NHL Mock Draft: Connor Bedard No. 1, but who’s next?
By Marvin Azrak
2023 NHL Mock Draft: 5. Montreal Canadiens: Will Smith, C, U.S. NTDP
Smith was named MVP at the U-18 Worlds, leading his team to gold with 9 goals and 20 points in 7 games. He’s a skilled offensive center with extraordinary playmaking abilities and a knack for scoring. Some scouts rank him as a top-five player, but there are concerns about his consistency and defense. Overall, he has the potential to become a top-six NHL center who elevates his team’s offense. There have been rumors about Montreal trading their pick. But if they keep it, Smith should be their guy.
2023 NHL Mock Draft: 6 Arizona Coyotes: Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK
Dvorsky is a versatile forward with good NHL size. He had 14 points in 38 games with AIK and shone in international play. He was the leading scorer for Slovakia with eight goals and 13 points at the IIHF World Junior U18 Championship. He also tallied three points in five World Junior U20 tournament games. He’ll fit right in with the Coyotes’ plethora of young and developing prospects.
2023 NHL Mock Draft: 7. Philadelphia Flyers: Ryan Leonard, RW (USNTDP)
The Flyers, who are rebuilding their team, need a forward who is both skillful and a strong leader. Ideally, he should be able to play both center and right-wing positions. Leonard fits the bill, scoring 51 goals and 94 points in 57 games for the U.S. National U18 team, with an additional 20 points in 17 games for the USNTDP Juniors in the USHL. He also helped Team USA win a gold medal at the IIHF World Junior U18 Championship, finishing third in scoring with 17 points in seven games. Leonard has completed his time with USNTDP and is set to attend Boston College in 2023-24, where he will further develop his skills before potentially joining the Flyers in the next two to three years.
2023 NHL Mock Draft: 8. Washington Capitals: David Reinbacher, RHD, EHC Kloten
David Reinbacher is the top defenseman in this year’s NHL draft. The 6-2, 194-pounder is praised for his maturity, puck movement, and hockey smarts. He had 22 points in 46 games this season and played well for Austria at the 2023 IIHF World Junior U20 Championship. He’d fill the Capitals’ void on the backend.