1. Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard (C)
Last season: 71 G, 72 A in 57 games in WHL
Grade: A+
The most-hyped prospect since Connor McDavid finally puts the Blackhawks sweater on. He has a lot of the same tools that McDavid has at his age; smarts, speed, shooting, vision and all of the intangibles. While McDavid is a better skater, Bedard has a better shot. It will be fun to see these two go at it for years to come. One thing Bedard has going for him is his confidence, and he has a bit of a bite to him. Expect him to jump right into the NHL and produce.
2. Anaheim Ducks: Leo Carlsson (C)
Last season: 10 G, 15 A in 44 games in SHL
Grade: A-
Size, smarts, and skill. Carlsson looks like a sure-fire bet to be a force as a top-line centerman in the NHL. He played on the top line for Sweden at the World Championships this spring, and didn’t look out of place at all. Sure, the World Championships aren’t a best-on-best tournament, but he still looked good against NHL-quality players. His knack for scoring and ability to win puck battles all over the ice will make his transition to North America seamless, whether this year or next. Michkov and Fantilli just look like better picks here.
3. Columbus Blue Jackets: Adam Fantilli (C)
Last season: 30 G, 35 A in 36 games in NCAA
Grade: A
This guy just gets better every single game. While he doesn’t have the flash and shooting ability of Bedard or Michkov, his speed, size and power combination makes him a top-line centerman. When he’s on the ice, he is always involved in the play, and doesn’t shy away from contact. Look for him to make the jump to the NHL right away, as he is the most NHL-ready prospect this year behind Bedard (he could start on the second line), but if he goes back to the NCAA, that wouldn’t be horrible for his development either.
4. San Jose Sharks: Will Smith (C)
Last season: 51 G, 76 A in 60 games in NTDP
Grade: A
Perhaps an under-the-radar prospect given the names at the top of the list, Smith had a season for the ages. He led the United States to a gold medal at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 World Championship with nine goals, 11 assists in seven games. His 191 points over his career in the NTDP place him second all-time behind Jack Hughes, and above names like Clayton Keller, Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews and Cole Caufield. If scoring is any indication (which it is), he will be a star one day. He’s heading to Boston College for at least one season, and should compete for the Hobey Baker with Logan Cooley. Gutsy to pick him over Michkov, but there’s tons of value in Smith.
5. Montreal Canadiens: David Reinbacher (RD)
Last season: 3 G, 19 A in 46 games in Swiss NL
Grade: C+
He shot up draft boards in the second half of the season, and for good reason. He played against men all season long in a top-four role, and put up respectable point totals. His solid size at 6’2”, mixed with his above average puck movement and defensive acumen make him a projectable defenseman, albeit his ceiling isn’t quite top-two material. For this reason, he is a bit of a stretch here, but should still be a reliable d-man in two or three years. Michkov is simply a better player, and will be better in the future as well.
6. Arizona Coyotes: Dmitri Simashev (D)
Last season: 0 G, 0 A in 18 games in KHL
Grade: B-
Some think that he is the obvious top defenseman in this year’s draft. His offense is better than his KHL stats will let you believe, with 10 points in the MHL last season. He has size at 6’4” and his defensive instincts and physicality are tops in the draft. During the tough minutes in the playoffs, this pick could pay off big time. He could end up in a top-two role in the future, but it’s likely not as a power play specialist. Maybe they could have traded down and still got him, but he is still likely a good future NHLer. Michkov was still available, though.
7. Philadelphia Flyers: Matvei Michkov (RW)
Last season: 9 G, 11 A in 30 games in KHL
Grade: A+
There was a time not too long ago when Michkov and Bedard were viewed on an equal playing field. Before Russia was banned from international hockey tournaments, Michkov was putting on a show every time he stepped on the ice. His combination of shooting, speed, passing ability, as well as his otherworldly hands and creativity, surely will make him a valuable player whenever he comes to North America. He’s also the type of player that works his butt off on both ends of the ice, and wants to win every game, badly. At the draft he said his dream is to win the Stanley Cup, so that should quell the rumours that he won’t come to North America.
8. Washington Capitals: Ryan Leonard (C/RW)
Last season: 51 G, 43 A in 57 games in NTDP
Grade: B+
Leonard is about as sure of a bet as there is in this draft. While his abilities don’t pop out like some of the others at the top end of the draft, his game is well-suited to the NHL. Similar to Colby Barlow, he’s not especially tall, but he’s stocky and knows how to put the puck in the net, and he plays mean. He works very hard off the puck and positions himself well whether on offense or defense, at the draft, he said he’s most proud of his competitiveness. This led to a very nice season in the NTDP, and will surely lead him to a top-six role in the NHL. If not, he will be a productive and reliable top-nine forward. He’s headed to Boston College next season, and then likely to the NHL.
9. Detroit Red Wings: Nate Danielson (C)
Last season: 33 G, 45 A in 68 games in WHL
Grade: B-
Yzerman picking Danielson is very much in line with his past draft choices. Yzerman picks slightly-under-the-radar players that play smart, two-way games. At the draft, Yzerman said he likes that Danielson is a big centerman that plays in all situations. Danielson is creative and has underrated speed, but certainly seems to have room to grow, skill-wise. He doesn’t make flashy plays, so his ceiling doesn’t look like it reaches the top line, but Yzerman has been right more often than not. This is a safe pick.
10. St. Louis Blues: Dalibor Dvorsky (C)
Last season: 6 G, 8 A in 38 games in Allsvenskan
Grade: B
While the Slovaks were a hot commodity in last year’s draft, this year is a bit more like normal in terms of top-end talent. However, Dvorsky is no slouch. He is one of the best shooters in the draft, and performed well against his own age group. While he wasn’t outstanding in Sweden’s second league, he showed flashes of his potential. He’s a hard worker and has great hockey sense, but his playmaking ability is just slightly above-average. If he can continue to score, he will end up in the top-six, but otherwise, he could end up as a third liner.
11. Vancouver Canucks: Tom Willander (RD)
Last season: 4 G, 21 A in 39 games in Swe-Jr
Grade: C
With average size and solid skating ability, but not eye-popping skills, Willander is an interesting choice over countryman Sandin Pellikka. His defensive skills are certainly strong, and he’s smart off the puck. He may develop into a power play quarterback some day, but the route to that point isn’t clear. He is good at a lot of things, but not amazing at anything. Heading to Boston College should help him develop into a top-four defenseman in the future, but it could be a few years away.
12. Arizona Coyotes: Daniil But (LW)
Last season: 2 G, 0 A in 15 games in KHL
Grade: A-
Size and skill. It’s a combination that is hard to find, and when you find it, you hold on to it. At 6’5” and 203 pounds, he is hard to knock off the puck when he gets it, and has a wicked release and underrated playmaking abilities. However, his consistency and compete level are not where they need to be to dominate in any pro league at the moment. Look for him to take a step in the KHL next season if he has a chance at the NHL any time soon, otherwise he is more of a project, but one with great tools already.
13. Buffalo Sabres: Zach Benson (C/LW)
Last season: 36 G, 62 A in 60 games in WHL
Grade: A
Even though he played with former first-round draft picks Matt Savoie and Conor Geekie, he led a very good Winnipeg Ice team in scoring. His gift is his hockey IQ, he plays smart, and always puts himself in position to help his teammates or create danger. He might be slightly undersized, but that hasn’t stopped other players with similar skill sets from dominating in the NHL (just ask Mitch Marner). He will return to Junior, albeit in a new city (the Ice have relocated to Wenatchee, USA), and spend at least one year there. If he puts on some pounds, look out for him in 2025. The Sabres are slowly creating the deepest prospect pool in recent memory.
14. Pittsburgh Penguins: Brayden Yager (C)
Last season: 28 G, 50 A in 67 games in WHL
Grade: A-
Yager can do a little bit of everything, and has high-end skill. His draft stock dropped throughout the season, as he didn’t have as strong of a season as some scouts predicted. But Yager has a hard and accurate wrister, which he likes to use in transition, and he doesn’t need tons of space to let it fly. He probably didn’t score as many goals as scouts thought he would, after scoring 34 goals in his sophomore season in the WHL. His speed is also a big plus, and his smarts on both ends help him use it to the fullest. Look for him to return to junior for two seasons before transitioning to the pro game, and reaching a possible top-six role.
15. Nashville Predators: Matthew Wood (RW)
Last season: 11 G, 23 A in 35 games in NCAA
Grade: B-
Being the youngest player in the NCAA last season didn’t stop him from leading the UConn Huskies in scoring. At 6’4” and over 200 pounds, he wasn’t your prototypical 17-year-old freshman. He has some skill to back up the size too. He has a hard shot, and easily finds space to let it fly, flashing his high-end IQ. Barry Trotz remarked at the draft that they will be patient with him, so expect him to stay in the NCAA for at least a year or two. When he cracks the NHL, he’s likely a good third liner.
16. Calgary Flames: Samuel Honzek (LW)
Last season: 23 G, 33 A in 43 games in WHL
Grade: B-
At 6’3” and 195 pounds, Honzek already has NHL size. Some compare his game to Timo Meier’s, but the ceiling for Honzek isn’t as high. His skills don’t pop out at you, but he already has a lot of pro-level habits, routinely taking the correct routes and finding space in a way that should translate into a solid NHL career, no matter which line he ends up on. It’s a safe pick. Look for him to spend two more years in the WHL before pushing for a roster spot in Calgary.
17. Detroit Red Wings: Axel Sandin Pellikka (RD)
Last season: 2 G, 3 A in 22 games in SHL
Grade: A
Sandin Pellikka had an up and down season, in a draft where there aren’t as many high-end defenseman as other years. He’s smart, can move the puck, and can score. He has the skills to be a top-power-play-unit kind of player, but can he be that guy on both ends? He is slightly undersized, at 5’11” and 180 pounds, and his stats above don’t tell the full story, as he also had 36 points in 31 games in J20. But some expected him to have a bigger impact in the SHL. Look for him to have a big season in the SHL next year to really solidify his NHL potential. He was thought of as the top defenseman for most of the season, so picking him here is reasonable, although feels quite ‘anti-yzerman’.
18. Winnipeg Jets: Colby Barlow (LW)
Last season: 46 G, 33 A in 59 games in OHL
Grade: A-
Goal scorers will always be coveted at the draft, and in the NHL. Barlow shoots and scores a lot, and plays a north-south game, which normally translates well to the NHL style of play. Barlow has average NHL height at 6’1”, but he’s already 190 pounds, so he has an NHL body already at 18 years old. He’s smart, as the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year, and gets to the right areas. His weakness might be his hands; But, the combination of his strength, goal-scoring ability, and leadership qualities make me believe that he will be a top-six forward at the next level, and a potential future captain. He’s old school.
19. Chicago Blackhawks: Oliver Moore (C)
Last season: 31 G, 44 A in 61 games in NTDP
Grade: A
Speed is the name of Moore’s game. He draws comparisons to McDavid, and has explosiveness, speed, and agility in all directions. He’s probably the best skater in the draft. But he can do more than that as well. He plays with pace with the puck as well, and has great hands and passing ability. Moore works hard and wants to be reliable all over the ice. He should end up as a top-six forward when all is said and done. He is heading to the NCAA next season to play for the University of Minnesota.
20. Seattle Kraken: Eduard Sale (LW)
Last season: 7 G, 7 A in 43 games in Extraliga
Grade: C+
One of the bigger boom-or-bust picks in the draft, Sale has the skills to play in the top-six, but his compete level may hold him back. Despite his good skating fundamentals, he gets caught flat-footed in transition, signaling his battle with the mental and defensive side of the game. When the puck is on his stick, he uses his hands and edges well to create chances, and can score at will with his hard and accurate shot. It will be interesting to see if he is brought over to the AHL next season, as it could help accelerate his development, but it could also leave him out of his element.
21. Minnesota Wild: Charlie Stramel (C)
Last season: 5 G, 7 A in 33 games in NCAA
Grade: D
He’s a solid, big player that plays a north-south game. I like that. He might be a good player to have around in the playoffs. But his skills simply don’t pass the eye test, or the numbers test. He might very well be an NHL player, but he seems like he could be replaced by a number of big fourth liners when all is said and done. Unless he has a huge year in the NCAA, expect him to spend a long time there, and in the minors.
22. Philadelphia Flyers: Oliver Bonk (RD)
Last Season: 10 G, 30 A in 67 games in OHL
Grade: C+
One of only two players picked from the OHL so far, the son of Radek Bonk has good size and shutdown defensive instincts. His passing and vision are good, but not great. His skating isn’t at the level of some of the high-end players at this year’s draft. With all of that in mind, he will likely fit in as a top-four or bottom-pairing defenseman. The worry about his skating might be the biggest hindrance to his career.
23. New York Rangers: Gabe Perrault (RW)
Last season: 53 G, 79 A in 63 games in NTDP
Grade: A
Another NTDP player that had a monster season, Perrault set the single-season scoring record against USHL competition, and has NHL bloodlines. His 185 points over his career in the NTDP has him fourth all-time, ahead of some big names. His playmaking, vision, IQ and scoring touch should lead him to a very productive NHL career, but some scouts are labeling him as a boom-or-bust type player. This is probably due to his perceived weakness in the defensive zone and his skating. He will be heading to Boston College to continue with his former linemates from the NTDP, so look for another big scoring season if he can adjust well to playing against older competition.
24. Nashville Predators: Tanner Molendyk (LD)
Last season: 9 G, 28 A in 67 games in WHL
Grade: C-
Skating is his calling card. When a defenseman is a great skater, they are able to stay in the play, and defend with their legs when they get in trouble. He is aggressive on the defensive end, and has a great stick. His skill set is slightly limited past that, so he isn’t expected to be a high-end offensive talent. Look for him to spend a few more years developing and reach the bottom pair. He likely could have been picked a bit later.
25. St. Louis Blues: Otto Stenberg (C)
Last season: 1 G, 2 A in 23 games in SHL
Grade: A-
He plays a calm and confident game. His leadership is certainly a trait that many teams covet. He played very well in a competitive pro league in the SHL, but lacked the point production while playing for a great development program. He considers himself a smart, two-way player. To get a player of his calibre at the 25th pick is great value for them. He will make a great third-line center in the future.
26. San Jose Sharks: Quentin Musty (LW)
Last season: 26 G, 52 A in 53 games in OHL
Grade: A-
With NHL size and skating already, the 6’2”, 200-pound Musty trended upwards all season long. His playmaking improved all season long, but he could still improve his quick decision making. He’s still just 17 years old, and could end up growing into his frame even more. If he can shore up the defensive side of his game, he could be a solid third-line player with bite and skill.
27. Colorado Avalanche: Callum Ritchie (C)
Last season: 24 G, 35 A in 54 games in OHL
Grade: B
He played through a shoulder injury for the entire season, and still managed to put up over a point per game. His play away from the puck is sneaky-good. He loves to steal the puck, and does it frequently. His skill on the puck is a work in progress, but it’s hard to judge him based on the injury issues. Time will tell, but I project him to be a third liner at best.
28. Toronto Maple Leafs: Easton Cowan (RW)
Last season: 20 G, 33 A in 68 games in OHL
Grade: D
He had a slow start to the season, but really came on late in the season and especially in the playoffs. He’s extremely competitive and plays all over the ice. His skills are about average, so the Leafs are really betting on his willingness to compete and get better year-over-year to push for a roster spot. The problem with this pick is that the Leafs could have traded down almost a full round and probably still could have picked him. Look for him to reach the third line at the pro level at most, and most likely end up as a career AHLer.
29. St. Louis Blues: Theo Lindstein (LD)
Last season: 1 G, 1 A in 32 games in SHL
Grade: A-
There’s a lot to like about a player who’s able to play all year in the SHL as an 18-year-old, especially this late in the first round. His skills aren’t eye popping, but he skates fluidly, has good size, and is patient with the puck. With his poise, I expect him to develop mid-range offensive skills at the NHL level, and perhaps reach the top-four. His defensive skills are above average, so he should be a sure bet to at least crack the bottom pairing in the future.
30. Carolina Hurricanes: Bradly Nadeau (LW)
Last season: 45 G, 68 A in 54 games in BCHL
Grade: C+
Nadeau led the BCHL in goals, assists, and points last season, but it’s hard to judge the numbers from a league that is so top heavy. Given the asterisk, Nadeau still has NHL-level talent, but likely not at a top-six level. His speed, shot and offensive zone movements are dynamic, albeit against weaker competition. Look for him to have a long career in the NCAA and hopefully reach the top-nine at some point.
31. Colorado Avalanche: Mikhail Gulyayev (LD)
Last season: 0 G, 1 A in 13 games in KHL
Grade: A
This could be another example of the ‘Russian effect’ in combination with the ‘size effect’. At just 5’10” and 172 pounds, Gulyayev is one of the smaller defenseman in the draft, and his Russian heritage likely scared some scouts away. Regardless, he is one of the most skilled and speedy defenseman in the draft, with over a point per game in the Russian junior league. Some scouts compare him to Adam Fox; he is poised and plays confidently with the puck on his stick. He could end up as a top-two defenseman and one of the late-round steals.
32. Vegas Golden Knights: David Edstrom (C)
Last season: 2 G, 2 A in 11 games in SHL
Grade: B-
A big, smart, 200-foot player is hard to pass up on with the last pick in the first round. Vegas got their guy, and he projects as a third-line shutdown center. On the ice, he plays confidently but he isn’t flashy, so he doesn’t have the skill set to be a real difference maker in transition. But he could be a valuable player come playoff time.
Thanks for reading. Share, comment, or follow me on my socials for more. Check out last year’s grades here.
