It feels like yesterday that The Sporting News was putting out its final NHL Mock Draft for 2022. Well, that draft is over and done with, so now it’s on to the 2023 draft class.
It’s never too early to begin preparation for drafts, and between the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2022 World Junior Championship this summer, we have already seen some of the top players who will be selected next July on the ice.
At the top of the discussion is Connor Bedard, the Canadian wonder who has been a top contributor for Canada at the World Juniors. He has seven points in five games and will aim to help Canada win a gold medal beginning with the semifinals on Friday.
With the draft still being 11 months away, there is plenty of time for players to drive their draft stock up (or down) before their name is called. We saw just last month how much things can change: Shane Wright, who was long regarded as the top pick in the 2022 class, fell to No. 4.
MORE: Top 2023 draft-eligible players at 2022 World Juniors
Before the start of the 2022-23 NHL season, The Sporting News presents its Way-Too Early 2023 NHL Mock Draft.
The Sporting News’ Way-Too Early 2023 NHL Mock Draft
Since the order won’t be finalized until draft day, we used the odds provided by Sports Interaction to determine the order for this mock draft. We took the odds of winning the Stanley Cup and reversed the order; for example, the Coyotes had the longest odds of winning, so they got the No. 1 pick.
There have been two trades involving 2023 first-round picks — the Blackhawks have the Lightning’s first-round pick courtesy of the Brandon Hagel deadline trade, and the Canadiens have the Panthers’ first-round pick from the Ben Chiarot trade at the deadline.
1. Arizona Coyotes: Connor Bedard, C, Regina Pats (WHL)
Less than a year away from the 2023 draft, Bedard feels more and more like a lock for the No. 1 spot. People questioned his ability to play against older competition; he delivered with a 100-point season in the WHL and a combined 12 points in seven games between the canceled World Juniors and the summer edition. His shot release is already one of the best we’ve seen in hockey, making him dangerous from everywhere on the ice with the puck.
2. Chicago Blackhawks: Matvei Michkov, RW, SKA (KHL)
While Michkov’s stock has dropped a tad because of his inability to compete internationally due to Russia’s ban from IIHF events, plus the fact that he is signed through 2026 with SKA St. Petersburg, he’s still the second-best player in the draft. He’s an elusive forward with every kind of tool.
3. Montreal Canadiens: Adam Fantilli, C, University of Michigan, (NCAA)
If there is anyone in this class who could give Michkov or even Bedard a run for their money, it’s Fantilli. He’s a handful for defenders given his size and skill. He almost a Matthew Tkachuk type of player. After two seasons in the USHL where he had 110 points in 103 games, Fantilli will be playing this fall in the NCAA with Michigan.
4. San Jose Sharks: Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
After seeing two Slovaks go Nos. 1-2 in the 2022 draft, Dvorsky enters the 2023 conversation as a potential top-five candidate. The forward has been playing in Sweden the last four seasons for AIK’s program. He attracted eyes this spring with 11 points in five games at the U18 Division IA Worlds, but he had a quiet 2022 World Juniors with just a goal and an assist in four games. Dvorsky possesses excellent vision, which allows him to find teammates and see plays develop quicker than others.
5. Seattle Kraken: Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
Benson is one of the most intelligent players in the 2023 draft class. The winger’s strong suit is finding areas on the ice to make an impact without the puck, either in his own zone or in the opponent’s. Benson is as consistent a player as they come. He’s coming off a 63-point season with Winnipeg in the WHL and seven points in five games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
6. Anaheim Ducks: Leo Carlsson, C, Örebro HK (SHL)
Carlsson enters the 2023 draft as Sweden’s clear-cut top prospect. After dominating at the U20 level (27 points in 14 games), Carlsson made the jump to the SHL last season, skating in 35 games for Örebro HK’s top club. The big-bodied forward can play center and wing and is a solid two-way playmaker. He should spend the majority of, if not all of, next season in Sweden’s top professional league.
7. Philadelphia Flyers: Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Yager had 59 points in 63 games during his first full season with Moose Jaw. He shined for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup; his nine points tied for second-most at the tournament. Yager is a goal-scoring center with an excellent release and pinpoint accuracy. That’s a big reason why he was named Rookie of the Year in both the CHL and WHL.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets: Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa (OHL)
Ritchie, the No. 2 pick at the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, is quickly climbing up the draft ranks. In his first season in the OHL, the center recorded 45 points in 65 games for Oshawa. Ritchie followed his rookie season by leading all skaters at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with 10 points in five games. He’s a well-rounded player who has a ton of offensive talent and is also responsible on defense.
9. Buffalo Sabres: Eduard Sale, RW, HC Kometa Brno U20 (Czech Extraliga U20)
There was a lot of doubt surrounding Sale’s ability to produce against better competition. Lighting up Czechia’s U16, U17 and U20 leagues doesn’t always translate. But his international play says otherwise. Between Sale’s eight points in six games at the U18 worlds and his four goals and six points in five contests at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he has proved he’s a legit offensive threat. His speed and shot make him a dynamic scorer. He has quickly become my favorite prospect in the 2023 draft.
10. Winnipeg Jets: Kasper Halttunen, LW, HIFK (U20 Sm-sarja)
The 6-3 Halttunen is the top prospect out of Finland in the 2023 draft. He has come through Jokerit’s program. In his first full season at the U20 level, he registered 38 points in 41 games. He plays an old-school style: he constantly gets to the dirty areas looking for greasy goals. Halttunen is making the switch to HIFK for next year.
11. Detroit Red Wings: Charlie Stramel, RW, Wisconsin (NCAA)
Stramel is one of the few members of last year’s USNTDP U18 team who weren’t eligible for the 2022 draft. He is a big power forward who has smarts and solid vision with the puck. He skated in 26 games with the national program and recorded 22 points. Stramel made the 2022 World Juniors team as the youngest player on the roster. He skated in just one game, but he did not look out of place at all, which is promising considering how much older the competition was.
12. New Jersey Devils: Cameron Allen, D, Guelph (OHL)
Allen is coming off a sensational first year with Guelph; the defenseman earned OHL Rookie of the Year honors. He had 13 goals and 37 points in 65 games. He captained Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he had seven points in the five games. The No. 3 pick from the 2021 OHL Priority Selection is a poised, two-way defenseman who already has exhibited top-tier leadership qualities.
13. Ottawa Senators: Matthew Wood, RW, Victoria (BCHL)
Wood quickly made a name for himself in the BCHL, leading the league in points with 85 and goals with 45, while playing most of the season as a 16-year-old. At 6-3 and 194 pounds, he has the size to play physically, but his skill and shot are superb. Wood’s progression has been so impressive, he is attending UConn a year earlier than expected. He’ll join the Huskies this fall.
14. Nashville Predators: Riley Heidt, C, Prince George (WHL)
Heidt skated in 65 games with Prince George this past season and registered a team-leading 58 points as a rookie. He also played for Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he had six points in five games. He is a very intelligent player who also has a knack for finding success in the faceoff circle.
15. Vancouver Canucks: Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Omskie Yastreby (MHL)
While Allen is the best North American defensemen, Gulyayev is the top blue-liner in Europe. The Russian is an extremely impressive skater with two-way skills. In his first season in the MHL, Russia’s top junior league, he finished with 35 points in 54 games.
16. Dallas Stars: Colby Barlow, RW, Owen Sound (OHL)
Barlow’s speed is what pops out the most. The kid can flat-out fly with the puck, which makes him an end-to-end threat every time he collects it. He had 47 points in 57 games for Owen Sound, and at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup he posted five points in as many contests.
17. Washington Capitals: Nate Danielson, C, Brandon (WHL)
Danielson averaged more than a point per game in his first full season in Brandon, ending the season with 57 points in 53 games. The Red Deer native is a strong two-way player who can be deployed in all situations.
18. New York Islanders: Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna (WHL)
Cristall is another forward coming out of the WHL. He’s undersized (5-9, 163 pounds), but that does not stop him from producing. In his debut season with Kelowna, Cristall had 69 points in 61 games to finish third among rookies. He’s definitely built for the new age of hockey; he’s always trying new moves and dekes to get around bigger opponents.
19. Los Angeles Kings: Ryan Leonard, RW, USNTDP U18 (USHL)
Leonard is coming off a season where he had 20 points in 26 games for the national program’s U17 team. He also saw time with the U18 team, potting 16 goals and 23 points in 36 games. The Massachusetts native had five goals in six games at the U18 Worlds to help Team USA earn silver. The younger brother of NHL player John Leonard plays a relentless, hard-working game and never shies away from the corners.
20. Boston Bruins: Otto Stenberg, C, Frölunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell)
Stenberg spent most of the 2021-22 season in the J20 Nationell, where he had 35 points in 38 games for Frölunda’s U20 team. The Swede can play in all situations. His control with the puck and hockey sense make him a desirable prospect.
21. St. Louis Blues: Gavin Brindley, C, Michigan (NCAA)
Brindley is another smaller forward (5-9, 157 pounds), but like other players of shorter stature, his speed and intelligence are his weapons. His last season was spent in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm, where he had 42 points in 51 games. Brindley will be joining Fantilli at the University of Michigan this fall.
22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Quentin Musty, LW, Sudbury (OHL)
Musty is a skilled prospect who surprised some by going the OHL route. The American played in 50 games as a rookie with Sudbury and finished with 31 points. He’s a crafty player who can spin defensemen out of their skates with his moves. Musty impressed at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with five points for Team USA in four games.
23. Minnesota Wild: Oliver Moore, C, USNTDP U18 (USHL)
Moore is yet another national program product who will likely will go in the first round. The speedy center played in 43 games for the U17 team and skated 11 times with the U18 team. He had 39 points in the younger age group. The Minnesota native, who played at Totino-Grace High School, is committed to play at the University of Minnesota.
24. Calgary Flames: Daniil But, LW, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
But is the next-highest Russian forward prospect behind Michkov. He’s coming off a 42-point season in the MHL with Loko Yaroslavl. But made Russia’s 2021 Hlinka Gretzky roster as a 16-year-old, something that’s rare and which shows he can skate with older players.
25. New York Rangers: Will Smith, C, USNTDP U18 (USHL)
Smith is another national program product who bounced between the U17 and U18 teams last season. It didn’t matter which team he was with, though; he produced. Smith had 37 points in 35 games at the U17 level and 27 in 28 contests with the U18 team. He’s committed to play for Boston College in the fall of 2023 after decommitting from Northeastern. The Massachusetts native is a smooth handler of the puck and he pairs that well with a quick release.
26. Edmonton Oilers: Gabe Perreault, LW, USNTDP U18 (USHL)
Perreault comes from a hockey family. His dad, Yanic, is a former NHL center and his brother, Jacob, was a 2020 first-round pick of the Ducks. Gabe Perreault was nearly a point-per-game player for the national program’s U17 team, recording 50 points in 51 games. He has an incredible shot that, when mixed with his deception, makes him dangerous all over the ice.
27. Vegas Golden Knights: Theo Lindstein, D, Brynäs IF (SHL)
Lindtsein is one of the top European defensive prospects in the class. He’s a complete player with superb passing ability. He played at the U18, U20 and professional level in Sweden this past season, and at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup he had a goal and five assists in five contests.
28. Carolina Hurricanes: Ethan Gauthier, RW, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)
Gauthier enjoyed a successful first season with Sherbrooke as a rookie in the QMJHL, recording 39 points in 65 games. He is an elusive offensive threat with slick hands and smooth skating ability. He showed his goal-scoring ability with six in five games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
29. Chicago Blackhawks (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Hunter Brzustewicz, D, Kitchener (OHL)
Brzustewicz was the other non-draft-eligible player, along with Stramel, to spend the entire 2021-22 season with the U18 national team. He had 20 points in 55 games for the program. The blue-liner has high-end potential to become a real scoring threat while also playing well in his own zone. Brzustewicz originally committed to Michigan but elected to sign with Kitchener in the OHL.
30. Montreal Canadiens (via Florida Panthers): Alex Ciernik, LW, Södertälje SK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Ciernik is a German-born skater who plays for Slovakia internationally. The winger split time between Sweden’s U20 level and the country’s second-tier professional team, HockeyAllsvenskan. He recorded 47 points in 43 games at the juniors level while going pointless in 11 games in the pro league. But he shined for Slovakia with 12 points in five games at the U18 Division IA Worlds. His skating ability separates him from others his age.
31. Toronto Maple Leafs: Alex Weiermair, C, USNTDP U18 (USHL)
Weiermair is another product of the national program, most recently skating with the U17 team. In 52 games, he recorded 14 goals and 23 points. He likes to have the puck on his stick, creating and driving play. Weiermair is committed to play at the University of Denver in the fall of 2023.
32. Colorado Avalanche: Will Whiteclaw, C, Youngstown (USHL)
Whiteclaw isn’t as well-known as the other prospects in this class, but his name popped up at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he had four points in as many games. He played on Shattuck-St. Mary’s top prep team, recording 110 points in 55 games. He then skated in nine games with Youngstown in the USHL. Whitelaw was the first overall pick in the 2021 USHL Futures Draft and has already committed to the University of Wisconsin for the fall of 2023.
When is the 2023 NHL Draft?
- Day 1 date: Wednesday, June 28
- Day 1 start time: TBD
- Day 2 date: Thursday, June 29
- Day 2 start time: TBD
The 2023 NHL Draft will span two days. The first round will take place Wednesday, June 28, with representatives from all 32 teams in Nashville.
On Thursday, June 29, the picks in Rounds 2-7 will be made.
Where is the 2023 NHL Draft?
- Venue: Bridgestone Arena
- City: Nashville, Tenn.
Bridgestone Arena, home of the Predators, will be the location of the 2023 NHL Draft.
This is the second time that Nashville will host a draft. The city was the site of the 2003 draft.
Complete list of first overall picks in NHL history
No team has had more No. 1 overall picks than the Canadiens. Picking first isn’t always easy and many teams have failed to identify the best player in the draft while picking first.
Here’s a list of every No. 1 overall pick in NHL Draft history.
| Year | Team | Player | Previous |
| 1963 | Montreal Canadiens | Garry Monahan | St. Michael’s Juveniles |
| 1964 | Detroit Red Wings | Claude Gauthier | Rosemount |
| 1965 | New York Rangers | Andre Veilleux | Montreal Ranger Jr. B |
| 1966 | Boston Bruins | Barry Gibbs | Estevan Bruins |
| 1967 | Los Angeles Kings | Rick Pagnutti | Garson-Falconbridge |
| 1968 | Montreal Canadiens | Michel Plasse | Drummondville Rangers |
| 1969 | Montreal Canadiens | Rejean Houle | Montreal Junior Canadiens |
| 1970 | Buffalo Sabres | Gilbert Perreault | Montreal Junior Canadiens |
| 1971 | Montreal Canadiens | Guy Lafleur | Quebec Remparts |
| 1972 | New York Islanders | Billy Harris | Toronto Marlboros |
| 1973 | New York Islanders | Denis Potvin | Ottawa 67’s |
| 1974 | Washington Capitals | Greg Joly | Regina Pats |
| 1975 | Philadelphia Flyers | Mel Bridgman | Victoria Cougars |
| 1976 | Washington Capitals | Rick Green | London Knights |
| 1977 | Detroit Red Wings | Dale McCourt | St. Catharines Findcups |
| 1978 | Minnesota North Stars | Bobby Smith | Ottawa 67’s |
| 1979 | Colorado Rockies | Rob Ramage | Birmingham Bulls |
| 1980 | Montreal Canadiens | Doug Wickenheiser | Regina Pats |
| 1981 | Winnipeg Jets | Dale Hawerchuk | Cornwall Royals |
| 1982 | Boston Bruins | Gord Kluzak | Billings Bighorns |
| 1983 | Minnesota North Stars | Brian Lawton | Mount St. Charles High School |
| 1984 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Mario Lemieux | Laval Voisins |
| 1985 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Wendel Clark | Saskatoon Blades |
| 1986 | Detroit Red Wings | Joe Murphy | Michigan State |
| 1987 | Buffalo Sabres | Pierre Turgeon | Granby Bisons |
| 1988 | Minnesota North Stars | Mike Modano | Prince Albert Raiders |
| 1989 | Quebec Nordiques | Mats Sundin | Nacka |
| 1990 | Quebec Nordiques | Owen Nolan | Cornwall Royals |
| 1991 | Quebec Nordiques | Eric Lindros | Oshawa Generals |
| 1992 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Roman Hamrlik | Zlin ZPS AC |
| 1993 | Ottawa Senators | Alexandre Daigle | Victoriaville Tigres |
| 1994 | Florida Panthers | Ed Jovanovski | Windsor Spitfires |
| 1995 | Ottawa Senators | Bryan Berard | Detroit Jr. Red Wings |
| 1996 | Ottawa Senators | Chris Phillips | Prince Albert Raiders |
| 1997 | Boston Bruins | Joe Thornton | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds |
| 1998 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Vincent Lecavalier | Rimouski Oceanic |
| 1999 | Atlanta Thrashers | Patrik Stefan | Long Beach Ice Dogs |
| 2000 | New York Islanders | Rick DiPietro | Boston University |
| 2001 | Atlanta Thrashers | Ilya Kovalchuk | Spartak |
| 2002 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Rick Nash | London |
| 2003 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Marc-Andre Fleury | Cape Breton |
| 2004 | Washington Capitals | Alex Ovechkin | Dynamo |
| 2005 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Sidney Crosby | Rimouski |
| 2006 | St. Louis Blues | Erik Johnson | USA U-18 |
| 2007 | Chicago Blackhawks | Patrick Kane | London |
| 2008 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Steven Stamkos | Sarnia |
| 2009 | New York Islanders | John Tavares | London |
| 2010 | Edmonton Oilers | Taylor Hall | Windsor |
| 2011 | Edmonton Oilers | Ryan Nugent-Hopkins | Red Deer |
| 2012 | Edmonton Oilers | Nail Yakupov | Sarnia |
| 2013 | Colorado Avalanche | Nathan MacKinnon | Halifax |
| 2014 | Florida Panthers | Aaron Ekblad | Barrie |
| 2015 | Edmonton Oilers | Connor McDavid | Erie |
| 2016 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Auston Matthews | Zurich |
| 2017 | New Jersey Devils | Nico Hischier | Halifax |
| 2018 | Buffalo Sabres | Rasmus Dahlin | Frolunda |
| 2019 | New Jersey Devils | Jack Hughes | USA U-18 |
| 2020 | New York Rangers | Alexis Lafreniere | Rimouski |
| 2021 | Buffalo Sabres | Owen Power | Michigan |
| 2022 | Montreal Canadiens | Juraj Slafkovsky | TPS |