2023 NHL Mock Draft: Final Edition

This is the final edition of my 2023 NHL Mock Draft.

1. Chicago Blackhawks- Connor Bedard, Center, Regina (WHL): It is a no brainer who the Blackhawks will take first overall. Bedard is the best prospect since Connor McDavid and will be a franchise building block in Chicago for years to come with his ability to rake up points and will bring much needed hope to the franchise.

2. Anaheim Dicks- Adam Fantilli, Center, Michigan (NCAA): It felt like a no brainer that Fantilli will be the choice here for the Ducks, but some may feel different after the World Championships and with rumors he might got back to school for his sophomore year.  Fantilli would fit very nicely with the young talent the Ducks have.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets- Will Smith, Center, USA-U18 (NTDP): I've had Leo Carlsson mocked here just about every mock, but now Smith going third is gaining momentum. Smith has the potential to be a top line center with his play making ability, which the Blue Jackets can use.

4. San Jose Sharks- Leo Carlsson, Center/Wing, Orebro (Sweden): The Sharks have some options here and personally should go with best player available and they have a top three talent in the draft falling to them. Carlsson is big and has good skill down low and gets through traffic well with his speed.

5. Montreal Canadiens- Ryan Leonard, Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): Leonard is rising after as the draft approaches this week and he would be an interesting addition to the Habs young forward group. Leonard comes from a loaded team and he is a good scorer and is a character guy, which everyone love to have on their team.

6. Arizona Coyotes- Matevi Michkov, Wing, St. Petersburg (Russia): The Coyotes have to be in the take the best guy available strategy here and they get Michkov, who fits that bill here. In any other season, he could have been the top pick in the draft and if not for a long contract in Russia, he could have gone higher than this.

7. Philadelphia Flyers- Dalibor Dvorsky, Center, Aik (Sweden): With their first of two first rounders, the Flyers take the talented center in Dvorsky as they should go with best available. Dvorsky has the ability to be a plug and play player and has a good hockey IQ.

8. Washington Capitals- David Reinbacher, Defenseman, EHC Kloten: The Capitals can go anywhere with their pick and here they get a great defenseman in Reinbacher. He has the offensive upside, size, and mobility as he's the most league ready D-man in the draft.

9. Detroit Red Wings- Gabriel Perrault, Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): With their first of two first rounders, the Red Wings take a fast rising forward in Perrault. He played on the top line on the loaded NTDP team and has a good shot, a solid puck handler, and a good passer.

10. St. Louis Blues-  Nate Danielson, Center, Brandon (WHL): The Blues with their first pick of the round land a solid center prospect in Danielson. He has a great tools-kit and has great all around play.

11. Vancouver Canucks- Tom Willander, Defenseman, Rogle Jr. (Sweden Jr): This pick makes a lot of sense with the Canucks need for defense with the buy out of Olivier Ekman-Larsson. Willander is a solid two way guy that is very mobile.

12.  Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa Senators)- Oliver Moore, Center/Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): The fourth NTDP player comes off the board here to the Sabres as some would say it's a steal. Moore is a versatile player and would be a good young piece for the Coyotes to have long term.

13. Buffalo Sabres- Axel Sandin-Pellika, Defenseman, Skelleftea Jr (Sweden): This would be a solid pick for the Sabres as they add to their collection of defense prospects. Sandin-Pellika is a good puck handler and could guide an offense.

14. Pittsburgh Penguins- Matthew Wood, Wing, UConn (NCAA): This would be a good pick for the Penguins as they are a team that needs some youth in their system. Wood is a power forward type of player with a ton of high end skill.

15. Nashville Predators- Colby Barlow, Wing, Owen (OHL): The Predators are all of a sudden a rebuilding team and here I have them taking a solid forward with their first of two first rounders. Barlow is somebody that is a terrific scorer with a good shot and is a good defender too.

16. Calgary Flames- Samuel Honzek, Wing, Vancouver (WHL): Honzek is somebody who's draft stock was dropping a few weeks ago. Honzek has a lot of upside and is super physical and moves well and could get to the net as teams think he can convert to center.

17. Detroit Red Wings (from New York Islanders via Vancouver Canucks)- Eduard Sale, Wing, Brno (Czechia): With their second first rounder, the Red Wings get the forward in Sale. He is somebody that many feel he is a polarizing player and has great hands.

18. Winnipeg Jets- Mikhail Gulyayev, Defenseman, Omsk Jr (Russia): The Jets are in "blow it up" mode now with some trades and pending trades and here I have them taking Gulyayev. He excels on offense and is a good skater.

19. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning)- Daniil But, Wing, Loko Yaroslavl (OHL): With their second first rounder, the Blackhawks take the rising forward in But. He has a great shot and is a force on the boards and down low, but he is not the best skater.

20. Seattle Kraken- Dmitriy Simashev, Defenseman, Yaroslavl Jr (Russia-Jr): The Kraken here grab a solid D-man in Simashev as they need young defenseman in their system. He has the ability to be a great defenseman with some offensive game too.

21. Minnesota Wild- Brayden Yager, Center, Moose Jaw (WHL): The Wild take the talented center here in Yager as they are in a tough cap situation long term. He is someone that could slip out of the first round due to his height and lack of scoring sans having a quick shot.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Los Angeles Kings via Columbus Blue Jackets)- Calum Ritchie, Center/Wing, Oshawa (OHL): With their second first rounder, the Flyers take another forward in Ritchie. He is a good all around player that can score and pass and is reliable in all three zones.

23. New York Rangers- David Edstrom, Center, Frolund Jr (Sweden Jr): This would be a good pick for the Rangers who need center depth in their system. Edstrom is a good two-way player that can skate and has good size.

24. Nashville Predators (from Edmonton Oilers)- Oliver Bonk, Defenseman, London (OHL): This would be a solid pick for the Predators as they need young defenseman. Bonk is a big mobile puck mover and is capable of playing big minutes in the NHL.

25. St. Louis Blues (from Toronto Maple Leafs)- Tanner Molendyk, Defenseman, Saskatoon (WHL): With their second of three first rounders, I have the Blues going defense with Molendyk. He is a high end skater and competes hard.

26. San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey Devils)- Michael Hrabal, Goaltender, Omaha (USHL): With their second first rounder, the Sharks take the first goalie off the board. The Sharks do need a long term answer in net and Hrabal showed that potential in the past.

27. Colorado Avalanche- Quentin Mutsy, Wing, Sudbury (OHL): The Avalanche with now their first of two first rounders grab the forward in Mutsy. He is unafraid to throw his body around and is great in front of the net and he can beat defenders well too.

28. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston Bruins via Washington Capitals)- Otto Stenberg, Center/Wing, Frolunda HC (SHL): With their lone first rounder, the Maple Leafs get the versatile forward in Stenberg. He a strong player and has a good wrist shot.

29. St. Louis Blues (from Dallas Stars via New York Rangers)- Charlie Stamel, Center, Wisconsin (NCAA): The Blues with their third first rounder take a center in Stamel. He didn't have a good draft season, but has a good frame, he's physical, and can skate well.

30. Carolina Hurricanes- Andrew Cristall, Wing, Kelowna (WHL): The Hurricanes are an unknown come the draft. Cristall is a fast riser on draft boards come tomorrow and is an offensive machine and has great vision and ability.

31. Colorado Avalanche (from Florida Panthers via Montreal Canadiens)- Ethan Gauthier, Wing, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): With their second first rounder, the Avalanche take a rising prospect in Gauthier. He is someone that established himself as a goal scorer and his power forward status fits himself well.

32. Vegas Golden Knights- Gavin Brindley, Center/Wing, Michigan (NCAA): The new champion Golden Knights get a good prospect here in Brindley. He is a versatile player that has speed and a good scoring touch.

2023 NHL Mock Draft: Sixth Edition

 This is the sixth edition of my 2023 NHL Mock Draft.

1. Chicago Blackhawks- Connor Bedard, Center, Regina (WHL): It is a no brainer who the Blackhawks will take first overall. Bedard is the best prospect since Connor McDavid and will be a franchise building block in Chicago for years to come with his ability to rake up points and will bring much needed hope to the franchise.

2. Anaheim Dicks- Adam Fantilli, Center, Michigan (NCAA): It felt like a no brainer that Fantilli will be the choice here for the Ducks, but some may feel different after the World Championships and with rumors he might got back to school for his sophomore year.  Fantilli would fit very nicely with the young talent the Ducks have.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets- Leo Carlsson, Center/Wing, Orebro (Sweden): The Jackets have some options here, but the feeling is that they'll go with the versatile player here in Carlsson here. He is big and has good skill down low and gets through traffic well with his speed.

4. San Jose Sharks- Will Smith, Center, USA-U18 (NTDP): The Sharks have some options here and personally should go with best player available. Smith has the potential to be a top line center with his play making ability, which the Sharks have lacked over the past several years.

5. Montreal Canadiens- Matevi Michkov, Wing, St. Petersburg (Russia): The Canadiens add to their collection of young forwards here with Michkov. In any other season, he could have been the top pick in the draft and if not for a long contract in Russia, he could have gone higher than this.

6. Arizona Coyotes- Dalibor Dvorsky, Center, Aik (Sweden): With their first of two first rounders, the Coyotes take the talented center in Dvorsky as they should go with best available. Dvorsky has the ability to be a plug and play player and has a good hockey IQ.

7. Philadelphia Flyers- David Reinbacher, Defenseman, EHC Kloten: With their first of two first round picks I have the Flyers going with Reinbacher as they are a team that is in dire need of younger talent. Reinbacher has the offensive upside, size, and mobility as he's the most league ready D-man in the draft.

8. Washington Capitals- Ryan Leonard, Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): The Capitals can realistically go anywhere with this selection.  Leonard comes from a loaded team and he is a good scorer and is a character guy, which everyone love to have on their team.

9. Detroit Red Wings- Tom Willander, Defenseman, Rogle Jr. (Sweden Jr): The Red Wings with their first pick of the round land a solid, fast rising D-man in Willander. He is a solid two way guy that is very mobile and has the pedigree many teams like.

10. St. Louis Blues- Oliver Moore, Center/Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): With their first pick of the round, the Blues take Moore, who is someone that is fast rising as the draft approaches tomorrow. Moore's speed is blazing and is a versatile player that would be an ideal pick for the Blues.

11. Vancouver Canucks- Nate Danielson, Center, Brandon (WHL): The Canucks get a center prospect here in Danielson, which they can use with Bo Horvat in trade rumors. Danielson has a great tools-kit, is a character guy that teams love, and has great all around play.

12. Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa Senators)- Zach Benson, Wing, Winnipeg (WHL): With their second first rounder, the Coyotes take another forward in Benson. Benson has excellent skill, IQ, and the motor to be successful at the next level.

13. Buffalo Sabres- Gabriel Perrault, Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): Here's another NTDP player off the board in Perrault as the Sabres load up on their loaded forward group. He played on the top line on the loaded NTDP team and has a good shot, a solid puck handler, and a good passer.

14. Pittsburgh Penguins- Matthew Wood, Wing, UConn (NCAA): This would be a good pick for the Penguins as they are a team that needs some youth in their system. Wood is a power forward type of player with a ton of high end skill.

15. Nashville Predators- Axel Sandin-Pellika, Defenseman, Skelleftea Jr (Sweden): The Predators can use some young defenseman and Sandin-Pellika is a fast riser with the draft coming tomorrow. Sandin-Pellika is a good puck handler and could guide an offense.

16. Calgary Flames- Andrew Cristall, Wing, Kelowna (WHL): The Flames are a team that aren't too far away from being a contender in the west again. Cristall is a fast riser on draft boards come tomorrow and is an offensive machine and has great vision and ability.

17. Detroit Red Wings (from New York Islanders via Vancouver Canucks)- Colby Barlow, Wing, Owen (OHL): With their second first rounder, the Red Wings go with the forward in Barlow. He is somebody that is a terrific scorer with a good shot and is a good defender too.

18. Winnipeg Jets- Dmitriy Simashev, Defenseman, Yaroslavl Jr (Russia-Jr): The Jets here grab a solid D-man in Simashev as they need young defenseman in their system. He has the ability to be a great defenseman with some offensive game too.

19. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning)- Daniil But, Wing, Loko Yaroslavl (OHL): With their second first rounder, the Blackhawks take the rising forward in But. He has a great shot and is a force on the boards and down low, but he is not the best skater.

20. Seattle Kraken- Oliver Bonk, Defenseman, London (OHL): This would be a solid pick for the Kraken as they need young defenseman. Bonk is a big mobile puck mover and would fit with the up and coming Kraken.

21. Minnesota Wild- Eduard Sale, Wing, Brno (Czechia): The Wild are in an interesting spot considering their cap situation, so they are under some pressure to nail the pick. Sale is somebody that many feel he is a polarizing player and has great hands.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Los Angeles Kings via Columbus Blue Jackets)- Calum Ritchie, Center/Wing, Oshawa (OHL): With their second first rounder, the Flyers grab the forward in Ritchie. He is a good all around player that can score and pass and is reliable in all three zones.

23. New York Rangers- Brayden Yager, Center, Moose Jaw (WHL): The Rangers are a team that needs center depth in their system and they get a possible steal here in Yager. He is someone that could slip out of the first round due to his height and lack of scoring sans having a quick shot.

24. Nashville Predators (from Edmonton Oilers)- Otto Stenberg, Center/Wing, Frolunda HC (SHL): With their second first rounder, the Oilers get the versatile forward in Stenberg. He a strong player and has a good wrist shot.

25. St. Louis Blues (from Toronto Maple Leafs)-  Charlie Stamel, Center, Wisconsin (NCAA): The Blues with their second first rounder take a center in Stamel. He didn't have a good draft season, but has a good frame, he's physical, and can skate well.

26. San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey Devils)- Quentin Mutsy, Wing, Sudbury (OHL): With their second first rounder, the Sharks go with Mutsy, who some have mocked in the lottery. Mutsy is unafraid to throw his body around and is great in front of the net and he can beat defenders well too.

27. Colorado Avalanche- Bradly Nadeau, Center/Wing, Penticton (BCHL): The Avalanche take a super fast rising prospect here in Nadeau with their lone first rounder. Nadeau ripped up the BCHL with points and if he can do it against better competition, the Avs have yet another hit.

28. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston Bruins via Washington Capitals)- Ethan Gauthier, Wing, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): With their lone first rounder, the Leafs take a rising prospect in Gauthier. He is someone that established himself as a goal scorer and his power forward status fits himself well.

29. St. Louis Blues (from Dallas Stars via New York Rangers)- Etienne Morin, Defenseman, Moncton (QMJHL): With their third first rounder, the Blues go defense here with Morin. He is a good puck moving defenseman and excels in transition.

30. Carolina Hurricanes- Riley Heidt, Center, Prince George (WHL): The Hurricanes can realistically go anywhere with their selection. Heidt is someone who saw a large point total increase last season and he is not big, but is always in motion.

31. Montreal Canadiens (from Florida Panthers)- Koehn Zimmer, Wing, Prince George (WHL): We have Prince George players going back to back as the Habs with their second first rounder take another forward. Zimmer has a balanced game with a great shot and is a great playmaker too.

32. Vegas Golden Knights- David Edstrom, Center, Frolund Jr (Sweden Jr): The new champions go with Edstrom here, which would be a steal for them. Edstrom is a good two-way player that can skate and has good size.

2023 NHL Mock Draft: Fifth Edition

 Here is the fifth edition of my 2023 NHL Mock Draft.

1. Chicago Blackhawks- Connor Bedard, Center, Regina (WHL): It is a no brainer who the Blackhawks will take first overall. Bedard is the best prospect since Connor McDavid and will be a franchise building block in Chicago for years to come with his ability to rake up points and will bring much needed hope to the franchise.

2. Anaheim Dicks- Adam Fantilli, Center, Michigan (NCAA): It felt like a no brainer that Fantilli will be the choice here for the Ducks, but some may feel different after the World Championships and with rumors he might got back to school for his sophomore year.  Fantilli would fit very nicely with the young talent the Ducks have.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets- Leo Carlsson, Center/Wing, Orebro (Sweden): The Jackets have some options here, but the feeling is that they'll go with the versatile player here in Carlsson here. He is big and has good skill down low and gets through traffic well with his speed.

4. San Jose Sharks- Will Smith, Center, USA-U18 (NTDP): The Sharks have some options here and personally should go with best player available. Smith has the potential to be a top line center with his play making ability, which the Sharks have lacked over the past several years.

5. Montreal Canadiens- Ryan Leonard, Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): Leonard is rising after as the draft approaches this week and he would be an interesting addition to the Habs young forward group. Leonard comes from a loaded team and he is a good scorer and is a character guy, which everyone love to have on their team.

6. Arizona Coyotes- David Reinbacher, Defenseman, EHC Kloten: The Coyotes have to be in the take the best guy available strategy here and they get Michkov, who fits that bill here. Reinbacher has the offensive upside, size, and mobility as he's the most league ready D-man in the draft.

7. Philadelphia Flyers- Matevi Michkov, Wing, St. Petersburg (Russia): Michov falling to the Flyers here at seven would be a steal for a Flyers team that is in dire need of youth in their system. In any other season, he could have been the top pick in the draft and if not for a long contract in Russia, he could have gone higher than this.

8. Washington Capitals- Dalibor Dvorsky, Center, Aik (Sweden): The Capitals can realistically go anywhere with this selection, but they should go with the best player available. Dvorsky has the ability to be a plug and play player and has a good hockey IQ.

9. Detroit Red Wings- Zach Benson, Wing, Winnipeg (WHL): Benson is somebody who's draft stock is rising to the point that people had Benson mocked to the Red Wings with their second first rounder. Benson has excellent skill, IQ, and the motor to be successful.

10. St. Louis Blues- Tom Willander, Defenseman, Rogle Jr. (Sweden Jr): The Blues with their first pick of the round land a solid, fast rising D-man in Willander and it would make sense here with Torey Krug suddenly in trade rumors. He is a solid two way guy that is very mobile and has the pedigree many teams like.

11. Vancouver Canucks- Nate Danielson, Center, Brandon (WHL): The Canucks get a center prospect here in Danielson, which they can use after trading away Bo Horvat. Danielson has a great tools-kit, is a character guy that teams love, and has great all around play.

12. Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa Senators)- Oliver Moore, Center/Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): With their second first rounder, the Coyotes take the fast rising forward in Moore. His speed is blazing and is a versatile player that would be an ideal pick for the Coyotes with Clayton Keller in trade rumors.

13. Buffalo Sabres- Dmitriy Simashev, Defenseman, Yaroslavl Jr (Russia-Jr): The Sabres here grab a solid D-man in Simashev to add to their collection of defense prospects. Simashev has the ability to be a great defenseman with some offensive game too.

14. Pittsburgh Penguins- Matthew Wood, Wing, UConn (NCAA): This would be a good pick for the Pens as they are a team that needs some youth in their system. Wood is a power forward type of player with a ton of high end skill.

15. Nashville Predators- Quentin Mutsy, Wing, Sudbury (OHL): With their first of two first round picks, the Predators take a super fast rising prospect in Mutsy. He is unafraid to throw his body around and is great in front of the net and he can beat defenders well too.

16. Calgary Flames- Samuel Honzek, Wing, Vancouver (WHL): Honzek is somebody who's draft stock was dropping a few weeks ago. Honzek has a lot of upside and is super physical and moves well and could get to the net as teams think he can convert to center.

17. Detroit Red Wings (from New York Islanders via Vancouver Canucks)- Axel Sandin-Pellika, Defenseman, Skelleftea Jr (Sweden): This would be a solid pick for the Red Wings as they can use some young defenseman. Sandin-Pellika is a good puck handler and could guide an offense.

18. Winnipeg Jets- Brayden Yager, Center, Moose Jaw (WHL): The Jets are a real "blow it up" candidate this offseason so best player available should be the way this team goes in the draft. Yager is someone that could slip out of the first round due to his height and lack of scoring sans having a quick shot.

19. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning)- Gabriel Perrault, Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): Here's another NTDP player off the board in Perrault. He played on the top line on the loaded NTDP team and has a good shot, a solid puck handler, and a good passer.

20. Seattle Kraken- Colby Barlow, Wing, Owen (OHL): The Kraken are a team that aren't too far away from being a contender in the west after the season they had. Barlow is somebody that is a terrific scorer with a good shot and is a good defender too.

21. Minnesota Wild- Calum Ritchie, Center/Wing, Oshawa (OHL): The Wild can use some center depth in their system and here they land Ritchie. He is a good all around player that can score and pass and is reliable in all three zones.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Los Angeles Kings via Columbus Blue Jackets)- Oliver Bonk, Defenseman, London (OHL): With their second first round pick, the Flyers go defense here with Bonk. He is a big mobile puck mover and would fit with the Flyers.

23. New York Rangers- David Edstrom, Center, Frolund Jr (Sweden Jr): This would be a good pick for the Rangers who need center depth in their system. Edstrom is a good two-way player that can skate and has good size.

24. Nashville Predators (from Edmonton Oilers)- Otto Stenberg, Center/Wing, Frolunda HC (SHL): With their second first rounder, the Oilers get the versatile forward in Stenberg. He a strong player and has a good wrist shot.

25. St. Louis Blues (from Toronto Maple Leafs)- Eduard Sale, Wing, Brno (Czechia): With their second first rounder, the Blues get the forward in Sale. He is somebody that many feel he is a polarizing player and has great hands.

26. San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey Devils)- Daniil But, Wing, Loko Yaroslavl (OHL): With their second first rounder, the Sharks take the rising forward in But. He has a great shot and is a force on the boards and down low, but he is not the best skater.

27. Colorado Avalanche- Gavin Brindley, Center/Wing, Michigan (NCAA): The Avalanche can use some youth in their system and here I have them taking the talented forward in Brindley. He is a versatile player that has speed and a good scoring touch.

28. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston Bruins via Washington Capitals)- Mikhail Gulyayev, Defenseman, Omsk Jr (Russia): The Maple Leafs have options here and here I have them grabbing the D-man. Gulyayev excels on offense and is a good skater.

29. St. Louis Blues (from Dallas Stars via New York Rangers)- Andrew Cristall, Wing, Kelowna (WHL): With their second first rounder, the Blackhawks go with another forward. Cristall is an offensive machine and has great vision and ability.

30. Carolina Hurricanes- Bradly Nadeau, Wing, Penticton (BCHL): The Hurricanes take a super fast rising prospect here in Nadeau with their lone first rounder. Nadeau ripped up the BCHL with points and if he can do it against better competition, the Canes have yet another hit.

31. Montreal Canadiens (from Florida Panthers)- Ethan Gauthier, Wing, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): With their second first roudner, I have the Canadiens going with Gauthier. He is someone that established himself as a goal scorer and his power forward status fits himself well.

32. Vegas Golden Knights- Danny Nelson, Center, USA U-18 (NDTP): The Golden Knights take a safe bet prospect here with Nelson. He is very athletic and has good physical tools and is good in the face-off department and has good size.

2023 NHL Mock Draft: Fourth Edition

 Here is the fourth edition of my 2023 NHL Mock Draft.

1. Chicago Blackhawks- Connor Bedard, Center, Regina (WHL): It is a no brainer who the Blackhawks will take first overall. Bedard is the best prospect since Connor McDavid and will be a franchise building block in Chicago for years to come with his ability to rake up points and will bring much needed hope to the franchise.

2. Anaheim Dicks- Adam Fantilli, Center, Michigan (NCAA): It felt like a no brainer that Fantilli will be the choice here for the Ducks, but some may feel different after the World Championships and with rumors he might got back to school for his sophomore year.  Fantilli would fit very nicely with the young talent the Ducks have.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets- Leo Carlsson, Center/Wing, Orebro (Sweden): The Jackets have some options here, but the feeling is that they'll go with the versatile player here in Carlsson here. He is big and has good skill down low and gets through traffic well with his speed.

4. San Jose Sharks- Will Smith, Center, USA-U18 (NTDP): The Sharks have some options here and personally should go with best player available. Smith has the potential to be a top line center with his play making ability, which the Sharks have lacked over the past several years.

5. Montreal Canadiens- Matevi Michkov, Wing, St. Petersburg (Russia): The Canadiens add to their collection of young forwards here with Michkov. In any other season, he could have been the top pick in the draft and if not for a long contract in Russia, he could have gone higher than this.

6. Arizona Coyotes- David Reinbacher, Defenseman, EHC Kloten: The Coyotes have to be in the take the best guy available strategy here and they get Michkov, who fits that bill here. Reinbacher has the offensive upside, size, and mobility as he's the most league ready D-man in the draft.

7. Philadelphia Flyers- Ryan Leonard, Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): The Flyers are a team that is in dire need of younger talent. Leonard comes from a loaded team and he is a good scorer and is a character guy, which everyone love to have on their team.

8. Washington Capitals- Dalibor Dvorsky, Center, Aik (Sweden): The Capitals can realistically go anywhere with this selection. Dvorsky has the ability to be a plug and play player and has a good hockey IQ.

9. Detroit Red Wings- Zach Benson, Wing, Winnipeg (WHL): Benson is somebody who's draft stock is rising to the point that people had Benson mocked to the Red Wings with their second first rounder. Benson has excellent skill, IQ, and the motor to be successful.

10. St. Louis Blues- Tom Willander, Defenseman, Rogle Jr. (Sweden Jr): The Blues with their first pick of the round land a solid, fast rising D-man in Willander. He is a solid two way guy that is very mobile and has the pedigree many teams like.

11. Vancouver Canucks- Nate Danielson, Center, Brandon (WHL): The Canucks get a center prospect here in Danielson, which they can use. Danielson has a great tools-kit, is a character guy that teams love, and has great all around play.

12. Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa Senators)- Gabriel Perrault, Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): Here's another NTDP player off the board in Perrault. He played on the top line on the loaded NTDP team and has a good shot, a solid puck handler, and a good passer.

13. Buffalo Sabres- Dmitriy Simashev, Defenseman, Yaroslavl Jr (Russia-Jr): The Sabres here grab a solid D-man in Simashev to add to their collection of defense prospects. He has the ability to be a great defenseman with some offensive game too.

14. Pittsburgh Penguins- Matthew Wood, Wing, UConn (NCAA): This would be a good pick for the Pens as they are a team that needs some youth in their system. Wood is a power forward type of player with a ton of high end skill.

15. Nashville Predators- Samuel Honzek, Wing, Vancouver (WHL): Honzek is somebody who's draft stock was dropping a few weeks ago. Honzek has a lot of upside and is super physical and moves well and could get to the net as teams think he can convert to center.

16. Calgary Flames- Colby Barlow, Wing, Owen (OHL): The Flames are a team that aren't too far away from being a contender in the west again. Barlow is somebody that is a terrific scorer with a good shot and is a good defender too.

17. Detroit Red Wings (from New York Islanders via Vancouver Canucks)- Daniil But, Wing, Loko Yaroslavl (OHL): With their second first rounder, the Red Wings take the rising forward in But. He has a great shot and is a force on the boards and down low, but he is not the best skater.

18. Winnipeg Jets- Oliver Moore, Center/Wing, USA-U18 (NTDP): The Jets get a possible steal with yet another NTDP player off the board in Moore. His speed is blazing and is a versatile player that would be an ideal pick for the Jets.

19. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning)- Brayden Yager, Center, Moose Jaw (WHL): The Blackhawks double down and take another talented center in Yager. He is someone that could slip out of the first round due to his height and lack of scoring sans having a quick shot.

20. Seattle Kraken- Axel Sandin-Pellika, Defenseman, Skelleftea Jr (Sweden): This would be a solid pick for the Kraken as they need young defenseman. Sandin-Pellika is a good puck handler and could guide an offense.

21. Minnesota Wild- David Edstrom, Center, Frolund Jr (Sweden Jr): This would be a good pick for the Wild who need center depth in their system and have cap issues long term. Edstrom is a good two-way player that can skate and has good size.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Los Angeles Kings via Columbus Blue Jackets)- Oliver Bonk, Defenseman, London (OHL): With their second first round pick, the Flyers go defense here with Bonk. He is a big mobile puck mover and would fit with the Flyers.

23. New York Rangers- Calum Ritchie, Center/Wing, Oshawa (OHL): The Rangers can use some center depth in their system and here they land Ritchie. He is a good all around player that can score and pass and is reliable in all three zones.

24. Nashville Predators (from Edmonton Oilers)- Andrew Cristall, Wing, Kelowna (WHL): With their second first rounder, the Predators go with another forward. Cristall is an offensive machine and has great vision and ability.

25. St. Louis Blues (from Toronto Maple Leafs)- Otto Stenberg, Center/Wing, Frolunda HC (SHL): With their second first rounder, the Blues get the versatile forward in Stenberg. He a strong player and has a good wrist shot.

26. San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey Devils)- Michael Hrabal, Goaltender, Omaha (USHL): With their second first rounder, the Sharks take the first goalie off the board. The Sharks do need a long term answer in net and Hrabal showed that potential in the past.

27. Colorado Avalanche- Tanner Molendyk, Defenseman, Saskatoon (WHL): The Avalanche need some youth in their system and here I have them snagging the d-man in Molendyk. He is a high end skater and competes hard.

28. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston Bruins via Washington Capitals)- Eduard Sale, Wing, Brno (Czechia): With their lone first rounder which they got in a deal last trade deadline, the Maple Leafs go with the forward. Sale is somebody that many feel he is a polarizing player and has great hands.

29. St. Louis Blues (from Dallas Stars via New York Rangers)- Gavin Brindley, Center/Wing, Michigan (NCAA): The Blues with their third first rounder here go with the talented forward here in Brindley. He is a versatile player that has speed and a good scoring touch.

30. Carolina Hurricanes- Quentin Mutsy, Wing, Sudbury (OHL): The Hurricanes are a team that is a complete unknown come the offseason. Mutsy is unafraid to throw his body around and is great in front of the net and he can beat defenders well too.

31. Montreal Canadiens (from Florida Panthers)- Etienne Morin, Defenseman, Moncton (QMJHL): With their second first rounder, the Habs go defense here with Morin. He is a good puck moving defenseman and excels in transition.

32. Vegas Golden Knights- Danny Nelson, Center, USA U-18 (NDTP): The Golden Knights take a safe bet prospect here with Nelson. He is very athletic and has good physical tools and is good in the face-off department and has good size.