2023 NHL Draft Top Five Prospects
Although the 2023 NHL draft is months away, there are a couple of highly talented rookies to keep your eyes on. Here are the top five prospects as of now.
1. Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL)
You’re correct if you guessed Connor Bedard to be number one. He is an absolute superstar on the ice. Bedard is physically terrific in offense, where his shots are practically deadly, and even his defense is on top. Being 5-foot-9, he even performs incredibly well on either wing. Some may believe the kid has eyes in the back of his head. The 17-year-old has great potential; it’s only one reason many teams want to acquire him. If teams like the Anaheim Ducks or Chicago Blackhawks keep tanking throughout the season, they may have a chance at winning Bedard during the 2023 NHL draft in June.
2. Adam Fantilli, C, University of Michigan (NCAA)
Being 6-foot-2, Adam Fantilli holds great power on the ice with excellent speed; he’s quick on his feet. In the USHL 2021 playoffs, Fantilli won MVP. The 18-year-old is a goal-scorer and an outstanding playmaker. Fantilli has had an incredible year playing in the NCAA for the University of Michigan. Fantilli may be elite as Bedard.
3. Matvei Michkov, RW, SKA-St. Petersburg (KHL)
At the beginning of October, Michkov returned to SKA’s lineup after being sidelined by an injury during the preseason. The 5-foot-10 Russian center has excellent skill on the ice; like Bedard, he’s fast so he can be dangerous with the puck. But Michkov is signed to a KHL deal until 2025-26, so whichever team wants to steal him has to wait patiently if they’re willing to.
4. Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw (WHL)
17-year-old Brayden Yager sits at the top of the prospect list. He’s an impeccable shooter and goal-scorer. Just like Fantilli, Yager is a tremendous playmaker on the ice. He averaged one goal per game for Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky and nearly one point per game with the Moose Jaw Warriors last season. In the faceoff circle, Yager keeps improving and scores significant goals when it matters.
5. Cameron Allen, D, Guelph (OHL)
After missing a season due to COVID-19 shutdowns, Cam Allen won the OHL’s top rookie award last year and was one of Canada’s finest players at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The defenseman thinks cleverly and is offensively prepared on the ice. When NHL scouts were observing his more experienced Storm colleagues, Allen stood out to them the most. He is the top-ranked blueliner in the draft. When the 2023 NHL draft begins, many teams will keep their eyes out for this defenseman.
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