucks: Tom Willander, RHD, Rogle (J20 Nationell), 6-foot-1, 180 pounds
Like a growing number of European prospects, Willander is committed to playing NCAA hockey in the U.S., specifically at Boston University. He isn’t necessarily a sleeper, but it feels like there should be a bit more buzz at this point. “He’s a good skater, good defender, good puck-mover,” said another scout. “He does everything well, and he plays hard. The game comes easy for him. He’s very solid all-around, and he seems well-trained. He doesn’t get a lot of hype, but he’s had a solid year.” (NHL Draft Preview)
12. Arizona Coyotes (from OTT): Daniil But, LW, Yaroslavl (MHL), 6-foot-5, 203 pounds
Daniil But is a giant with intriguing puck skills and a great shot. He isn’t the fleetest of foot, but he is a decent skater. Despite his average mobility, he is quite good in small area instances throughout a game, showing quickness in tight spots. He could be one of the most interesting developmental prospects in the draft class. (Tony Ferrari’s final 2023 NHL draft rankings)
13. Buffalo Sabres: Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg (WHL), 5-foot-9, 163 pounds
From an offensive standpoint, there is a lot to like about Benson’s game. Even though he’s not very big, he has shown a willingness to go to high-traffic areas and be successful in junior hockey. Scouts are impressed with his agility and his ability to handle the puck in tight quarters. (NHL Draft Preview)
14. Pittsburgh Penguins: Brayden Yager, C/RW, Moose Jaw (WHL), 5-foot-11, 166 pounds
One scout summed up Yager’s season this way: the bad news is he tends to play on the perimeter, but the good news is he scored 78 points playing on the perimeter. “I view him as being a smart player, and smart players tend to figure it out,” one scout said. “Why would the kid go to the dirty areas if he can get 75 points from the perimeter? He hasn’t had to attack that area in junior, but he’ll do it if he’s forced a little bit more.” (NHL Draft Preview)
15. Nashville Predators: Matthew Wood, RW, UConn (NCAA), 6-foot-3, 193 pounds
Because he has similar dimensions and plays at Connecticut, Wood has drawn comparisons to Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson. That might be a stretch, but scouts like what they see in a big player who can create offense, as evidenced by his seven goals and 13 points for Canada at the world under-18s. They’d like him a lot more, however, if he were not a below-average skater. (NHL Draft Preview)
16. Calgary Flames: Samuel Honzek, LW/C, Vancouver (WHL), 6-foot-4, 186 pounds
The big Slovak center came over to the WHL for increased exposure and had a solid season with the Vancouver Giants. He brings an interesting mix of puck protection and skill with a big frame. When he keeps his feet moving, he is a powerful forward with some finesse and vision to his game. It’s just very inconsistent at this time. (Tony Ferrari’s final 2023 NHL draft rankings)
17. Detroit Red Wings (from NYI via VAN): Axel Sandin Pellikka, RHD, Skelleftea (SHL), 5-foot-11, 176 pounds
The calculus with Sandin Pellikka is pretty simple at this point: how much do you knock him for his frame? “In terms of actual on-ice play, Sandin Pellikka is the top defenseman,” said one scout. Either way, ‘ASP’ has impressed, both at the world juniors in a depth role and at the U-18s, where he was one of the top-scoring rearguards in the tournament for a strong Swedish side. (NHL Draft Preview)
Also check out: Axel Sandin Pellikka Has All the Moves on Defense (by Ryan Kennedy)
18. Winnipeg Jets: Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound (OHL), Six-foot, 190 pounds
It’s a down year for the OHL in terms of high-end talent, but Barlow nearly hit 50 goals and was a threat shorthanded for the Attack. “I would say he’s the best player available from the OHL,” said one scout. “Wearing the ‘C’ as a young guy, he’s got character off the charts. Last year, he was more of a shooter, but he has developed into a 200-foot player who is dangerous when he gets opportunities.” (NHL Draft Preview)
19. Chicago Blackhawks (from TB): Oliver Moore, C, U.S. NTDP (USHL), 5-foot-11, 188 pounds
While the biggest numbers on the USA Hockey National Team Development Program came from the top line, Moore finished fourth in scoring without regularly playing with elite linemates. On top of that, the University of Minnesota commit has a very specific skill that makes him appealing to NHL teams. “I’d be hard-pressed to find anyone that skates better than him in the draft,” said one scout.” (NHL Draft Preview)
20. Seattle Kraken: Eduard Sale, LW, Brno (Czechia), 6-foot-2, 174 pounds
There are a few polarizing players in this draft, and Sale is definitely at the head of the list. Nobody questions his offensive ability, but some scouts are having trouble seeing where he can fit into a lineup unless he’s on the top two lines. Scouts see Sale as more of a playmaker than a shooter, and while they’re not nonexistent, not many wingers tend to be playmakers. But if Sale finds a way to add more of a competitive dimension to his game, the Kraken will be very happy. (NHL Draft Preview)
21. Minnesota Wild: Charlie Stramel, C/W, Univ. of Wisconsin (NCAA), 6-foot-3, 212 pounds
There is a lot to like when it comes to Stramel’s size, work ethic and willingness to play a physical game. Not so much when it comes to actual execution. “He’s a beast,” said one scout. “He’s a forechecking fiend. He can be a bit of a bully, and I say that in a positive sense.” Others are not quite so effusive, saying Stramel’s offensive numbers were disappointing in his freshman NCAA season. (NHL Draft Preview)
22. Philadelphia Flyers (from LA via CBJ): Oliver Bonk, RHD, London (OHL), 6-foot-2, 180 pounds
The fact Bonk played most of last season in Jr. B may seem like a red flag, but it really isn’t: the loaded London Knights wanted the youngster to get minutes, and playing down allowed him to develop in all situations. This year, Bonk has been fantastic. “I know he’s raw and in his first year of OHL, but he has a lot of pro potential,” said one scout. “His game is evolving so much.” (NHL Draft Preview)
Also check out: Oliver Bonk Breaks Out in London (by Ryan Kennedy)
23. New York Rangers: Gabe Perreault, LW, U.S. NTDP (USHL), 5-foot-11, 165 pounds
The ultimate complementary player, Perreault is a play connector. He and Will Smith broke Auston Matthews' NTDP U-18 season scoring record of 117 points, but it’s Perreault that sits atop the list with 132. Perreault is one of the most intelligent players in the draft class. He has some skating issues that will need a fair amount of work, but his intellect makes up for it. (NHL Draft Preview)
24. Nashville Predators (from EDM): Tanner Molendyk, LHD, Saskatoon (WHL), 5-foot-11, 182 pounds
Molendyk is a wonderfully toolsy defender who should probably score more than he has because of his natural ability. He is absolutely outstanding in transition, moving the puck up the ice with effective passing and crisp skating. There may not be a defender in the draft from the CHL who is a better defender in transition.
25. St. Louis Blues (from TOR): Otto Stenberg, C/W, Frolunda (J20 Nationell), 5-foot-11, 180 pounds
Blessed with a great one-timer, Stenberg found success at the U-18s, leading the Swedes in scoring. “With Frolunda, he has been up and down, but with the national team, he’s always one of the best forwards,” said another scout. “He’s one of those guys who raises the bar when the stakes are high. Good offensive attributes.” (NHL Draft Preview)
Also check out: Game Tape with Tony: Otto Stenberg and Otto Stenberg's Potential On Display at the U-18 Worlds (by Tony Ferrari)
26. San Jose Sharks (from NJ): Quentin Musty, LW, Sudbury (OHL), 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
A playmaking power forward with an underused but excellent shot, Musty found himself just one point back of Colby Barlow for the scoring lead among OHL draft-eligible players despite playing in six fewer games. Musty improved with each passing week throughout the season. He blended power and skill, making plays with defenders on his back, finding passing lanes with ease at times. (Tony Ferrari’s final 2023 NHL draft rankings)
27. Colorado Avalanche: Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa (OHL), 6-foot-2, 185 pounds
After an up-and-down year in Oshawa, Ritchie had a solid end of the season and looked good at the U-18s. Ritchie is a good playmaker who tactically uses his passing ability to set his teammates up. The Oshawa center is a good puck transporter through the middle of the ice as well. While his offensive upside may be a question, he plays a solid all-around game that could make him valuable throughout a lineup. (Tony Ferrari’s final 2023 NHL draft rankings)
28. Toronto Maple Leafs (from BOS via WSH): Easton Cowan, C, London (OHL), 5-foot-10, 170 pounds
Cowan is a smart player who does a lot of the little things well. He has a good battle level and has displayed a lot of pro habits. He was expected to be a mid-round pick until a killer playoff helped London to the OHL final, in which he was a catalyst for the Knights in the biggest games of the year. (Tony Ferrari)
29. St. Louis Blues (from DAL via NYR): Theo Lindstein, LHD, Brynas (SHL), Six-foot, 180 pounds
Lindstein evokes both praise and questioning from talent evaluators. “He’s a very smooth skater and puck-mover, those are the attractions,” said one scout. “He can play a lot of minutes, but the question is, how big is he and what kind of game will he bring on projection at that size? Is he going to be a true offensive defenseman?” (NHL Draft Preview)
30. Carolina Hurricanes: Bradly Nadeau, C, Penticton (BCHL), 5-foot-10, 161 pounds
The top Jr. A player in the 2023 draft class, Bradly Nadeau plays with pace and skill, annihilating the competition. There are times when you worry about bad habits creeping in, but with a few years at the University of Maine, Nadeau should be able to work any of them out of his game. He is a dual-threat attacker who can blast through defensive pressure with his speed, Nadeau is a development project. (Tony Ferrari’s final 2023 NHL draft rankings)
31. Colorado Avalanche (from FLA via MTL): Mikhail Gulyayev, LHD, Omsk (KHL), 5-foot-10, 172 pounds
This year’s ‘All Gas, No Brakes’ defender is Russian blueliner Mikhail Gulyayev. He skates like the wind, has creativity with the puck in the offensive zone, and can run a power play with a high rate of success thanks to his mobility, skill, and cerebral offensive mind. His defensive game can be a bit of a mess at times, especially against bigger, stronger players, but Gulyayev has tools that can mitigate that weakness if developed properly. (Tony Ferrari’s final 2023 NHL draft rankings)
32. Vegas Golden Knights: David Edstrom, C, Frolunda (J20 Nationell), 6-foot-3, 185 pounds
While inconsistency is a common theme with draft prospects, you won’t find that issue with Edstrom, who brings it night in and night out. “He’s a very solid player,” said one scout. “You’re never disappointed when you go see him play. He missed some time around Christmas due to some shoulder problems, but he’s dependable and coachable. He’s a two-way center, nothing flashy, just solid.” (NHL Draft Preview)
2023 NHL Draft Final Rankings
- Final 2023 NHL Draft Rankings: The 120 (by Ryan Kennedy)
- Ferrari's 2023 NHL Draft Rankings: The Final Cut (by Tony Ferrari)
- Doerrie's 2023 NHL Draft Rankings: Top 64 and What Makes Team Lists Different (by Rachel Doerrie)
2023 NHL Mock Drafts
- NHL Mock Draft: Our Pick vs. the Team's Pick (by Rachel Doerrie and Tony Ferrari)
- Instant Post-Lottery Mock Draft: Bedard, Fantilli, Michkov and More (by Ryan Kennedy)
2023 NHL Draft Preview Podcasts
More on Connor Bedard
- Connor Bedard, as Seen by the Regina Pats' Photographer (by Carol Schram)
- Connor Bedard Makes History, Winning Three 2023 CHL Awards (by Carol Schram)
- Connor Bedard: The Numbers Behind the Hype (by Carol Schram)
- Connor Bedard Compared to British Columbia's Best NHL Players (by Carol Schram)
- How Does Connor Bedard Compare to Past and Current NHL Stars? (by Adam Proteau)
From The Hockey News' Team Sites
- Arizona Coyotes: Coyotes Don't Rule Out Possibility of Drafting Matvei Michkov (by Remy Mastey)
- Carolina Hurricanes: Hurricanes GM Don Waddell on Draft Philosophy: 'Passport Doesn't Really Matter' (by Ryan Henkel)
- Florida Panthers: Bill Zito Reveals Mindset of Panthers, Front Office Heading Into NHL Draft, Free Agency (by David Dwork)
- Nashville Predators: David Poile and Barry Trotz Talk Reset Strategy Ahead of NHL Draft (by Ann Kimmel)
- New York Islanders: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello Shares Pre-Draft Updates (by Stefen Rosner)
- St. Louis Blues: Trying to Fast-Track Retool, Build for Future, All Options Open for Blues at Draft (by Lou Korac)
- For much more coverage on the draft from THN's Team Sites, visit THN.com/teams or click on 'Teams' in the menu.
More 2023 NHL Draft Profiles
- NHL Draft: Zach Benson vs. Nate Danielson (by Ryan Kennedy)
- How USA's NTDP Became an NHL Draft Powerhouse (by Tony Ferrari)
- Why Timur Mukhanov Could Be the Value Pick of the Class (by Tony Ferrari)
- Adam Fantilli Would Be No Consolation Prize for the Anaheim Ducks (by Tony Ferrari)
- Otto Stenberg's Potential On Display at the U-18 Worlds (by Tony Ferrari)
- Axel Sandin Pellikka Has All the Moves on Defense (by Ryan Kennedy)
- Trey Augustine, the 'Quiet' Warrior (by Ryan Kennedy)
- Frozen Four Notebook: Adam Fantilli Wins the Hobey Baker Award (by Ryan Kennedy)
- The Rise, Fall and Resurgence of Matvei Michkov (by Tony Ferrari)
- Real Prospect Gossip: Don't Sleep on Brady Stonehouse (by Ryan Kennedy)
- Oliver Bonk Breaks Out in London (by Ryan Kennedy)
- Check out Game Tape with Tony, where Tony Ferrari interviews some of the top talent in the 2023 NHL draft and analyzes game footage with each player.
More 2023 NHL Draft Content
- Top 10 NHL Draft Busts Since 2000 (by Anthony Fava)
- NHL Draft Mailbag: What Goes on Behind the Scenes (by Rachel Doerrie)
- Ranking the Past 10 No. 1 Draft Picks from McDavid to Slafkovsky (by Sanjeevan Kandasamy)
- Nashville Revisited, 20 Years After the Stacked 2003 NHL Draft (by Carol Schram)
- All-Names Team: The Best Names in the 2023 NHL Draft (by Connor Earegood)
- NHL Scouting Combine: Key Takeaways from the Fitness Testing Results (by Carol Schram)
- NHL Draft Mailbag: Who Will Be the Best of the 2023 Class in Five Years? (by Tony Ferrari)
- Top NHL Draft Prospects Dish on Their Hardest Foes (by Ryan Kennedy)
- Panthers' Run Puts Florida Grassroots in the Spotlight (by Ryan Kennedy)
