NHL Central Scouting Releases Final Rankings for 2023 NHL Draft

The highly anticipated final rankings from NHL Central Scouting for the 2023 NHL draft have been unveiled, providing valuable insight into which players are on the radar of NHL teams and where they stand in the eyes of league insiders.

 

Connor Bedard

Leading the pack is no surprise, as Connor Bedard claims the top spot. Bedard has been a standout player throughout the season, posting an impressive 90 goals and 186 points in just 71 games for the Regina Pats and making a name for himself as a generational talent.

 

In the international skaters category, Leo Carlsson holds the top spot despite stiff competition from Matvei Michkov, who had a strong second half of the season. Carlsson has displayed a blend of power, speed, and skill that could make him a top center in the NHL, with an impressive season in the SHL and a key role in the World Junior Championship.

 

Among the North American skaters, Adam Fantilli sits at second place, right behind Bedard. Fantilli, the NCAA's Hobey Baker-winner, is known for his well-rounded game and exceptional offensive ability, and is expected to be a top pick on draft day.

 

Matthew Wood has risen in the rankings from eighth to fourth among North American skaters, thanks to a standout season at the University of Connecticut. While Wood has the tools and size, there are areas of his game that need refinement, making him a potential project with a high upside.

 

In the OHL, Colby Barlow, Calum Ritchie, and Quentin Musty are the top-ranked players, sitting just outside the top 10 among North American skaters. Barlow has impressed with his goal-scoring ability and net presence, while Ritchie has shown potential as a first-round pick with the right development. Musty's blend of power and skill as a playmaker has also caught the attention of scouts.

 

David Reinbacher is the top-ranked defenseman, the only one to make it to the top five on either list. Reinbacher, an Austrian blueliner, has been performing well in the Swiss league, particularly on the power play, making him a valuable asset for teams in need of defense.

 

Among North American defensemen, Lukas Dragicevic leads the pack at 18th place, followed by Etienne Morin and Oliver Bonk. The North American crop of blueliners is considered underwhelming, and it remains to be seen when the first one will be selected in the draft.

 

The USA Hockey National Team Development Program has once again produced a number of top talents, with four players from the program making it to the top 10. Will Smith leads the way at third place, showcasing his creativity and skill, while Ryan Leonard, Gabriel Perreault, and Oliver Moore also secured spots in the top 10 with their respective strengths and contributions to the team.

 

One notable trend is the uncertainty surrounding Russian players, as some, like Michkov, But, and Gulyayev, made it to the top 10 despite questions about where they will ultimately be drafted.

 

The NHL Central Scouting rankings serve as a valuable resource for NHL teams, scouting services, and analysts to assess the talent pool available in the 2023 NHL draft and plan their strategies accordingly. As the draft approaches, teams will undoubtedly keep a close eye on these rankings and make their selections based on their own assessments and priorities.

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