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We seldom see them play big minutes in a good league, though even when theyre on the older side, like Reinbacher is with his October birthday. Wins it in OT for !!! Follow Scott on Twitter @scottcwheeler, Matvei Michkov. Tristan Bertucci, LHD (Flint) Western Hockey League makes changes to upcoming draft I love the way he shields pucks and waits for his opportunities to attack. Axel Sandin Pellikka is a right-handed offensive defenseman who has put up points at a remarkable rate in J20 Nationell, the top Swedish junior league. As always, Ive broken down the full ranking into tiers to give you a better sense for the fluidity within groupings and the drop-offs between them. Go Premium for Elite Prospects Support. Scott Wheeler covers the NHL draft and prospects nationally for The Athletic. Hes got an impressive one-timer from the right flank and can really lean into and rip his catch-and-release or in-stride wrister. 2023 WHL Draft Ranking Update: . On talent, and upside, and pedigree, his game checks all three boxes. Hes a multi-dimensional forward who has quick acceleration, can handle the puck at speed and change tempos in control, can shape play by opening up his hips to go heel-to-heel, thrives in traffic, is a dual shot-pass threat, plays one step ahead of the game in possession, supports the play effectively, problem-solves as well as anyone in this class (in an age group that is full of intelligent playmakers), works his tail off off the puck to keep his energy up (he plays heavier and scrappier than he looks, too), and sets the pace for his line (whether by picking it up or slowing it down to use his creativity). Still, though he is a dominant junior player and could chase down a 50-goal season this year, its also fair to ask if his advanced growth gives him less runway for improvement (he really does look like a man already). I love the way he slows down the game, adjusts and maneuvers his frame and shades pucks. WHL Draft - WHL Prospects The only player to ever score at a rate of two points per game on the U18 team for a full season is Jack Hughes, you might have heard of him. He is a mobile defenseman who fits the mold of the modern puck-moving defender and power play quarterback. 2023 NHL Draft top 32 prospects: Scott Wheeler's preseason rankings There have been Lane Hutson (2022 Draft), Olen Zellweger (2021 Draft), Logan Stankoven (2020 Draft), and Cole Caufield (2019 Draft), to name a few. Carson Bjarnasson, G, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL), 47. In order to get away from scouting peewees, the WHL instituted a bantam draft. Hes excellent on the wall in puck protection and also has some outside-in skill so that he can attack off of holds into the middle third. When he plays with pace and intention, hes both effective and flashes his skill in all three zones. 2 in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft with the pick between Bedard and Yager (he and Yager were actually teammates in minor hockey), is a talented and hardworking playmaker who keeps himself involved in the play off the puck and then makes plays between battles in possession of the puck. Ethan Gauthier is one of the most consistent players in this draft class in terms of effort and habits, not just production. Hes got a great release. Emil Jarventie, LW, Ilves U20 (U20 SM-sarja, 64. Hes a big winger whose game really fit right from the get-go on North American ice, quickly establishing himself as a a go-to player in all-situations for the Giants (even though he was an underager, Slovakia was playing him a ton early on in the world juniors, too). 2022 WHL Prospects Draft Tracker - Vancouver Giants Increasingly, Ive been impressed by his agility in and out of breaks and cuts (his skating is a real asset for him and particularly impressive through his edges and crossovers, though he can get going the length of the ice too). Adam Fantilli is an absolute monster with the puck, with the skill, skating, and strength to beat defenders no matter how they attack him. While Bedard scores by trying to shoot a wrister as hard as possible, trying to punch a hole through the goalie, Michkov will outsmart the defense and score by finding holes in coverage. Hes got really quick side-to-side hands, a hardshot that rattles off of his stick, and quick crossover patterns that allow him to use those hands to get to places where he can look to shoot. The SHL demands a lot of players when it comes to physicality and defensive effort, both of which Carlsson has excelled at. whl - PuckPreps Hes a versatile, hard-working player who excels in pretty much every facet of the game, gets to the middle of the ice, and makes plays around the net through skill and timing. Carlssons ability to find and make space off the puck is also impressive for such a young player playing against grown men. Not Clayton Keller. Without further ado, let's get to the 2023 draft board. This kid is as prolific from long distance as any shooter Ive ever scouted. Draftpro - an Introduction to The 2023 Draft Class - Whl He buzzes around the ice and does such a good job releasing from one battle or chance to hunting or getting open for the next one. Related: Every NHL Teams Top Prospect Midseason Update. Id eagerly bet on him. He has the tools to be a top-16 player in the draft easily, but I want to see some more offense from him in the OHL before I increase his ranking that much. He works hard when hes on the ice, making high effort plays without the puck that give me more confidence that he will continue to play as a center in the NHL. There were a lot of nights last season, on an Ice team that boasted half a dozen of the better forwards and two of the top defencemen in the WHL, where this kid was the best player on the ice (which included himleadingthem in scoring in the playoffs with 23 points in 15 games) as a 16-year-old. This ranking follows my way-too-early top 26 and my preseason top 32 (released in August). Logan Cooley2. Hes a rare kind of player where hes got A-grade tools across the board, and star talent in spades, but hes also got an efficiency to his game that is incrediblyrare for a skilled player (especially one his age). And despite suffering a lower-body injury in a KHL preseason game, Michkov (who played to a goal a game last year in the MHL) played to a goal a game in Russias second-tier VHL and has been very productive for his age since the move to Sochi in the KHL. His statistical profile is really strong and continued progress in his skating (which has also noticeably improved this year) will keep it that way into the NHL. Hes a strong, pro-built, physically mature winger (some of which is a benefit of his 2004 birthday, but some of which is obviously a credit to the work he has put into filling out his frame he really does look sturdy) who likes to shoot the puck and shoots it hard, but also regularly beats defenders and goalies one-on-one with a slick set of hands across his body so that they cant plan for the shot. Dower Nilsson doesnt have Lekkerimakis shot or Ostlunds passing ability, but his offensive IQ is terrific and he has shown the ability to produce at an incredible pace without any other high-end scorers around him to help him pick up a few points here and there. Try a week on us. After the season, the WHL holds a draft specifically to allow teams to add bantam players in an orderly manner to their protected lists. Elite Prospects - CCHL Bantam Protected Draft 2023. This ranking follows my way-too-early top 26, my preseason top 32 (released in August), and my preliminary top 64 (released in November). Hes also not fast despite his strength, although he has made progress in his skating and does at times look powerful in straight lines. He also hunts pucks and applies pressure with the best of them, and his motor doesnt stop, bouncing from one won battle to the next. Jake Leschyshyn (/ l s n / leh-SIH-shuhn; born March 10, 1999) is an American-born Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Aiden Fink, RW, Brooks Bandits (AJHL), HM: Ian Scherzer, C, Rgle BK J20 (J20 Nationell), HM: Gracyn Sawchyn, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL), HM: Isac Born, C, Frlunda J20 (J20 Nationell), HM: David Edstrom, C, Frlunda J20 (J20 Nationell), HM: Noel Nordh, LW/RW, Bryns IF J20 (J20 Nationell), HM: Zeb Forsfjll, C, Skellefte AIK J20 (J20 Nationell), HM: Jakub Dvorak, LD, Bl Tygri Liberec (Czechia). Ethan Miedema, LW (Kingston) WHL Prospects Im prepared to stick my neck out on Perreault at this point. The pro build, mentality and scoring tools are very appealing though and there will be teams that fall in love with his game/makeup. Barlows size, strength, and maturity as a teenager lead me to believe he could have a real shot at making the NHL out of training camp for whichever team selects him, hes that talented and reliable. Not Phil Kessel. Hell make the soft play to the middle of the ice from the perimeter, or go there to get to rebounds or position himself on screens/tips. Dvorsky is a highly-talented and intelligent playmaker who can threaten defenders and coverage in a variety of ways, whether thats carving them up in control and finishing cleanly from the home plate area, or sliding off of coverage to find pockets of space to get open into. NHL Draft 2023 top 64 prospects: Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli headline The annual Western Hockey League bantam draft coming on May 7 will be full of mixed emotions for hundreds of Grade 9 kids in Western Canada and parts of the United States. Scouts are having a tough time slotting him due primarily to so-so production this season (though staff with Frolunda insist he has been better than his numbers at the J20 level and that has been reflected in several stints with the SHL. If he can add another gear (or two) to his max speed, Benson would be an absolute force in transition. Hell make plays through seams. The 2023 draft is led by three maybe four A-plus (or close) prospects at the very top, a superb collection of high-end talents at forward behind them that will run deep into the first round and produce additional stars, and better depth on defence and in net than I anticipated when the year started. Eduard Sale is a great offensive winger who currently leads all U20 players in scoring as a 17-year-old in the top Czechian professional league. Final Thoughts: John Reid Memorial Tournament 2023 Joel Henderson. Roman Kantserov, LW/C, Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL_, 53. One of the most surprising junior players so far this year is Lukas Dragicevic who has put up points at well above a point per game rate in the WHL from the back end, making him the highest scoring defender in the league as of writing. He can beat you by pushing through lanes to the middle third, driving the net, or dropping a shoulder to take space that isnt there. He is on the younger side of the draft class with a July birthday so he has plenty of time to grow into the potential that he has shown thus far and increase his draft stock. February 2023 OHL Draft Ranking Update Jordan Malette 2023 Canada Winter Games Recap - Eastern Canada Brayden Olafson 2023 Canada Winter Games: Gold Medal Game Report - Team Saskatchewan Joel Henderson 2023 Canada Winter Games: Gold Medal Game Report - Team Ontario Jordan Malette Four 2005-born standout defenders in the CHL Sam McGilligan Because of his genetics, he should add the necessary weight and strength eventually. Scouts are fascinated by his power forward package and size down the middle (following a move to centre from the wing as a 16-year-old). Reinbacher is looking like a potential top-four mainstay in the NHL with exciting defensive potential. His combination of speed and effort will make him a very flexible player who can fill in whatever role is needed of him, which has earned him the second-line center spot for a stacked University of Michigan team. Hes not the most cerebral player and he can be a little too net-focussed at times, but hes the kind of player who will score, add physicality to a line, and slide up and down a top nine in an NHL lineup while endearing himself to his coaches. He can beat you carrying the puck in rotations around the perimeter of the offensive zone. And this season theres no doubt: Hes the best forward on arguably the CHLs most talented team at forward. The raw potential is there in spades and the production is starting to catch up to it. I think its only a matter of time until he starts to produce more consistently. Michael Hrabal, G (Omaha) Once he refines his game some more and adds more muscle as he ages, watch out. His play in transition leaves something to be desired, but once hes in the offensive zone his ability to maintain control of the puck and make smart passes at an efficient rate makes him a consistent threat. Holding steady at about two points per game, Cristall has already shown improvements following his impressive 69-point WHL rookie season last year. His playmaking skills either at full speed or after settling in the offensive zone are impressive and make him a very mobile and skilled threat whenever he has the puck. He walks the line and bends coverage as an impressive and tactical power-play quarterback. One of the most skilled and slippery players in this draft is Andrew Cristall, the only draft eligible player in the WHL who has been able to roughly keep pace with Bedard in terms of production this year. But hes also sturdy for his size, which allows him to extend plays, hang onto pucks when a quick attack isnt there, or delay for his linemates. Jesse Nurmi, LW, KooKoo U20 (U20 SM-sarja), 58. Jake Leschyshyn - Wikipedia Its not often we see players his size who can move like him. There are some whod like to see him get to the guts of the ice and battle a little more (he glides a little too much off of the puck offensively and defensively). This year, after getting off to a bit of a slow start (one goal and five points in his first eight games), he has really come on. Reinbachers a solid forward and backwards skater (though he can look a little stilted at times) who gaps well and defends the rush effectively with a noticeably long stick. Last added: Carter Joo. Oliver Moore is one of the best skaters in this draft class with blazing speed and solid agility. Calgary, Alta. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. And he always seems to be around it. While hes got some work to do to get a little quicker from the jump in the games 10-foot races, he does have some power and balance through his stride to build upon and skates pretty well for his size and age. The 2021 WHL Prospects Draft Pre-Show begins with co-hosts Chris Wahl and Taylor Rocca at 9:30 a.m. MT, with live draft coverage beginning at 10 a.m. MT. It will be followed by my midseason top 64 (released in February), an updated top 32 following U18 Worlds. Nicknamed Big Rig when he was at the program, Stramel is a heavy but not doughy kid whoseathletic, muscular build jumps out at you right away. And while he may not be a driver on a top-six line, its not hard to imagine him as a first- or second-line playmaker who makes finishing plays off of a drivers work and does damage on PP1. While this draft is the first opportunity for teams to select bantam players, it is not the last chance for a player to be listed. Theres a lot of belief out there that hes going to be a good, well-rounded NHLer. WHL announces details for 2022 WHL Prospects Draft Lottery and Now that the 2023 World Juniors are firmly in the rearview mirror, it's time to take another deep-dive into the top prospects for the 2023 Draft. Michkov wasnt earning regular minutes in the KHL earlier this year, so he was loaned to HK Sochi which is one of the KHLs bottom feeders so that he could get substantial ice time. He has struggled in spurts with the pace required of centres at higher levels (whether that be last summers world juniors, or the pro game, he could stand to get and play a little quicker) and some scouts worry about his consistency at five-on-five, but he has shown important progress on that front and showed well at this winters world juniors at evens. He can slow it down and pick things apart or hurry up his passes through holes. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. At the time of writing, he leads all defenseman in points per game and is on pace to have one of the most impressive offensive seasons in league history amongst defensemen of any age, not just draft eligible ones. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The beauty of Brindleys game is that while he may prove talented enough to play in a skill role at the NHL level, hes got the approach/tools to play an effective bottom-six game too. The big question with Dvorsky for a while was whether or not hed be a centre or a winger long term. 1 pick in the 2021 QMJHL draft and son of former 10-year NHLer Denis Gauthier, followed up a strong showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (where he scored six goals in five games) with a strong start to his draft year at the top of a stacked Sherbrooke lineup, before seeing his production taper off some as they added more talent ahead of the deadline. Reinbacher has fallen slightly on my list through no fault of his own, but because of the excellent play of prospects around him. He does a good job maintaining gaps and matching opposing forwards step-for-step skating backwards. Thats three more defencemen than my preliminary ranking, and while none still rank in the top 10 (which would be a first if it holds), theres a trio in the conversation for the 11-20 range and a ton of worthwhile second-round options behind them. Arttu Karki, LD, Tappara U20 (U20 SM-sarja), 49. Chloe Primerano was the Giants final selection in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. No, you haven't accidentally clicked a lyrics page add and been directed to an eighties anthem, it's DubNetwork Scouting's LAST REVEAL for our December Top 22 - WHL Bantam Draft prospect breakdown. He can pick apart opposing defenses with pin-point passes and sly fakes, and his effort level is admirable. His release is lightning-quick. After the draft is completed, all the remaining bantams become eligible to be listed by teams, and many will be added as spots become available on Clubs PPLs, or as a players talents improve or are more noticeable at a later date or at a higher level of hockey. Smith has turned the top-four of this draft into a top-five. You can also find an additional 32 honourable mentions below. The son of longtime NHLer Yanic Perreault and brother of Ducks prospect Jacob, Gabe doesnt have his dads defensive acumen or his brothers build (hes listed at 165 pounds now), but hes an intuitive, highly-intelligent player who sees the play develop offensively at a more advanced level than his two family members did/do and than almost anybody in the draft does. 1. One of my favourites in the 2005 age group, Wood is the youngest player in college hockey this season (he was, for a moment, its only 17-year-old) and has stepped right in to become an impactful player on a good UConn team (albeit as a winger after playing mostly centre at the Jr. A level). Hes a classic example of a jack of all trades, master of none, with solid scores across the board when it comes to defensive play, playmaking, skating and shooting, with none of those individual skills popping off the page at you. He can definitely drift a little at five-on-five but his eyes light up and his head swivels when the puck lands on his stick, and skill plays against the grain usually follow. I like the way he has learned to hunt and come up with pucks, too. Not Cole Caufield. Mikhail Gulyayev is an intelligent offensively minded defenseman who has found moderate success in the top Russian pro leagues this year while dominating the Russian junior circuit whenever he plays against his peers. Then he got back in late February and after a pointless return put up two goals on six shots in his second game back. Not Logan Cooley. Hes got quick hands one-on-one, he drops pucks back into his shooting stance effortlessly, and hes got a beautiful curl-and-drag motion. Hes great along the wall on the cycle, but he can also occasionally make a play that pulls you out of your seat. On top of it all, hes physical, hes strong in the faceoff circle, hell get after it on forecheck and track pucks, he plays with energy, hell pounce on turnovers and be opportunistic. Hes a smooth skater who is noticeable in transition for both his ability to weave up ice and facilitate and also his ability to create breakaways for himself and beat goalies one-on-one. Gabriel Szturc, C (Kelowna) 10 Puck Touches: . After the 1st round, the Clubs select in order from fewest to most regular season points. Hes a good skater and should pick up another step as he gets stronger. NHL. I think hes going to be a star regardless. I believe Michkov could still easily be the second overall pick even though hes playing in Russia and has a contract that will keep him playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) for three full seasons following the draft. When hes around it, he can be a handful. He has a high floor and should safely become a strong third-line player but also has the upside to become more if things really click in his north-south game at the next level. Will Smith has established himself as one of the very best prospects in this draft with his continued dominance as a member of the United States National Team Development Program where he is scoring just under two points per game. Michkov is, without question or hesitation, the best prospect Ive ever ranked at No. Some scorers tunnel-vision the net and even though the goalie is his focus, theres a lot to his game between the offensive-zone blue line and the shot he takes thats inventive. Max Domi (F) Its impossible not to. Hes also going to be an able penalty killer, which should give him all-situations upside at the next level. Brayden Yager has been talked about in the public scouting sphere for nearly as long as Connor Bedard, being drafted third overall in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft and winning the CHL Rookie of the Year award last year on the back of a remarkable 34-goal, 59-point rookie season. About 2023 Draft Nhl Prospects . 2022-2023 regular season player stats for CSDHL 13U, including top goal scorers, most games played, PPG leaders and more. With the puck on his stick, hes a treat to watch. The top pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Musty is one the focal points of the Wolves offence and would be their leader in shots on goal, assists and points were it not for a few weeks lost in January to a hand injury (following up on a strong showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this summer). Calgary, Alta. He goes to the front of the net and will bail out to make effort plays. And even at 6-foot-2 and about 200 pounds, hes one of the best skaters in this draft. He doesnt have any one skill that really pops out at you, but I find that hes good at pretty much everything. Hes got everything else you look for in a dynamic play creator, too. He looks to take instead of give in the neutral zone, regularly stepping up to try to bump puck carriers off possession and force dumps (though there are times when that style can leave him chasing if his timings off or hes flatfooted). He is very intentional with his routes, offensively and defensively, which should help him stick at the centre position long term. WHL Clubs send scouts to watch first-year bantams from the start of the minor hockey season. The U18 teams first line of Smith, Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault has been piling up points and attention (deservedly so) this year, but Ive been as impressed by Moore and the offence he has created as the focal point of its second line. 2023 Whl Bantam Draft - Elite Prospects 2023 Whl Bantam Draft Add to Favorites This is a custom user-submitted ranking. Theres the pinpoint accuracy from impossible angles. This had many drawbacks including the need for extensive scouting systems along with the related expense, as well the added pressure on peewee-aged players (12-13 year-olds). Hes got unbelievably quick hands and the loose grip that all great handlers have. 2023 WHL Draft Ranking Update: December Edition - PuckPreps Subscribe Now. Hes also dangerous inside the offensive zone from the top of the circles in, with a quick-release wrister (one of the faster releases in the draft) that comes off of his blade hard and with a slight, goalie-fooling adjustment pre-shot, impressive puck skill in congested areas, an ability to attack in bursts and make something happen out of dead plays, and an equal ability to play off of coverage and make himself available for his linemates.