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2023 WHL Draft Rankings - TOP 50 - Elite Prospects 2023 WHL Draft Rankings - TOP 50 Add to Favorites This is a custom user-submitted ranking. Hes a big winger whose game really fit right from the get-go on North American ice, quickly establishing himself as a a go-to player in all-situations for the Giants (even though he was an underager, Slovakia was playing him a ton early on in the world juniors, too). 4 pick in the 2019 Bantam draft (a year ahead of when most of the plethora of other top WHL names on this list were selected). His near point-per-game production at the top of the Huskies stat sheet comes a year after he led the BCHL in goals (45 in 46 games) and points (85) for a 1.85 points-per-game clip that stands as the most productive 16-year-old season in the league in decades, besting Alex Newhook(1.47), Kyle Turris (1.26), Tyson Jost (0.98), and Kent Johnson (0.81) while being four months younger than Johnson was at the time. Hes got an impressive one-timer from the right flank and can really lean into and rip his catch-and-release or in-stride wrister. Max Domi (F) Narrowly my top-ranked defenceman in the draft at this stage, Gulyayev put together the most productive 16-year-old season by a defenceman in the MHLs modern history (13 seasons dating back to 2009) when he posted 35 points in 54 games last year, regularly playing 20 minutes per game in a league famous for typically relying on older players. Moore has identified himself as the second best prospect out of the NTDP this season, behind only Will Smith (and the gap isnt that big in my mind). He can definitely drift a little at five-on-five but his eyes light up and his head swivels when the puck lands on his stick, and skill plays against the grain usually follow. This ranking follows my way-too-early top 26 and my preseason top 32 (released in August). There are the little delays and stutters he uses to create separation and get to his spots. Hes a versatile, high-RPM player who makes things happen when hes on the ice and pulls teamates into the fight with his scrappy, competitive, never-stop style. He shows off his edgework and hands best while playing through traffic as he just seems to be nearly impossible to nail down and knock off the puck. Dvorsky is a highly-talented and intelligent playmaker who can threaten defenders and coverage in a variety of ways, whether thats carving them up in control and finishing cleanly from the home plate area, or sliding off of coverage to find pockets of space to get open into. The 2021 WHL Prospects Draft Pre-Show begins with co-hosts Chris Wahl and Taylor Rocca at 9:30 a.m. MT, with live draft coverage beginning at 10 a.m. MT. 2023 NFL Mock Draft . Hes going to be an NHLer. Fantilli is a big, strong, powerful kid who takes pucks from the wall to the interior with force, and ease, and speed. As in, you could put him on the icewith the worlds best shooters (say, Auston Matthews, Nikita Kucherov, Patrik Laine, Alex Ovechkinand Steven Stamkos) and they wouldnt be able to load up just off of their lead skate and fire it off balance like he does. This may be a little low given that, but also underscores the strength of this draft. And he likes to try to take D one-on-one, which can result in some high-end plays but also some turnovers. For the 2010 bantam draft, players born in 1995 may be selected. He does a good job maintaining gaps and matching opposing forwards step-for-step skating backwards. He has the tools to be a top-16 player in the draft easily, but I want to see some more offense from him in the OHL before I increase his ranking that much. Theres a lot of belief out there that hes going to be a good, well-rounded NHLer. More and more his game has shown dimension inside the offensive zone so that he can make things happen shift after shift out of all of his effort plays up and under sticks. Michael Hrabal, G, Omaha Lancers (USHL), 61. Hes also well-regarded as a great kid who is easy to coach and understands whats required of a centre. Ziemmer is a December 2004 who was selected with the No. Brindley is a 5-foot-9 forward who has been quite good in the NCAA as an 18-year-old, a very impressive feat. The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) cares about your privacy. He has produced solid offense so far this year for the USA U-18 team which is made more impressive by the fact that he is usually playing on the second line behind the Smith, Moore, Perreault trio. Hes also highly creative despite his goal-scoring tilt. Hes also not fast despite his strength, although he has made progress in his skating and does at times look powerful in straight lines. Slick. Luke Hughes3-50 (plus full evaluations, 55 honourable mentions, player tiers, and more at @TheAthletic): https://t.co/JpsFEKs7Ax, Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) February 13, 2023. Benson has been electric for the Western Hockey Leagues (WHL) Winnipeg Ice this year, and has been the teams best player more often than not even though teammates Conor Geekie and Matthew Savoie were both selected in the top-11 of the 2022 Draft. Publishing date 2022-11-14 User Ryan Crawford Views 1955 Favorited 1 Share Embed 2023 Whl Draft Projected Rankings His combination of speed and effort will make him a very flexible player who can fill in whatever role is needed of him, which has earned him the second-line center spot for a stacked University of Michigan team. The following WHL stars were not selected in the WHL Bantam Draft but were added to a WHL Club PPL at a later date: Jarome Iginla, Darcy Tucker, Dan Hamhuis, Scottie Upshall, Joffrey Lupul, Jeff Woywitka, and Shane Doan, just to name a few. Mikhail Gulyayev is an intelligent offensively minded defenseman who has found moderate success in the top Russian pro leagues this year while dominating the Russian junior circuit whenever he plays against his peers. 3 pick in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft. Scouts are drawn to him because of his size-skill combo and while he can look a little uncoordinated out there at times, that draw is real and theres some definite tools there. He has shown a knack for making big plays at big moments. Hes going to be a transition monster. He hasnt looked out of place against men and looks very comfortable dictating play from the flanks at even strength and on the power play. Hes got some of the best soft skill in the draft. Jakub Vrna (F) NHL. Hes great at changing speeds in transition to separate himself from defenders before either making a move around them or passing to an open teammate. by. WHL Bantam Draft 2023 - full list of selections with facts and stats. From my first live viewing of him two Octobers ago in St. Catharines when he looked like the Generals most talented forward in just the second game of his OHL career, to his four-goal, seven-point series in Oshawas six-game first-round defeat against the Frontenacs, to his Hlinka performance this summer, to my most recent live viewings of him both in Oshawa and in Langley at the CHL Top Prospects Game, Ritchie has consistently impressed me. One of my favourites in the 2005 age group, Wood is the youngest player in college hockey this season (he was, for a moment, its only 17-year-old) and has stepped right in to become an impactful player on a good UConn team (albeit as a winger after playing mostly centre at the Jr. A level). Carlssons ability to find and make space off the puck is also impressive for such a young player playing against grown men. His skills make him very well suited as a center at the next level with good size, a coveted right-handed shot, good defensive habits (kills penalties quite well), and solid faceoff results. And while he shines in moments, those short moments and the consistency of his execution within them (despite being freakishly talented, he makes very few mistakes with the puck) create a uniquely high-reward, somehow low-risk game. The U17 teams leader in assists and points last year, Perreault has played to nearly two points per game with the U18 team this year. Hes a hard worker who makes his team better whenever he steps on the ice. However, his offensive production has left much to be desired, leaving many questions about if he will have much offense to provide in the NHL someday. Within his movement patterns, he can handle the puck on a string. I was eager to see how Matthew Wood would adjust to the college game after dominated the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) where he led the league in goals and points as a 16-year-old. Thats three more defencemen than my preliminary ranking, and while none still rank in the top 10 (which would be a first if it holds), theres a trio in the conversation for the 11-20 range and a ton of worthwhile second-round options behind them. Hes a classic example of a jack of all trades, master of none, with solid scores across the board when it comes to defensive play, playmaking, skating and shooting, with none of those individual skills popping off the page at you. Tom Willander, RD, Rgle BK J20 (J20 Nationell), 57. This year, though he has struggled defensively in his limited minutes in the KHL, he has looked dominant at both ends in his returns to the MHL and comfortable in the second-tier VHL. He has a high floor and should safely become a strong third-line player but also has the upside to become more if things really click in his north-south game at the next level. After playing on Russias Hlinka Gretzky team twosummers ago, But played to a point-per-game level in the MHL as one of its top 2005s last season and began his draft year on a tear in the MHL, scoring 11 goals in his first 15 games of the season before earning a mid-October promotion to the KHL for the first time (he has since scored his first two pro goals and has bounced between the KHL and MHL). The real question will be if he can make a difference in his own end as his defending has been a bit too relaxed for my liking. He is a mobile defenseman who fits the mold of the modern puck-moving defender and power play quarterback. Add in the strength and power that comes with his physically mature frame, an ability to drive and shed contact when he gets bumped, and a defensive conscience, and theres more than just a hands-shot-worker skill set. 4 and has had a tremendous age-adjusted season between his play with Orebro in the SHL and at the world juniors (where he was one of Swedens top forwards despite playing sick), even considering his December 2004 birthday and a year after playing to virtually two points per game at the J20 level (he looked good in an important role as a top-nine centre for Sweden at U18 worlds before an injury kept him out of their medal round run to a gold medal, too). And after how good he looked as an underager at U18 worlds in Germany last April, nobody has been surprised by his near goal-per-game breakout this season (in fact, I wrote I wont be surprised if he challenges Smith and Moore on the stat sheet this year while providing all of the energy that he does in my preseason ranking). Calgary, Alta. One of the most skilled and slippery players in this draft is Andrew Cristall, the only draft eligible player in the WHL who has been able to roughly keep pace with Bedard in terms of production this year. He keeps his head up in the neutral and defensive zones and is a confident puck carrier on exits and entries. Scott Ratzlaff, G (Seattle) January 2023 WHL Draft Ranking update | Top-80 Joel Henderson Final Thoughts: John Reid Memorial Tournament 2023 Joel Henderson 10 Puck Touches: Day Three and Four - 2023 John Reid Memorial Tournament Joel Henderson 10 Puck Touches: Day Two, 2023 John Reid Memorial Tournament Joel Henderson Hes a slick one-on-one player. Jesse Nurmi, LW (KooKoo) And while he creates a lot off the rush, he also has the finer skills to play the flank on the power play, create inside the offensive zone, finish from mid-range (hes got a nifty release) and dice up coverage. He has a great shot, but more often than not he scores goals because he slipped his defender and managed to find the space and time necessary to score a goal. His June birthday makes him one of the younger players on this list and he has already accomplished a lot, including leading a Slovak Hlinka Gretzky Cup team that featured Juraj Slafkovsky and Filip Mesar in scoring as an underager, producing well above a point per game in Swedens J20 level last year, and now producing in his draft year in the second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan (while clicking at two points per game in stints back down at J20). He has learned to use some clever movement patterns to make defencemen miss and get to his spots as a shooter. When hes on, he can completely take over a game. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Problem-solving. Etienne Morin, LD, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), 50. Related: Every NHL Teams Top Prospect Midseason Update. Only Hughes. He projects as a pass-first playmaking centre with a middle-six floor, first-line potential, and clear PP value (in multiple roles, too, because hes great around the net and below the goal line but can also run it from the flank). Ethan Gauthier is one of the most consistent players in this draft class in terms of effort and habits, not just production. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Ive liked the progress Ive seen in how strong he is over pucks and getting up and under sticks to take them back in pursuit, or go to the net for tips (which hes actually quite dexterous on) instead of always trying to free himself for his shot. Hes a treat to watch in possession and processes the game at such an advanced and rapid level. The drafts order of selection depends on where the team finishes in the League standings. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Chloe Primerano was the Giants final selection in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. Hes a multi-dimensional forward who has quick acceleration, can handle the puck at speed and change tempos in control, can shape play by opening up his hips to go heel-to-heel, thrives in traffic, is a dual shot-pass threat, plays one step ahead of the game in possession, supports the play effectively, problem-solves as well as anyone in this class (in an age group that is full of intelligent playmakers), works his tail off off the puck to keep his energy up (he plays heavier and scrappier than he looks, too), and sets the pace for his line (whether by picking it up or slowing it down to use his creativity). Hell make the soft play to the middle of the ice from the perimeter, or go there to get to rebounds or position himself on screens/tips. This is a multi-part series which we will be releasing over the next couple weeks to give you the readers some insight on whom we feel is the cream of the crop for 2023. On February 5, 1992, the Rebels selected Mike McBain as their first player in the Bantam Draft. Denver Barkey, C, London Knights (OHL), 63. Welcome to Draft Prospects Hockey's introduction to the 2023 NHL Draft Class series. Wins it in OT for !!! While this draft is the first opportunity for teams to select bantam players, it is not the last chance for a player to be listed. The SHL demands a lot of players when it comes to physicality and defensive effort, both of which Carlsson has excelled at. Adam Gajan, G, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL), 55. The way that Fantilli plays wouldnt really fly in the SHL where you need to be dependable at all times, and Carlssons maturity, reliability, and his clear understanding of what makes him great are the reasons he has succeeded in a top pro league as a teenager. Thank you for your interest in our network of websites, newsletters, and other services. Get the inside scoop on the top prospects in the world with our comprehensive grading system and access to career stats, data, and news stories . Moores game is defined by his skating (both in straight lines, where he turns defenders with ease out wide, and in quick bursts from explosive stops and starts) and presence on the ice. But for now, here are my top-64 prospects for the 2022 Draft. Jake Leschyshyn (/ l s n / leh-SIH-shuhn; born March 10, 1999) is an American-born Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). So far, his offense has only improved, even considering the increased competition. Hes got really quick side-to-side hands, a hardshot that rattles off of his stick, and quick crossover patterns that allow him to use those hands to get to places where he can look to shoot. Michkov wasnt earning regular minutes in the KHL earlier this year, so he was loaned to HK Sochi which is one of the KHLs bottom feeders so that he could get substantial ice time. Ryan Leonard is a high energy winger who never takes his foot off the gas in terms of both speed and effort. Last season, I didnt start viewing the 2022 WHL Draft class closely until after Christmas time and Ive thought about that quite a bit when getting used to viewing this 2023 class of players in comparison. Hell make plays to the inside from the perimeter on one shift, and then go right to the guts of the ice to make something happen in a congested area the next. Zach Benson is one of the most skilled and creative players in this draft, and the only things holding him back from being a true top-five contender is his size and his underwhelming speed. Sign up for EP Premium to create your own ranking. Hes got time to put it all together given his summer birthday, too. Charlie Stramel, C, University of Wisconsin (NCAA), 34. 2022 NHL Draft Tracker: Matthew Seminoff Matthew Seminoff has made quite the name for himself on a talented Kamloops Blazers roster that boasts three potential draft picks at the 2022 NHL draft. Dvorsky has shown solid defensive play so far against men and his vision and puck skills have looked right at home, especially on the power play. Jacob Fowler, G (Youngstown) Hes got excellent touch and weight on his passes (hes a great saucer passer off of his forehand and backhand, in particular), and does a beautiful job waiting for lanes to open. He was the CHL Rookie of the Year (on 34 goals). The 2021 WHL Prospects Draft is scheduled for Thursday, December 9, 2021. And while he may not be a driver on a top-six line, its not hard to imagine him as a first- or second-line playmaker who makes finishing plays off of a drivers work and does damage on PP1. Of course, there are also some prospects who dropped in this edition of my rankings, including Brayden Yager and David Reinbacher. Only time will tell if they can do the same for him as a pro. The biggest arguments against him are his size and skating, since a 5-foot-10 winger often needs to be an above average skater to make an impact in the NHL and Cristall is not quite there. WHL Network Tigers sign Gavin McKenna, first overall selection in 2022 WHL Prospects Draft 9 months ago hes patient under pressure and can find his way out of trouble weaving and swerving through holes or away from sticks. Before the season began, many people saw Otto Stenberg as a top-10 prospect for this draft following his incredible performance for Team Sweden at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Beyond his natural skill in possession, he also impresses with his smarts with the puck, his cerebral play style, and his ability to play to his linemates.