Latest NHL News: Key takeaways from 2023 NHL Draft Combine

Over 100 players underwent thorough assessments at the 2023 NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo in the past few days. Among those were top prospects Regina Pats’ captain Connor Bedard, University of Michigan’s center Adam Fantilli and Örebro HK’s center Leo Carlsson. Other top prospects include Nyköpings HK’s Emil Karlsson, Moose Jaw Warriors’ Brayden Yager, Owen Sound Attack’s Colby Barlow and Chicoutimi Sagueneens’ Matteo Mann.

All participating players also received questions about their personalities and national team experiences. Fantilli revealed that he was in discussions with 11 teams, while Leo Carlsson had conversations with the same number of teams. Meanwhile, presumptive No. 1 overall pick Bedard remained vague, saying he spoke with “a good number” of teams.

Bedard is NHL’s rising star

According to Central Scouting director Dan Marr, Bedard is on a similar trajectory and is being hailed as this year’s top prospect for the draft. Marr claimed the 17-year-old center is comparable to two-time NHL MVP Connor McDavid, who has achieved remarkable feats with the Edmonton Oilers since being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft.

“He’s right up there with Connor McDavid, it’s just the next generation,” Marr said. “So Connor McDavid started that trend, and Connor Bedard is going to lead it into the next trend.”

The annual NHL pre-draft combine in New York has become more of a coronation for the youngster from North Vancouver. Over the past two years, Bedard has amassed remarkable statistics with the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League. He has also consistently excelled against his peers on the international stage.

Regina Pats coach John Paddock talked about the dedication of his young prodigy. He said that Bedard is “a young man that’s all bought-in to being a hockey player.”

When the draft commences in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 28, the Chicago Blackhawks are expected to use their No. 1 pick to select Bedard.

Bedard first connected with the Blackhawks during a top-prospects camp in Toronto last summer. He has since engaged in meetings with the team, including one at the combine

“We’ll see what happens, but to be selected, that would be a huge honor,” Bedard said about the potential of being chosen by the Blackhawks.

Promising draft class

Many would argue that this year’s NHL draft class is one of the most promising in the last few years. While it’s widely assumed that the Blackhawks will choose Bedard, the Anaheim Ducks may choose Fantilli as high as the second pick. However, this did not stop other teams from talking to the top prospects despite realistically having no chance of selecting them.

“I don’t think it’s always for right now,” Fantilli said. “Sometimes trades could happen down the line, picks could switch. You never know. They might be doing due diligence for further down the line… in my career and in theirs.”

On Central Scouting’s final list, Fantilli ranks second among North American skaters. William Smith, a top prospect from the USA Hockey’s developmental program, followed closely behind. Carlsson from Sweden and Matvei Michkov from Russia, the top two European skaters, are also in contention.

The Ducks have the second pick in the draft, followed by the Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens.

While Marr gives the edge to Bedard, he still acknowledged the impressive skills of Fantilli.

“You’re going to win with both,” Marr said. “And who whoever gets these two players they’re going to help define a franchise.”

This season, Fantilli’s abilities were recognized as he claimed the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, which honors the top men’s player in NCAA ice hockey. The Canadian ice hockey athlete displayed his skill as he led Division I men’s hockey in both points (65) and points-per-game (1.81) across 36 games.