Sportsnet's 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings: April Edition

That’s it, it’s over, the end of Connor Bedard’s WHL career. With 11 goals and 20 points in seven games, Bedard almost single-handedly eliminated the third-seeded Saskatoon Blades in the first round of the WHL playoffs. His sixth-seeded Pats gave everything they had, but came up short in game seven.  His first (and last) junior playoff experience was certainly memorable. 

But what’s next for the 17-year-old phenom? It’s not likely he will represent Canada at the world U18’s, which starts April 20th in Switzerland. Hockey Canada quietly announced its staff, but not the roster, as it can change depending on who may come available based on the CHL playoffs. Bedard was not on the first trip over to Switzerland, which left from Toronto Tuesday night. As previously mentioned in this space, it’s possible he plays for Canada at the men’s worlds, in Finland/Latvia beginning May 12th. 

In the meantime, after a short rest, Bedard will be working towards the NHL Combine. The annual event is the last stop on the scouting schedule and will take place in Buffalo from June 4-10. Ninety-six players have been invited to Buffalo, not including Russian or Belarusian players who played overseas. 

One name that is on the list is Russian-born Aydar Suniev who is currently with BCHL Penticton. Suniev had 45 goals and 45 assists for 90 regular season points, good enough for third place in the league, behind Vees’ teammates/brothers Bradly and Josh Nadeau. Bradly is ranked No. 19 on NHL Central Scoutings mid-term rankings. Suniev was ranked No. 35 on Central’s midterm list.

Michigan’s Adam Fantilli captured the Hobey Baker award, yet still sits a distance behind Bedard. With Leo Carlsson continuing to have success in the SHL, he too is pleading his case to be the second name called at the draft. Matvei Michkov has had to deal with the unthinkable with the tragic passing of his father, not to mention the ongoing geopolitical situation. All three players are deserved to be in the No. 2 conversation.

As we move into the next tier of players, there’s an abundance of slightly undersized, yet ultra-skilled forwards. What will be the determinant that puts one ahead of the other will be team-based. Some will key in on character, while others will try and do the analytical deep dive. 

Defencemen will be at a premium, despite a second-half emergence by a number of them. This list has no goalies on it, but there are three of them, Carson Bjarnason of Brandon, Adam Gajan of world junior fame, and the six-foot-six Michael Hrabal from USHL Omaha who could all crack the top 32. 

With playoffs continuing scouting staffs are spread across the globe trying to see as many players in as many high-leverage situations as possible. Some players have had their last chance to make an impression and simply have to continue working towards getting picked in Nashville.

The U18 Worlds will be heavily attended by scouts and in a lot of cases, especially with teams not in the playoffs, GM’s. It pits best-on-best minus, of course, Russia and Belarus. Other than that, it’s the last international event of the season and a good way for GMs to get a cross-section of what this draft has to offer. Bear in mind that those born in 2005 and after are eligible. As a reminder, those born in 2004 are ineligible but will very likely garner plenty of consideration for the world championships in mid-May. Late 2004-born players like Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, David Reinbacher, Samuel Honzek and Charlie Stramel may all very well be in consideration to represent their countries on a bigger stage.

The next big event is May 8 when both Sportsnet and the NHL Network will stage the 2023 draft lottery. 

1.) Connor Bedard, C, Regina Pats (WHL): With nothing left to prove at the junior level, a men’s world roster spot remains possible. 

*2.) Adam Fantilli, C, U of Michigan (NCAA): Joined Jack Eichel and Paul Kariya as just the third freshman to capture the Hobey Baker Award as College Hockey’s top player. 

*3.) Matvei Michkov, RW, Sochi (KHL): Undeniably still one of the most skilled players in this class.

*4.) Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (SHL): Has backed up a successful regular season by doing historic things for a player his age, in the SHL playoffs.

5.) Will Smith, C, USNTDP: Has a bubbly personality to go along with world-class skill. Makes plays and has excellent finishing touch. 

6.) Zachary Benson, LW, Winnipeg Ice (WHL): On a team full of rock stars, first-round picks and other NHL interests, he’s the best of the lot on many nights.  

7.) Colby Barlow, RW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL): Oozes character and a skill set that screams shoot first, but not only limited to the shot option. 

8.) Ryan Leonard, RW, USNTDP: A rugged player with a motor that doesn’t quit. Competes as hard as he shoots it, and is one of the elite shooters available this year.  

*9.) David Reinbacher, D, Kloten (SUI): There’s a short gap to the next best defenceman, so there will be a number of suiters inside of ten that should be willing to make a jump. 

*10.) Samuel Honzek, LW, Vancouver Giants (WHL): He projects as an impact player who uses his size effectively to give him more space than needed to utilize his skill.

*11.) Nate Danielson, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): Is a safe pick knowing the basement is a third line, match-up centreman who has a top six ceiling. 

12.) Eduard Sale, RW, Brno (Czechia): Inconsistency in play and effort have given many scouts pause on this player. Having said that, he reads the play well, finds quiet ice and knows where to go to create offence.

13.) Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D, Skelleftea (Sweden J20): A wonderful skater who possesses high-end puck skills. Can break pucks out in a variety of ways, and is a threat in the offensive zone.

14.) Oliver Moore, C, USNTDP: The University of Minnesota commit has elite speed based on a strong, powerful stride. Beats opponents wide, and then uses quick hands to elevate the puck in tight.

15.) Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL): The scouting world appreciates the ability to balance his game, but a small dip in goal production does have some concerned. 

16.) Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (Allsvenskan): Unlike others, he didn’t see regular time in the SHL, Allsvenskan production was good, not great, but with his peers, he is an impact player. Scouts must decipher, which level of play is most indicative of future success.

17.) Daniil But, LW, Yaroslavl (KHL): Possesses all the elements to play a power forward game, although he can be a little nonchalant at times. 

18.) Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL): As Kelowna’s only real offensive threat, he was neutralized by Seattle, but a solid rebound is expected playing for Canada in Switzerland. 

19.) Oliver Bonk, D, London Knights (OHL): There is a wide range of thought on this player, but notwithstanding late-season fatigue, he’s earned enough in the regular season to garner top-20 discussion. 

20.) Matthew Wood, RW, UConn (NCAA): Didn’t get much of a look at the Hlinka, then surprised college hockey as the youngest player in the loop. That success should earn him plenty of opportunity for Canada at the world U18’s.

21.) Riley Heidt, C, Prince George Cougars (WHL): Still has room to improve in details on the defensive side and play away from the puck, but surely his greatest asset is the ability to produce points.  

22.) Gabriel Perreault, RW, USNTDP: Makes plays that even his linemates who’ve played with him all season are surprised by. 

23.) Quentin Musty, LW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL): A more effective player when playing with some bite and some consistent engagement on both sides of the puck. Points in 20 of his last 24 games including the playoffs.

24.) Charlie Stramel, RW, Wisconsin University (NCAA): World junior experience was a window into a better second half at Wisconsin. 

25.) Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Omsk (MHL): Looks like a magician against low-level MHL competition. Scouting him in a vacuum and through video may not give enough context for proper projection.

26.) Ethan Gauthier, RW, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL): Took a bit of a dip after Christmas, but as expected, his play has returned to form in the playoffs. 

27.) Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL): One of the most hotly debated prospects this draft class has to offer. UBI issues may keep him out of the OHL playoffs and U18 worlds, leaving scouts left to wonder.

28.) Gracyn Sawchyn, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL): Another light but super skilled forward. Plays top-six minutes on the deepest team in the CHL. 

29.) Kalan Lind, LW, Red Deer Rebels (WHL): Stock will rise and come back into focus as the NHL playoffs begin and remind how important it is to have a pest with skill in your lineup. 

30.) Nick Lardis, LW, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL): Continued torrid scoring pace through Hamilton’s six playoff games.

31.) Maxim Strbak, D, Sioux Falls (USHL): Hard to believe the USHL player is the same international player. Expecting a return to prominence for Slovakia the world U18s.

32.) Felix Nilsson, C, Rogle U20 (Sweden): Was an unknown at the start of the season due to lack of international experience, but has risen the most of any Swedish skater this season.