Sportsnet's 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings: November Edition

If you had told me a year ago that we’d be discussing anyone but Connor Bedard to go first overall in the 2023 NHL draft, I would’ve thought you didn’t know what you’re talking about. And while Bedard continues to dominate the WHL while maintaining a two point per game average, at least two others have joined the conversation to go first. 

One is Leo Carlsson of Sweden, who is putting up good numbers in the SHL, and was also effective in a trio of U20 games during the international break. Carlsson plays both centre and wing, he’s got good size, and excellent skating ability. He leans slightly more pass than shoot, but he’s risen tremendously since the start of the season. 

The other is Adam Fantilli from the University of Michigan, who is pacing all NCAA scorers. He's hovering around the two point per game mark, which is unheard of for a freshman. He skates like the wind and competes hard, utilizing his elite point producing abilities to help out defensively.

Both players are considerably larger than Bedard, and both have put up world-class numbers. Having said that, Bedard is clearly the best pure goal-scorer of the trio and that trait is the most coveted in the NHL, and the hardest to find in the draft. 

This conversation doesn’t include Russia’s Matvey Michkov who is currently in a long-term contract, not to mention the geo-political ramifications. In a hockey vacuum, Michkov would clearly be part of the conversation for first overall. He will remain the most fascinating player to watch leading up to and into the draft.

The high end of this year’s draft class is literally spread out across the world. This does make it more challenging for GMs, scouting directors and cross-checkers to see as much as they like, but it does also promote more input from regional or area scouts. 

A deeper dive into projected first round prospects suggests a number of highly-skilled forwards, not as many defencemen as we’re used to seeing, and maybe even a couple of goalies who end up in round one. The limited number of top-notched defencemen will likely result in those teams picking in the second half of the first round to reach in order to take a blueliner, as a way to address positional need. And since there are so many super-skilled forwards, we’re not likely to see a goalie go until past the midway point of round one, but that may also be dependent on which teams end up with multiple picks by the time we get to Nashville. 

We can’t talk about this draft class without considering this is the third year in a four-year cycle that has been impacted by the pandemic. There is great conversation ongoing in the scouting world as to how time missed will affect this draft class. One school of thought claims some time away from hockey spent to hone personal skills, improve skating, strength and stamina by way of the gym, or even increased family time, has been extremely beneficial. The flip side of the argument is the number of games missed. Typically, games present the best forum in which to develop. 

In terms of the scouting schedule, the Five Nations tournament ended with host USA Hockey winning handily. The international break also featured a prominent U20 event in Europe. 

The Five Nations tournament is normally played overseas, and is a must-see event. Because it was played in Plymouth, Mich., it afforded the opportunity for a number of GMs to attend for at least a short period of time. Several teams had multiple staff members in attendance. 

Personally, being out on the road again is a great reminder of how important it is to get live viewings of players. There’s no question that analytics and video scouting are now deeply entrenched in the scouting process, but live viewings remain the gold standard.

The attention now will turn to world junior camps, pre-tournament competition and the event itself, which kicks off on Boxing Day. We should see a number of first-year draft eligibles participating. 

And just when you thought it was time to focus on the first-year players, the U17 Challenge ended with a resounding Team USA win, thanks to record setters Cole Eiserman (2024 Eligible) and James Hagens (2025). Several, if not all teams, had scouts present for that event in order to get a little sneak-peak at the best the world has to offer for 2024 and beyond. 

As far as NHL Central Scouting goes, a more specific, numbered ranking will be released shortly after the completion of the world juniors. 

In the meantime, welcome to our November rankings.

(Player cards from Jason Bukala of The Pro Hockey Group)

1. Connor Bedard, C, Regina Pats (WHL): Selling out visiting rinks as he continues to amaze with his goal-scoring ability. 

2. Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (SHL): Numbers in SHL are eye-opening (12 points in 17 games), not to mention the combination of size, speed and skill.  

3. Adam Fantilli, C, U of Michigan (NCAA): Is putting up historic numbers as a freshman against much older competition. 

4. Matvey Michkov, RW, St. Petersburg SKA (KHL): From a pure hockey perspective, there’s no denying his star-like qualities. A lengthy contract in Russia and geo-political issues will make this player a wild-card on draft day.

5. Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL): Should benefit from slightly better match-ups with the return of Ryder Korczak to the Warriors lineup. 

6. Zachary Benson, LW, Winnipeg Ice (WHL): Super dynamic player who has elite vision, while still maintaining a high level of ability to finish. 

7. Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (Allsvenskan): Has had an up and down year, but is clearly talented enough to play regular minutes in the Allsvenskan.

8. Ryan Leonard, RW, USNTDP: Physically mature player who can impact the game with his speed, hard-nosed play and skill. 

9. Otto Stenberg, C, Frolunda (SHL): Is adept at creating chances and putting himself in scoring position.  Does he have the finish in his game to be considered elite?

10. Will Smith, C, USNTDP: Possesses great awareness and moves the puck with pace and accuracy, consistently putting teammates in position to produce.

11. Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL): Is adept in all facets of the game, yet the start of November has not been kind.

12. Kasper Halttunen, LW, HIFK (Liiga): Not quite ready to be effective playing against men, but is a beast against competition at or near his age group.

13. Colby Barlow, RW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL): No mistake he wears the 'C' at 17 years old. A true team player who adjusts his game to team needs. 

14. Riley Heidt, C, Prince George Cougars (WHL): Starting to turn it on and lead the team he’s grown up with after a couple of difficult seasons. 

15. Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Omsk (MHL): Smooth skater who pivots and edges well, giving him the ability to escape quickly and initiate the rush.

16. Oliver Moore, C, USNTDP: Plays the game at one speed and does so effectively. Would like to see him use his speed to change pace and occasionally slow the game down.

17. Jesse Kiiskinen, RW, Pelicans Jr. (FIN): The puck is attracted to him. Enjoys the goal scoring aspect of the game, but is not limited to just this one element. 

18. Theo Lindstein, D, Brynas U20 (SWE): Underwhelming in U20 league play. Missed opportunity to get back to playing with peers at the Five Nations thanks to a minor lower-body injury.

19. Nate Danielson, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): A true 200-foot player who thrives when facing the opposition’s best. 

20. Ethan Gauthier, RW, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL): Consistently finds quiet areas on the ice in which to score goals, but can also set-up shot net-front.  

21. Eduard Sale, RW, Brno (Czechia): Ultra-skilled player who is a magician with the puck, but can be a liability without it.

22. Gabriel Perreault, RW, USNTDP: A really smart player who thinks the game well ahead of the competition. Continued progress in weight and strength gains are essential.

23. Koehn Ziemmer, RW, Prince George Cougars (WHL): Plays the game with plenty of power, be it on the body or in his shot.

24. Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL): Is there one elite element to his game that will translate to the next level? In the WHL, he’s a top 10 point producer. 

25. Cameron Allen, D, Guelph Storm (OHL): Is suffering from the draft year blues while playing on a team that has failed to meet expectations. 

26. Kalan Lind, LW, Red Deer Rebels (WHL): Plenty of love in the scouting world for this player, who is an agitator with undercover skill.

27. Michael Hrabal, G, Omaha Lancers (USHL): Height allows for a butterfly style that protects the bottom of the net. Could be more effective by staying on his feet longer. 

28. Charlie Stramel, RW, U. of Wisconsin (NCAA): There’s plenty of international currency here, but he has experienced an extremely slow start this season on an underwhelming team.

29. Kevin Bicker, LW, Mannheim U20 (GER): Has performed as expected at a point per game pace against U20 competition.

30. Matthew Wood, RW, UConn (NCAA): Shot is NHL calibre, but at this point he is more of a projection pick, far from the finished product.

31. Carson Bjarnason, G, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): Efficient in his movement, he plays a mature game and does so with the poise of someone beyond his years. 

32. Jordan Tourigny, D, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL): Extremely intelligent player who has a great knack for knowing when and when not to be part of the rush.