Mock 2023 NHL Draft: Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, Smith consensus top 4

Following the NHL Scouting Combine presented by adidas on Saturday, NHL.com writers Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale make their predictions for how the first round of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft could turn out.

The 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft is stocked with high-end talented forwards and some promising defensemen, making it full of unpredictability.

However, there appears to be some consensus at the top of the draft.

NHL.com writers Adam Kimelman and Mike G. Morreale agree on how the first four picks could go, beginning with the Chicago Blackhawks selecting center Connor Bedard from Regina of the Western Hockey League with the No. 1 pick.

But starting with the Montreal Canadiens and the No. 5 selection, their opinions vary widely.

The first round of the 2023 draft will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on June 28 (7 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS). Rounds 2-7 will be June 29 (11 a.m. ET; NHLN, SN, TVAS).

The 16 teams that missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs took part in the lottery drawing for the first two selections. On May 8, the Blackhawks won the No. 1 pick, and the Anaheim Ducks won the No. 2 selection. The remaining teams were ordered based on the regular-season NHL standings.

Picks 17-28 were determined by the results of the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Non-division winners were ordered based on their regular-season point total, followed by division winners.

No. 29 went to the team that lost in the conference finals with the fewest regular-season points, and No. 30 went to the team that lost in the third round with the most points.

Pick No. 31 will go to the team that loses in the Stanley Cup Final, and No. 32 goes to the team that wins the Cup. Game 5 of the Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights will be at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday (8 p.m. ET; TNT, truTV, CBC, SN, TVAS). The Golden Knights lead the best-of-7 series 3-1.

For this exercise, the No. 31 pick was given to the Panthers, who had fewer points in the regular season, but the Montreal Canadiens own the selection through the trade last season for defenseman Ben Chiarot. No. 32 went to the Golden Knights.

1. Chicago Blackhawks

Kimelman -- Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL): Bedard (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) could be the best prospect to enter the NHL since Connor McDavid, who was selected No. 1 by the Edmonton Oilers at the 2015 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old has dominated every level he's played at, and he's done it while usually being the youngest player on his team. Bedard is a generational talent with the ability to fast-forward the Blackhawks back into Stanley Cup Playoff contention.

Morreale -- Connor Bedard: The 17-year-old was flawless during his draft-eligible season, winning the Canadian Hockey League Top Prospect, Top Scorer, and David Branch Player of the Year awards this season after leading the Western Hockey League in goals (71) and points (143) in 57 games with Regina. He'll be a major building block for a franchise in need of high-end talent, especially at the center position.

2. Anaheim Ducks

Kimelman -- Adam Fantilli, C, Michigan (NCAA): Fantilli dominated NCAA hockey as few 18-year-old freshmen have. He led all players in points (65) and tied for the lead in goals (30), helping Michigan reach the Frozen Four and winning the Hobey Baker Trophy as the top men's hockey player. At 6-2, 195, he has NHL-ready size and should be able to make an NHL impact whenever he decides to turn pro, likely after one more season at Michigan.

Morreale -- Adam Fantilli: Fantilli, the top player in college hockey this season, has the tools required to become an elite power center in the NHL someday.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets

Kimelman -- Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (SWE): Carlsson won't blow your skates off like Bedard, but he does everything exceptionally well. He's got NHL-ready size (6-3, 198) and already has two seasons of experience in the Swedish Hockey League. Carlsson has the chance to be the top-end No. 1 center Columbus has been missing.

Morreale -- Leo Carlsson: Carlsson knows how to manage the puck along the boards and is difficult to knock down in battles. He was named the junior player of the year in Sweden this season.

4. San Jose Sharks

Kimelman - Will Smith, C, USA U-18 (NTDP): Smith is a game-breaking talent who saved his best hockey for the biggest moment. In helping the United States win the gold medal at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 World Championship in April, he led the tournament with 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in seven games, matching the U.S. record set by Jack Hughes at the 2019 tournament. Smith (6-foot, 181) will play at least one season at Boston College, but will be more than worth the wait.

Morreale -- Will Smith: The right-handed center creates scoring chances and can handle the puck at top speed to make plays and players around him even better.

5. Montreal Canadiens

Kimelman -- Matvei Michkov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg (RUS): From a pure skill standpoint, Michkov (5-10, 172) might be second only to Bedard in this year's draft class. But his contract in the KHL runs through the 2025-26 season, so whatever team drafts him will need patience. But the Canadiens have started to put some good young pieces in place with forwards Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky, and defensemen Kaiden Guhle, Justin Barron and Jordan Harris. They've also drafted well recently, so they're well stocked to wait for Michkov to potentially arrive at age 22 in 2026.

Morreale -- Ryan Leonard, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP): He has high-end compete, grittiness, a big shot and the willingness to be the guy that stirs the pot when his team needs a spark. Leonard (5-11, 192) also provided leadership as a member of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program Under-18 team, with 94 points (51 goals, 43 assists) in 57 games.

6. Arizona Coyotes

Kimelman -- Ryan Leonard: Leonard's play got better as the season went on, and he was outstanding at the World U-18s, scoring eight goals in seven games, including the overtime winner in the gold-medal game. But more than the skill, Leonard plays a feisty game, reminiscent of Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers. He is committed to Boston College for 2023-24, but with a solid season of development, he could join Logan Cooley (2022, No. 3), Conor Geekie (2022, No. 11) and Dylan Guenther (2021, No. 9) as the Coyotes start putting in place some really nice offensive talents.

Morreale -- Matvei Michkov: The 18-year-old, who had 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in 30 games on loan to Sochi, offers great acceleration, puck handling skills and confidence reminiscent of Bedard. With three more seasons left on his KHL contract, patience will be needed, but the payoff for Arizona could be tremendous.

7. Philadelphia Flyers

Kimelman -- Oliver Moore, C, USA U-18 (NTDP): Moore (5-11, 188) does everything at a high pace, with a skill set that is reminiscent of Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin. The Flyers have talked about the need to add top-end skill to their prospect group, and Moore has the ability to be a top-six center after he develops his game at the University of Minnesota for at least one season.

Morreale -- Nate Danielson, C, Brandon (WHL): This is a great opportunity for the Flyers to add a skilled, right-handed shot (6-1, 185) with vision and patience with the puck. Danielson made one of the most significant jumps in Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters, to No. 7 from No. 13 on the midterm list, after leading Brandon with 78 points (33 goals, 45 assists) in 68 games. He can play all situations, including the power play and penalty kill.

8. Washington Capitals

Kimelman -- David Reinbacher, D, Kloten (SUI): The Capitals have done well with adding young forwards at the top of the draft the past few seasons, with Connor McMichael (2019, No. 25) and Hendrix Lapierre (2020, No. 22) looking like they're ready for more. Now would be a good time to address the defense, and Reinbacher (6-2, 185) is the best defenseman prospect available. The Austria-born right-shot defenseman didn't look out of place playing in the top professional league in Switzerland with 22 points (three goals, 19 assists) in 46 games, and scouts have compared him to Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider.

Morreale -- Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (SWE-2): Dvorsky (6-1, 201) is a good skater, great with the puck on his stick, and has an ability to maintain possession with good vision. He can win battles in the corner and shows great skill in tight spaces; he led fourth-place Slovakia with 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in seven games at the U-18 Worlds.

9. Detroit Red Wings

Kimelman -- Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg (WHL): Benson was the leading scorer (98 points in 60 games) on the best team in the WHL during the regular season, one that featured two first-round NHL draft picks, Geekie and Matt Savoie (Buffalo Sabres). His work ethic is one of his best assets, and he's fearless when it comes to going to the dirty areas to produce offense, similar to Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher.

Morreale -- Oliver Moore: Moore has elite speed and is a potential top-line NHL player. It's possible he's moved to wing at the next level, but he did have 75 points (31 goals, 44 assists) in 61 games with the NTDP.

10. St. Louis Blues

Kimelman -- Dalibor Dvorsky: Dvorsky has the size and skill to play in the middle, but also could find a home on the wing. Wherever he ends up, the Blues will be happy to have him; Dvorsky is a high-IQ player with a really good shot that he doesn't need much room to get it off.

Morreale -- Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw (WHL): St. Louis needs depth down the middle and Yager (5-11, 166) improved his playmaking to complement a powerful shot this season. He's responsible in all three zones and effective on face-offs.

11. Vancouver Canucks

Kimelman -- Eduard Sale, LW, Brno (CZREP): Finding depth at left wing is an organizational need for the Canucks, whose recent top draft selections have played on the right side: Jonathan Lekkerimaki (2022, No. 15), Danila Klimovich (2021, No. 41) and Vasily Podkolzin (2019, No. 10). Sale, who has high-end puck skills and is a smooth skater, has two seasons of experience playing against older competition in the top Czech league.

Morreale -- Tom Willander, D, Rogle Jr. (SWE-JR): Willander (6-1, 180) is a skilled right-shot defenseman with excellent mobility, skating speed and good understanding of the game. He finished third among defensemen at the U-18 Worlds with eight points (three goals, five assists) for Sweden.

12. Arizona Coyotes (from Ottawa Senators)

Kimelman -- Gabriel Perreault, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP): Perreault (5-11, 165), Leonard and Smith arguably were the best line in junior hockey this season, so the Coyotes will gladly take two of them after selecting Leonard at No. 6. Perreault broke Auston Matthews' NTDP U-18 single-season record with 132 points (53 goals, 79 assists) in 63 games. His hockey sense is his best asset, and it allows him to use his anticipation and puck skills to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates.

Morreale -- David Reinbacher: Reinbacher plays a strong game while looking to get involved on every shift. He's a good skater for his size and effective in making the first pass out of his zone.

13. Buffalo Sabres

Kimelman -- Matthew Wood, RW, Connecticut (NCAA): Wood's game got better as the season went on, capped by 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in seven games for Canada at World U-18s, where he answered any questions about his skating. His size (6-4, 193) and skill make him one of the best players below the dots in this draft class. The Sabres have built an impressive array of young offensive talent, led by Tage Thompson (also a Connecticut product), Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn. Wood would make a strong group even better.

Morreale -- Zach Benson: A terrific skater and relentless contributor on the forecheck, Benson will go to the tough areas of the ice and always battle hard despite his frame. His best asset is his hockey smarts and he's improved his defensive game. He played on a line in Winnipeg with Sabres prospect Matt Savoie.

14. Pittsburgh Penguins

Kimelman -- Nate Danielson: This is the earliest the Penguins have selected in the draft since 2012 when they selected defenseman Derrick Pouliot at No. 8. Danielson stood out on a Brandon team that struggled this season, and scouts were impressed with how he continued to develop the offensive side of his game to complement a defensive game that Bedard said made him the most difficult player to skate against in his draft class. With so many top-end forwards available in this draft class, it's imperative to find centers that can eventually replace Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and Danielson has the potential to develop into a strong top-six player.

Morreale -- Matthew Wood: Wood probably has the highest ceiling of any prospect selected in the first round. His shot is accurate and hard, and he can score multiple ways with a one-timer or toe-drag. He led Connecticut with 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 35 games.

15. Nashville Predators

Kimelman -- Brayden Yager: Barry Trotz, who will take over as general manager July 1, wants his scouts to "take some high-end swings on some guys," so Yager would be the perfect addition here. The right-shot forward is a strong, quick skater and a puck hound with a dynamic shot. He needs to get stronger, but the upside is a top-line center that can make players around him better.

Morreale -- Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skelleftea Jr. (SWE-JR): Pellikka (5-11, 176) compensates for his lack of size with his hockey smarts and understanding of the game. He's quick and agile, reliable and consistent. Compared by some to Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, Pellikka had 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 31 games in Sweden's junior league and five points (two goals, three assists) in 22 games with Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League.

16. Calgary Flames

Kimelman -- Samuel Honzek, LW, Vancouver (WHL): Honzek's strength and hockey IQ stood out this season, his first in the WHL after coming over from his native Slovakia. He showed he could make plays off the rush and use his big body (6-4, 186) to hold off defenders to create time and space to use his quick, heavy shot. He missed time with a bad skate cut to his left calf, but he looked recovered when he returned and his testing at the Video: 'NHL Tonight' crew on Blackhawks and Connor Bedard about his quickness and power.

Morreale -- Otto Stenberg, C, Frolunda Jr. (SWE): An offensively gifted player with quick hands and accurate shot, Stenberg (5-11, 180) had 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in seven games for Sweden at the World U-18s. Stenberg is a complete player with a strong work ethic and the ability to come up big in clutch situations. He's also versatile enough to play wing or center.

17. Detroit Red Wings (from New York Islanders via Vancouver Canucks)

Kimelman -- Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound (OHL): Barlow showed a great scoring touch this season, finishing fifth in OHL with 46 goals in 59 games. He has a high-end shot that is reminiscent of Sabres forward Jeff Skinner. Barlow can skate the puck into the offensive zone and is strong enough (6-foot, 190) to win battles along the wall. He also can be used on the penalty kill, and projects to give the Red Wings an all-around forward who can play anywhere on their top two lines.

Morreale -- Dmitri Simashev, D, Yaroslavl Jr. (RUS-JR): The 18-year-old plays a strong physical game and has good size (6-4, 198). He's competitive, alert and active in all three zones.

18. Winnipeg Jets

Kimelman -- Tom Willander: Willander is one of the most complete defensemen in this year's draft. His skating is his best asset, and he can use it either moving the puck out of the zone or when defending and breaking up plays. His poise and hockey IQ also are very high. The right-handed shot will play at Boston University next season, but it might not be too long before Willander is ready to jump to the NHL.

Morreale -- Gabriel Perreault: Perreault led the NTDP in goals, assists and points and was second for the United States at the World U-18s with 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in seven games. The son of former NHL center Yanic Perreault has great instincts, smarts and knows how to put himself in good areas to create offense.

19. Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning)

Kimelman -- Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna (WHL): The Blackhawks can add one of Bedard's best friends by selecting Cristall (5-9, 167), who mixes high-end skill with an edge. His speed and elusiveness allow him to find open spots in the offensive zone and his creativity and tenacity allow him to finish in-tight. Cristall can dominate in open ice, and one scout said Cristall is "basically a cheat code on the power play."

Morreale -- Andrew Cristall: Cristall was an offensive catalyst for Kelowna this season, leading them in goals (39), assists (56) and points (95) in 54 games. He's offensively gifted and contributes to the power play (nine goals, 24 assists) because of his great vision and ability. With the proper development, Cristall has top-six potential in the NHL.

20. Seattle Kraken

Kimelman -- Axel Sandin Pellikka: The Kraken have done well adding young forwards in the draft, topped by Matty Beniers (2021, No. 2) and Shane Wright (2022, No. 4). Now they can start building prospect depth at defenseman with Sandin Pellikka, a right-handed shot considered the top offensive-minded defenseman available.

Morreale -- Colby Barlow: Barlow can beat defenders with his great speed or strength in shielding them off 1-on-1 in tight quarters. He can play physical along the boards and could be a top-nine forward at the NHL level. He also won the Bobby Smith Trophy, awarded to the Ontario Hockey League's scholastic player of the year.

21. Minnesota Wild

Kimelman -- Otto Stenberg: The Wild have depth issues at center, and Stenberg has the skill set to relieve a lot of those issues. His first-three-step quickness powers a top-end offensive game, and he doesn't need much room to get his shot off.

Morreale -- Samuel Honzek: Honzek is a power forward with good hands and skating ability. He had 56 points (23 goals, 33 assists) in 43 games to become the third-highest Vancouver rookie scorer in a single season after Fabian Lysell (62 points, 2021-22) and Gilbert Brule (60 points, 2003-04).

22. Philadelphia Flyers (from Los Angeles Kings via Columbus Blue Jackets)

Kimelman -- Lukas Dragicevic, D, Tri-City (WHL): Dragicevic (6-1, 190) has a top-end offensive game with the skating, hands and vision that help him excel at creating scoring chances off the rush and on the power play. He plays a bit of a high risk/high reward style, but the Flyers need to take chances as they add more talent and creativity to their prospect group.

Morreale -- Etienne Morin, D, Moncton (QMJHL): Morin (6-foot, 180) is a solid power-play quarterback who is great on transition. He has a good wrist shot and plays a consistent, physical game.

23. New York Rangers

Kimelman -- David Edstrom, C, Frolunda Jr. (SWE-JR): Adding young skill in the middle could be the best option for the Rangers at this point, with Mika Zibanejad at age 30 and Vincent Trocheck turning 30 before next season starts. Edstrom (6-3, 185) is a smart player with great size who averaged a point per game (28 points in 28 games) in Sweden's junior league.

Morreale -- Daniil But, LW, Yaroslavl Jr. (RUS-JR): Compared by some to Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine, But skates well for his size (6-5, 203) and he can win most 1-on-1 battles. He plays with confidence and offers plenty of creativity with the puck.

24. Nashville Predators (from Edmonton Oilers)

Kimelman -- Oliver Bonk, D, London (OHL): The Predators haven't taken a defenseman in the first round since Dante Fabbro in 2016, and with their second first-round pick, this could be the right time to address that lack of quality organizational depth. Bonk has a high hockey IQ and good poise with the puck, which allows him to succeed in all areas of the game. He's a good skater who can get the puck up the ice, and use his size and reach (6-2, 180) to help break up plays.

Morreale -- Eduard Sale: Sale is a talented forward with great offensive instincts who can shoot and pass with good accuracy. He is active in the offensive zone and presents a challenge for opposing defenders with his size and strength. He had six points (four goals, two assists) in five games for Czechia at the World U-18s.

25. St. Louis Blues (from Toronto Maple Leafs)

Kimelman -- Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa (OHL): Ritchie had 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists) in 59 OHL games and nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games to help Canada win the 2023 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, despite playing through a season-long shoulder injury that required surgery. That kind of toughness blends with the style coach Craig Berube likes to play and continues to build at an area of need among St. Louis prospects.

Morreale -- Calum Ritchie: Ritchie excelled all season, including helping Canada to a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship despite his shoulder injury. The 18-year-old right-handed shot is expected to return to the ice in three weeks after undergoing surgery at the end of the season. He can play in traffic and manages that with good hands and hockey sense.

26. San Jose Sharks (from New Jersey Devils)

Kimelman -- Daniil But: After taking a potential franchise center in Smith, the Sharks can surround him with a plus-size forward like But. But skates well for his size and has a nice shot. He had 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists) in 26 games in Russia's junior league, and scored two goals in 15 games for Yaroslavl in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Morreale -- Gavin Brindley, C, Michigan (NCAA): Brindley is an every-situation player with good skating, a big compete level and high hockey IQ. He's strong for his size (5-8, 165), can play in tight areas and looks to turn over pucks.

27. Colorado Avalanche

Kimelman -- Charlie Stramel, C, Wisconsin (NCAA): Stramel (6-3, 212) didn't score as expected as a college freshman, with 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 33 games. But his size, strength and athleticism, combined with Wisconsin's struggles this season, make it feel like a one-off bad season. The Avalanche need better skilled depth through the middle, and Stramel should be able to provide it.

Morreale -- David Edstrom: Edstrom is an effective passer and playmaker with good hands and puck protection. He was reliable, used on special teams, and plays a strong two-way game.

28. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston Bruins via Washington Capitals)

Kimelman -- Gavin Brindley: Brindley's game is based on his non-stop motor. He obviously needs to get stronger, but his size certainly wasn't an issue in the second half of the season at Michigan, when he had 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) in 21 games. If the Maple Leafs keep their core intact, Brindley's mix of skill and intensity could be just what that group needs.

Morreale -- Quentin Musty, LW, Sudbury (OHL):Musty (6-2, 200) is a power forward with good vision and playmaking ability. He has a high hockey IQ and is lethal on the power play.

29. St. Louis Blues (from Dallas Stars via New York Rangers)

Kimelman -- Danny Nelson, C, USA U-18 (NTDP): Nelson (6-3, 202) opened eyes with seven points (four goals, three assists) in seven games for the U.S. at the World U-18s. He's a raw talent who played forward at the NTDP after playing as a defenseman for his high school team. Where does he play moving forward? With the third of their three first-round picks the Blues have the opportunity to be patient with the chance of a big payoff.

Morreale -- Charlie Stramel: Stramel has an impressive combination of size, skating and skill. He's good in traffic and positions himself well to provide scoring opportunities for himself or teammates. He can finish checks and can play physical.

30. Carolina Hurricanes

Kimelman -- Dmitri Simashev: The Hurricanes lack a top-flight defenseman prospect, but adding a player like Simashev would change that. The left-handed shot is a very good skater for his size, and also can use it to break up plays in the defensive zone. His style of play is reminiscent to Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues, and he could have a higher offensive up-side.

Morreale -- Nick Lardis, LW, Hamilton (OHL): He saw a jump in production and a rise in the rankings after being acquired by Hamilton in a trade with Peterborough; he had 46 points (25 goals, 21 assists) in 33 games with Hamilton after getting 19 points (12 goals, seven assists) in 36 games with Peterborough. Lardis (5-10 ,165) is a dynamic skater with a lightning-quick shot release.

31. Montreal Canadiens (from Florida Panthers)

Kimelman -- Ethan Gauthier, RW, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): Gauthier plays with an edge similar to his father, former NHL defenseman Denis Gauthier, but his skill level is significantly higher. Ethan (5-11, 175) has nice quickness and can beat defensemen with his speed, but also is willing to get to the net and fight for opportunities in front. The Canadiens could use a player with Gauthier's sandpaper to support some of their skilled players.

Morreale -- Oliver Bonk: Bonk is a two-way defenseman with high hockey IQ and a threat on the rush. The right-handed shot is capable of transitioning the puck quickly while using his size to shut down plays and move opposing forwards down low.

32. Vegas Golden Knights

Kimelman -- Michael Hrabal, G, Omaha (USHL): The Golden Knights used five goalies this season and have played 12 in their six seasons, and the only one they drafted to play for them was Jiri Patera, who played his first two NHL games this season. Taking a goalie here could be a reach, but Hrabal (6-6, 209), who will play at the University of Massachusetts next season, has the size and athleticism to develop into a franchise goalie.

Morreale -- Danny Nelson: Nelson can play forward or defenseman, though he prefers center. He's responsible in all zones, is versatile, fast, has a hard, heavy shot and can create offense in tight spaces.