PHN’s 2023 Mock Draft, Picks 17-32

PHILADELPHIA, Pa – In part one of the 2023 PHN NHL Mock Draft, picks 1-16 are already in the books. So far only two defensemen are off the board, leaving teams with plenty of options in picks 17-32. This is not considered a defensive minded draft but that will take through to the end of the first round. Teams could and should focus more on needs rather than taking best player available. The draft is about the future, not the here and now. Let’s see how the rest of out mock draft shakes out

Detroit Red Wings (from New York Islanders via Vancouver Canucks) – Dmitri Simashev, D, Yaroslavl Jr. (RUS-JR): The Red Wings have never been afraid of taking a Russian player. This time will be no exception. With the Wings taking a forward 9^th overall, Detriot goes for a solid, 6’ 4” stud on the blueline.

Winnipeg Jets – Tom Willander, D, Rogle Jr. (SWE-JR): The Jets need to continue to build their blueline, despite the rumors that several key forwards are on the market. A right-shot defenseman could be a solid pickup for Winnipeg.

Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning) – Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna (WHL): The Blackhawks get not only a skilled forward but is a personal friend of Connor Bedard. Chicago could go with better talent but keeping Bedard happy is priority one.

Seattle Kraken – Oliver Bonk, D, London (OHL): In two short years the Kraken have one of the NHL’s best goal scoring teams. Seattle will work their blueline by taking Bonk who has NHL bloodlines.

Minnesota Wild – Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw (WHL): Not the biggest of forwards, but he is a top 10 talent despite his stock slipping. He will add to a solid, but not spectacular group of forwards.

Philadelphia Flyers (from Los Angeles Kings via Columbus Blue Jackets) – Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa (OHL): Philadelphia has been wheeling and dealing. Tuesday the Flyers traded away Kevin Hayes. If the Flyers don’t take a defenseman a #7 overall, this would be a good spot for a blueliner but PHN projects that another trade of two is coming down the pike on draft day. Ritchie played through a season-long shoulder injury that required surgery. That won’t deter Philly from taking him at #22.

New York Rangers – Danil But, LW, Yaroslavl Jr. (RUS-JR): A 6’ 5” winger is perfect for what the Rangers need. The perfect power forward to compliment all the Rangers skill up front.

Nashville Predators (from Edmonton Oilers) – Eduard Sale, LW, Brno (CZREP): If the Predators keep the pick and don’t trade it (Rumored to be to in play), Nashville will take a shot at a forward with a very high ceiling. Sale was voted the rookie of the year the top professional league in the Czech Republic.

Louis Blues (from Toronto Maple Leafs) – Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Omsk Jr. (RUS-JR): The Blues love building a solid defensive core. Gulyayev could be the steal of the draft. This pick was rumored to go to Philadelphia is a bigger deal for Hayes, but if the Blues keep the pick, Gulyayev could play for St. Louis for years to come.

San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey Devils) – Michael Hrabal, G, Omaha (USHL): Despite Tuesdays trade with the Devils for Mackenzie Blackwood, the Sharks go hunting for goaltending. They get arguably the best goalie in this year’s draft.

Colorado Avalanche – Ethan Gauthier, RW, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): If there is a franchise that knows a thing or two about getting quality forwards, I give you Ethan Gauthier. His father was former NHL defenseman Denis Gauthier. A speedy forward fits perfectly in the rocky mountains.

Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston Bruins via Washington Capitals) – Samuel Honzek, LW, Vancouver (WHL): A franchise that always in need of defensemen, decide that Honzek’s skill and size. He missed two months because of a bad skate cut to his left calf. It could explain why his fell as far as 28 in our mock draft, but Toronto isn’t going to complain.

Louis Blues (from Dallas Stars via New York Rangers) – Otto Stenberg, C, Frolunda Jr. (SWE-JR): Again, this is if the Blues keep this pick, taking Stenburg would be a great sleeper pick with the extra first round pick.

Carolina Hurricanes – Danny Nelson, C, USA U-18 (NTDP): It is necessity Carolina continues to build up their forward crop. Adding another USA product with size and skill that can also play defense makes him a perfect bit in Carolina.

Montreal Canadiens (from Florida Panthers) – Quentin Musty, LW, Sudbury (OHL): After taking a center at #5, but Habs could go defense, but they find it hard to pass on a kid with a ton of upside. A skilled playmaker with a high hockey IQ.

Vegas Golden Knights – Tanner Molendyk, D, Saskatoon (WHL): Words you never thought you’d hear in your life, but the Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights have the luxury of adding to an already solid set up blueliners, but age will eventually catch up to them and taking a defenseman a little but smaller than what Vegas usually has, Molendyk will be a nice change of pace.