Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson and Benson are already in the NHL, but picks No. 4 through 10 from the 2023 NHL draft are still showing tons of promise, writes Tony Ferrari.

If you're impressed by the first four players from the 2023 NHL draft to stick in the league, just wait until the rest of the top 10 join them.

First overall pick Connor Bedard is already cooking at the NHL level for the Chicago Blackhawks, currently on pace for 48 goals on the year. The Anaheim Ducks have Leo Carlsson on a strength and conditioning schedule, which limits the number of games he plays, but he’s asserted himself as their No. 1 center despite that. Adam Fantilli has already shown to be one of the most complete forwards on the Columbus Blue Jackets roster. Even 13th overall pick Zach Benson has made an immediate impact in the NHL with the Sabres despite missing time with injury.

Aside from those four players, the rest of the 2023 draft class is shining outside of the NHL, making their mark in their respective leagues while showing growth from last year. Let’s look at the rest of the top 10 draft choices from June’s draft to see how they are doing as they start their draft-plus-one seasons.

No. 4 Overall, San Jose Sharks: Will Smith, C, Boston College (NCAA)

One of the most dynamic puckhandlers in the 2023 NHL draft class, Will Smith is as advertised at Boston College this fall. His 16 points in 12 games are good for second on the team behind linemate Gabe Perreault, who he tore it up with at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program last year as well. Smith is a consistent driver of play when he is on the ice, creating offense at will.

Smith could walk onto the San Jose Sharks and be one of their most dangerous forwards, but with the disarray of the Sharks on the ice this year, why bother bringing him into that environment? Even if Smith turns pro after this season – which isn’t out of the question – it may not be worth it for San Jose. Let him go back to college, compete for a national title and try to win the Hobey Baker as a sophomore before turning pro.

No. 5 Overall, Montreal Canadiens: David Reinbacher, RHD, EHC Kloten (Swiss League)

It's a bit of a slow burn this year for Reinbacher. He suffered a knee injury early in the season and missed almost three weeks of action. He returned for four games now but hasn’t quite looked like himself, lacking confidence with the puck and playing with a great deal of trepidation. Kloten hasn’t been good as a whole, and a recent coaching change could help get Reinbacher back on track.

There were plenty of detractors when Montreal selected Reinbacher, but the Habs believed in the two-way defender's upside and potential as a minutes-munching pillar on the back end. 

There is plenty of time to turn things around. There is also the very real possibility Montreal recalls Reinbacher to North America as soon as the Swiss National League season is over, giving him the opportunity to play in either the AHL or NHL.

No. 6 Overall, Arizona Coyotes: Dmitriy Simashev, LHD, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)

Although he continues to be snake-bitten offensively, Simashev’s upside remains incredible. 

The young Russian defender is a fixture in the Lokomotiv lineup, bringing his impressive mobility and intelligence to the ice every time he hops over the boards for a shift. His defensive play remains his biggest strength, defending in transition and in the zone efficiently.

Simashev’s offensive production may not be much to write home about, but his flashes of offensive potential remain tantalizing. He scored the overtime-winner in his most recent game on an excellent play. 

Much of Simashev’s lack of offensive production comes from a system that isn’t big on getting defenders involved, but if he can find a way to force himself into the play a bit more often, he could be a scary two-way presence.

No. 7 Overall, Philadelphia Flyers: Matvei Michkov, RW, Sochi (KHL)

There were many concerns leading up to the draft on whether Matvei Michkov wanted to come to the NHL when his KHL deal expires after 2025-26. He met with teams prior to the draft and assured a few of them he would be interested in joining them and that winning the Stanley Cup was his ultimate goal. The Flyers were one of those teams, and they were ecstatic to add him to their stable of young, promising players.

Michkov rewarded Philadelphia's faith with a highly productive season in the KHL, leading all U-22 players in points per game since being loaned to Sochi after just one game with SKA. Sitting with 11 goals and 24 points in 26 games, Michkov has proven all of the doubters wrong to this point – including SKA. He had an excellent pre-season with SKA and then found himself as the odd man out, just as he did last year. 

The loan to Sochi was a godsend for the Flyers prospect, as he has been able to dominate just as he did toward the end of last season.

No. 8 Overall, Washington Capitals: Ryan Leonard, RW, Boston College (NCAA)

Recently playing alongside NTDP linemates Will Smith and Gabe Perreault, the Washington Capitals' top prospect has picked up exactly where he left off last season. 

Although his scoring totals aren’t quite at the level of his linemates, Leonard is the engine that makes the line run as well as it does. His power and speed combination bring a unique element to the line that must be accounted for shift in and shift out.

Leonard is a bit of a unicorn stylistically. Although he is just six-feet and 190 pounds, he plays as if he were three inches taller and 30 pounds heavier. He has the skill to deke and dangle a defender, but his willingness to drop his shoulder and attack downhill like an NFL running back makes him a player any team could use. He is a power forward in every sense of the word.

No. 9 Overall, Detroit Red Wings: Nate Danielson, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Danielson was a divisive selection by the Red Wings – some felt they opted for a safe player with limited upside over a high-upside impact player. 

Danielson then had an impressive rookie tournament and blew everyone away in training camp. There was even some discussion on whether the Wings should think about keeping him around longer.

Danielson's scoring at a slightly lower clip than he did last year on an improving Brandon Wheat Kings team. Danielson’s two-way game has long been praised, and it’s something he’s still working on in the WHL this season. 

The Red Wings may have opted for the safe pick in the top 10 for a second year in a row, but Danielson has shown some impressive flashes of skill this season. He is also diversifying his offensive game and becoming more of a playmaker this season.

No. 10 Overall, St. Louis Blues: Dalibor Dvorsky, C, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

This was supposed to be the year Dvorsky took on the SHL and found a way to make an impact at the top pro level in Sweden. Unfortunately, Dvorsky didn't establish himself, and he played under 10 minutes a night towards the end of his SHL run. 

Dvorsky made the decision to join the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL to ensure he could develop and get into game action.

Dvorsky is a highly productive player with the Wolves. His eight goals rank second on the team, and his 15 points are good for fifth on the squad despite playing in 12 of the team’s 20 games. 

Dvorsky found instant chemistry with linemates Quentin Musty and David Goyette. Getting consistent playing time, an opportunity to be ‘The Guy’ on a contending team, and allowing himself to develop are all good things for the Slovak center.