NHL Mock Draft: Connor Bedard No. 1, but who’s next?
By Marvin Azrak
2023 NHL Mock Draft:13. Buffalo Sabres Dmitri Simashev, LHD, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Simashev is a promising 6-4 blueliner with offensive potential. He played 29 games for Lokomotiv’s junior squad and had 10 points. He also played in 18 KHL games with the parent club. With more experience, he has the potential to become a skilled puck-moving defenseman. The Sabres system needs size on the blue line. Simsahev answers the bell.
2023 NHL Mock Draft: 14. Pittsburgh Penguins: Matthew Wood, LW/C (University of Connecticut, NCAA)
Wood is already a big forward at 6-4 and 197 pounds. He possesses solid offensive skills and is considered by some to have the highest potential of any prospect in the first round. Wood’s size and excellent shooting ability make him a valuable asset in offensive situations.
During his freshmen year with UConn, he scored 11 goals and 34 points in 35 games, leading the Huskies in scoring. Wood is committed to spending another season in the NCAA to develop his skills further. With his size and scoring talent, he has the potential to become a future star with the Penguins and improve their depleted prospect pool.
2023 NHL Mock Draft:15. Nashville Predators: Gabe Perreault, LW, U.S. NTD
There’s a lot of pressure on GM Barry Trotz as he makes his maiden pick. But Gabe Perreault is still out there. He shouldn’t need to think much. The winger starred with 132 points in 63 games for the under-18 team and 50 points in 51 games for the USA U17 team. He’s a great offensive player with a strong vision and soft hands and is equally good at creating and finishing plays. He could be a better defensive player, but he hustles and works hard to create turnovers. His skating needs work, but he’ll be a top-six-point producer on the power play. The hosts in Nashville get a good one.
2023 NHL Mock Draft: Calgary Flames:16. Nate Danielson, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Danielson is a talented 6-2 center with solid north-south skating and a top penalty killer. While he creates a lot of offensive zone time, he lacks a killer instinct, and his shot is average. His ceiling is uncertain, but he could be a second or third-line center. With the Flames in firesafe mode, they can kickstart their retool with a well-rounded center.