With Connor Bedard all but assured of being the top pick at this week’s NHL draft, the real action and drama starts at No. 2
Connor Bedard and the 2023 NHL draft were mentioned in the same breath long before the phenom played a single shift in junior hockey.
“There are some very unique players who are going to be true stars if they reach their potential,” NHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr said. “This is a really deep draft class in the first round.” All told, the first 17 players on NHL’s Central Scouting list of North American skaters are forwards. The Canadiens are also set to choose at No. 31, while the Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers previously dealt their first-rounders for more immediate help.
And while there is set to be a big run on offensive talent up front, Marr said the crop of defenceman can still have an impact, including fifth-ranked European skater David Reinbacher. “If you draft for needs, by the time these guys are ready your needs could be completely different,” he said. “There’s a lot of quality forwards in this year’s draft, but there’s also some really good defenceman. Somebody may have a defenceman a lot higher than people that published their lists have them.Vancouver GM Patrik Allvin said this is the time for scouts to shine.Many observers believe the Ducks will select Fantilli at No. 2, which would leave Carlsson on the board for the Blue Jackets.
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