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NHL Mock Draft: Connor Bedard No. 1, but who’s next?

By Marvin Azrak

LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JANUARY 25: Forward Connor Bedard #98 of the Regina Pats skates for Team Red during the 2023 Kubota CHL Top Prospects Game Practice at the Langley Events Centre on January 25, 2023 in Langley, British Columbia. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JANUARY 25: Forward Connor Bedard #98 of the Regina Pats skates for Team Red during the 2023 Kubota CHL Top Prospects Game Practice at the Langley Events Centre on January 25, 2023 in Langley, British Columbia. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images) /
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NHL Draft
NHL Draft (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /

2023 NHL Mock Draft: 9. Detroit Red Wings Tom Willander, RHD, Rögle BK

The 6-1, 180-pound Wallinder tallied 25 points in 39 games with Rögle BK J20 this season. He also had eight points in seven games for Sweden at the IIHF World Junior U18 Championship. He will get a taste of North American hockey next season as he plays for Boston University. The Swede has incredible hockey sense, maturity, footwork, and puck skills. Detroit’s farm system needs a top blue liner. They can fill the void here.

2023 NHL Mock Draft: 10. St Louis Blues:  Axel Sandin Pellikka, D (Skelleftea, SHL)

Sandin Pellikka is a defenseman with a mixed performance history. He excels in skating and attacking open ice but needs to improve in defense and recognizing developing plays. He needs to work on making quicker decisions. That said, the strengths outweigh the weaknesses by a large margin. They make him the second-best defenseman off the board.

2023 NHL Mock Draft: 11. Vancouver Canucks: Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg Ice (WHL):

During the regular season, Benson scored 98 points in 60 games, making him the leading scorer for the Winnipeg Ice. He also scored 17 points in 15 playoff games. What sets him apart is his exceptional skating skills and his persistent forechecking. Benson’s hardworking and determined attitude could be a great asset for Vancouver.

2023 NHL Mock Draft:12 Arizona Coyotes: Oliver Moore C, U.S. NTDP

On March 1, the Arizona Coyotes obtained this pick from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Jakob Chychrun.

This season, the center for the NTDP, who stands at 5-11 and weighs 195 pounds, demonstrated impressive speed and shooting abilities. He scored 31 goals and 75 points in 61 games. In addition, he played 23 games for the USNTDP junior squad in the USHL, earning 25 points. Representing Team USA at the IIHF World Junior U18 Championship, he contributed nine points in seven games. Next season, he will attend the University of Minnesota. If he joins Arizona, he will enhance their offensive talent alongside Dvorsky.

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