PHN’s 2023 Mock Draft, Picks 1-16

PHILADELPHIA, Pa – It’s that time of year again. Prohockeynews.com is once again bringing you our NHL Mock Draft. While there might not be much intrigue in the top of the draft, it is definitely considered one of the deepest drafts in years. The draft should feature a lot of quality forwards in the top half of the draft, while most of the top-rated defensemen should go in the later half. Don’t be surprised if only two defensemen are taken in the top 16, and maybe another 4-5 are taken in the latter half of the first round.

There might only be one goalie taken in the first round, if at all, considering the lack of quality goaltenders that are projected to go in this draft. That said, this draft will have a couple of stories lines that should prove interesting, one of which is what will happen after the number one pick. Russian prospect Matvei Michkov is considered the second-best player in the draft, but he is already under contract with a team in Russia for the next three years. That said, this should be a very good draft. Without further adu, here is PHN’s stop 16 picks projected by PHN staff.

Chicago Blackhawks – Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL): He is a generational talent. The Hawks are already feel the positive effects ever since the draft lottery.
Anaheim Ducks – Adam Fantilli, C, Michigan (NCAA): He might not be the second-best player in the draft but he is the right pick for the Ducks young offensive core.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (SWE): a QUALITY Overall center worthy of the third overall pick.
San Jose Sharks – Matvei Michkov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg (RUS): If the Sharks don’t pick Michkov it might not be a bad thing, but if they don’t take him the Montreal will. He is too good to pass up.
Montreal Canadiens – Will Smith, C, USA U-18 (NTDP): The Habs continue their efforts to build their teams down the middle. Smith looks like a can’t miss prospect.
Arizona Coyotes – David Reinbacher, D, Kloten (SUI): A late rising defenseman that could be a core top player for yeas to come. Definitely worth the risk.
Philadelphia Flyers – Ryan Leonard, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP): A power forward in the mold of Matthew Tkachuk. He will play alongside the Flyers top pick from last year Cutter Gauthier at Boston College, and draftee Will Smith.
Washington Capitals – Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skelleftea Jr. (SWE): Unless the Caps either move up to take Michkov, or he falls to them, look for Washington to work on their blueline.
Detroit Red Wings – Matthew Wood, RW, Connecticut (NCAA): The Wings look to take a Tage Thompson clone with a huge upside.
Louis Blues – Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound (OHL): The Blues need goal scorers, and get their wish with Barlow.
Vancouver Canucks – Oliver Moore, C, USA U-18 (NTDP): It is pretty tough to pass on someone with Connor McDavid like speed and skill.
Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa Senators) – Nate Danielson, C, Brandon (WHL): After taken defense at 6, the Coyotes take a chance on a very high riser in the draft.
Buffalo Sabres – Zach Benson, C, Winnipeg (WHL): With a solid blueline, the Sabres continue to add quality talent up front. This might be the year they finally make the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Penguins – Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (SWE-2): A projected top 10 talent fall to a team that is in dire need of prospects with an already aging core group. Missing the playoffs was a wake up call with a new ownership group in place.
Nashville Predators – Gabriel Perreault, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP): The Preds get a point producer with NHL bloodlines. He will be tough to pass up if he is still sitting at 15.
Calgary Flames – Samuel Honzek, LW, Vancouver (WHL): It didn’t take long for the Flames to miss Matthew Tkachuk. Honzek should remind them why.