2023 MOCK DRAFT - RYAN DITTRICK

Every year prior to the NHL Draft, CalgaryFlames.com staff members take a shot at predicting the opening round. Like many drafts, there is a consensus on the first-overall pick, with Regina's Connor Bedard sitting in that spot. After that, Torie Peterson, Ryan Dittrick, and Alex Medina's selections go in different directions.

1. Chicago Blackhawks

Connor Bedard - C - Regina (WHL)

There will be no debate. The 'generational talent'-in-the-making goes right where he should at No. 1 overall.

2. Anaheim Ducks

Adam Fantilli - C - Michigan (NCAA)

The Ducks had the best chance of winning the May Draft Lottery, but Lady Luck had other plans that night. Still, this is one heck of a 'consolation prize.' In any other year, Fantilli is the runaway option for the first-overall pick. The high-powered Michigan forward is a one-man highlight reel and has all the tools you look for in a No. 1 centre - speed, size, hands, and the immaculate hockey IQ to bring everything together in one elite package.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets

Leo Carlsson - C - Orebro (SHL)

Carlsson will have a chance to become a top-end No. 1 centre with the Blue Jackets. Having already played two seasons in the Swedish Hockey League, the 6-foot-3, 198-lb. pivot could be one of the most NHL-ready player in the class. Carlsson is a high-end skater who thrives in a playmaking role, showing incredible patience and poise with the puck, particularly in traffic.

4. San Jose Sharks

Matvei Michkov - RW - SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

Widely regarded as the best and most exciting Russian prospect in nearly two decades, Michkov is an absolute steal in this spot. In fact, with the skill he has, it's not unreasonable to think he could go even higher and possibly challenge Bedard for first overall. The downside? The 5-foot-10, 172-lb. winger is currently signed to a contract that runs through the 2025-26 season with Sochi of the KHL, where he put up 20 points (9G, 11A) 27 games last year. Patience will be required. And remember, that's NOT a bad thing.

5. Montreal Canadiens

Will Smith - C - USA-U18 (USNTDP)

With Michkov off the board, the Habs will turn to the next in a long line of offensive game-breakers. Smith - a strong-skating right-handed centre - is the best of the bunch. As a high-end playmaker with superb 1-on-1 skill, Smith finished second in team scoring at the stacked U.S. National Team Development Program with 127 points (51G, 76A) in 63 games.

6. Arizona Coyotes

Zach Benson - LW - Winnipeg (WHL)

What he may lack in size (5-foot-9, 163-lbs.), he more than makes up for in bite and offensive ability. His work ethic is second to none, allowing him to win board battles at a high rate. A true dual threat, there are few players in the class with more offensive creativity.

7. Philadelphia Flyers

Ryan Leonard - RW - USA-U18 (USNTDP)

What immediately sticks out is the attack mindset and pro-level level shot. Leonard popped 50 goals in only 57 games last year with the NTDP, before scoring another 11 times in 17 games against USHL competition. While the numbers indicate a pure goal-scorer, Leonard is well-rounded as a dynamic player and brings a ton of energy to every shift.

8. Washington Capitals

Gabe Perreault - RW - USA-U18 (USNTDP)

Perreault is an elite offensive driver that sees the game at an advanced level. He led the NTDP in scoring with a mind-boggling 132 points (53G, 79A) and now holds the program's all-time single-season points record - breaking Auston Matthews' 117-point total from the 2014-15 season. Still developing his shot and skating ability, but in this case, the numbers truly do tell the story.

9. Detroit Red Wings

Dalibor Dvorsky - C - AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Size, strength and skill. Dvorsky brings this already appealing package to the next level with his ability to see the ice and make plays under pressure. The 6-foot-1, 201-lb. pivot protects the puck well and when he has an opportunity to shoot, he rips it as well as anyone in the class.

10. St. Louis Blues

Oliver Moore - C - USA-U18 (USNTDP)

While Moore didn't put up the same scintillating numbers of his NTDP teammates, his 31 goals and 74 points are nothing to sneeze at. What separates him from the rest of the draft class is the exceptional skating ability. He's explosive. Balanced. And because he's especially strong on his edges, he's often quick to loose pucks and creates much of his offence by winning small-area battles.

11. Vancouver Canucks

Andrew Cristall - LW - Kelowna (WHL)

Like Benson, size will likely be talking point on draft day (5-foot-10, 167-lbs.) But the skill? Off the charts. Cristall is one of the most talented distributors in the class and led the Kelowna Rockets with 95 points (39G, 56A) in 54 games.

Also, while we're on the subject of size… Did you see who won the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP? Jonathan Marchessault clocks in at 5-foot-9.

It's just a number, folks.

12. Arizona Coyotes (via Ottawa)

Matthew Wood - RW - UConn (NCAA)

The scouting report is simple: Wood's combination of silky-smooth hands and an elite release makes him an elite goal-scoring threat in almost every situation. He put up 34 points (11G, 23A) as a freshman at the University of Connecticut this year.

13. Buffalo Sabres

Samuel Honzek - LW - Vancouver (WHL)

To me, this was one of the most intriguing players in the draft and he could go anywhere in Top 20. Honzek moves well for a big man (6-foot-3, 195-lbs.) and has exceptional vision, which was on full display as the Giants' powerplay quarterback. "I ran the powerplay," he said. "Every situation was running through me." He compares himself to Leon Draisaitl and when you watch him compete on the smaller, North American ice - it's clear why. Honzek protects the puck well and is a sharp passer with a pro-level shot.

READ - NHL Draft Profile - Samuel Honzek

14. Pittsburgh Penguins

David Reinbacher - D - Kloten (SUI)

In talking with scouts - and especially those that have dozens of live viewings over in Europe - Reinbacher's name continually pops up as a possible Top-10 lock. I'm not prepared to go that far, but I don't see him sliding much further, if at all. The 6-foot-2, 194-lb. Austrian is quite possibly the best defenceman in the draft, and is coming off a season where he played big minutes in all situations against men.

15. Nashville Predators

Eduard Sale - LW - Brno (Czechia)

A dynamic winger that brings fans out of their seats. Shoots well and makes the hard plays look easy, with his exceptional stick-handling ability. Everyone could use a player like this in the prospect cupboard.

16. Calgary Flames

Brayden Yager - C - Moose Jaw (WHL)

As I wrote a few weeks ago, three words immediately come to mind: 'Smart. Savvy. Skilled.' Yager - an elite shooter, who scored 28 times in the regular season, before adding another six in 10 playoff games with the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors - looks at players like Tyler Toffoli, Auston Matthews, Nathan MacKinnon and Connor Bedard as the template.

This is a player that attacks with purpose and is incredibly fun to watch. And as good of a two-way player as he's evolved into, I keep coming back to that shot. Yager is one of the purest finishers in his age range.

READ - NHL Draft Profile - Brayden Yager

17. Detroit Red Wings (via Vancouver, via New York Islanders)

Colby Barlow - LW - Owen Sound (OHL)

Barlow is strong skater who competes well, and has the offensive instincts that will translate well to the pro level. He put up big numbers (46G, 33A) this year, but has taken big strides in his defensive game as well, including some heavy assignments on the penalty kill.

18. Winnipeg Jets

Calum Ritchie - C - Oshawa (OHL)

Ritchie is a talented playmaker, but prides himself most on being a sound, two-way force in the mold of Jack Eichel and Mark Scheifele. He's an unselfish player by nature, and often defers to his teammates in traffic.

19. Chicago Blackhawks (via Tampa Bay)

Quentin Musty - LW - Sudbury (OHL)

The 6-foot-2, 200-lb. left-winger has a pro level shot and is one of the OHL's true game-breakers. But in a draft crowded with talented goal-scorers, he's more than a sniper. His dynamic puck-handling ability makes him an elite set-up man, either in-zone or off the rush. Has incredibly soft hands and a great imagination.

20. Seattle Kraken

Bradly Nadeau - LW - Penticton (BCHL)

Nadeau torched the BCHL this year, scoring a league-leading 113 points (45G, 68A) in 54 games. (Of note, his older brother, Josh, was right behind him with 110 points.) If my prediction is correct and Nadeau goes in this spot, he'll become the first player out of the BCHL drafted in the Top 20 since Alex Newhook in 2019. Back then, Newhook put up 102 points in his draft year, so Nadeau is already ahead of the curve.

21. Minnesota Wild

Nate Danielson - C - Brandon (WHL)

Straight from Danielson himself: "Elias Lindholm," he says when asked who he models his game after. "I like to watch him and Nick Suzuki, because I think they're similar players and I have a lot of the same traits. They're both very skilled 200-foot centremen that are both very reliable and responsible in both ends of the rink.

"Then, you look at the numbers that Lindholm has put up over the past couple years… That's what I want to be - someone that takes pride in playing a solid defensive game, as well as being a skilled, dynamic presence in the offensive zone as well."

READ - NHL Draft Profile - Nate Danielson

22. Columbus Blue Jackets (via LA)

Axel Sandin Pellikka - D - Skelleftea (SHL)

An excellent skater who transports the puck with ease. He has a high hockey IQ that - combined with his lateral mobility and elite edge work - allow him to make smart plays at the blueline and really control the pace of play up top.

23. New York Rangers

Otto Stenberg - C - Frolunda (SHL)

While Stenberg isn't the flashiest of the offensive drivers already picked in the top end, he's very well rounded, has an excellent shot with pinpoint accuracy, and can make plays at full speed. He's difficult to contain 1-on-1 and plays with a ton of energy.

24. Nashville Predators (via Edmonton)

Ethan Gauthier - RW - Sherbrooke (QMJHL)

The son of former Flames defenceman Denis Gauthier, the 5-foot-11, 175-lb. Ethan is carving his own path as a creative offensive winger. He's a relentless forechecker that has, as Sportsnet prospect guru Sam Cosentino says, a lot "grease" to his game.

25. St. Louis Blues (via Toronto)

Oliver Bonk - D - London (OHL)

When you think Bonk, you think 'poise.' The 6-foot-2, 180-lb. blueliner looks like an NHL defenceman already with how he commands the ice and contributes offensively.

26. San Jose Sharks (via New Jersey)

Daniil But - LW - Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)

Moves well for a big - and I mean big! - man. At 6-foot-5, 203-lbs., his combination of size and skill will be attractive for most teams at the draft table. He protects the puck well and has an excellent finishing ability, giving him the complete package many will salivate over, especially this late in the first period.

27. Colorado Avalanche

Tom Willander - D - Rogle Jr. (J20 Nationell)

Next in line as the top Swedish defenceman behind Axel Sandin Pellikka, Willander went from 16th on Central Scouting's midterm rankings to 12th by year-end among European Skaters. Only one other player - David Reinbacher - had such a rapid ascent.

Willander is a mobile, two-way defenceman that plays with a ton of composure. In 39 regular-season games with Rogle's U20 program, he put up 25 points (4G, 21A), before adding another four points (1G, 3A) in six playoff tilts.

28. Toronto Maple Leafs (via Washington, via Boston)

Jayden Perron - RW - Chicago (USHL)

An exceptional offensive talent that makes those around him better. Loves to hang onto pucks and make plays that slick imagination of his, but can easily distribute and thread the needle in traffic with ease.

29. St. Louis Blues (via New York, via Dallas)

Charlie Stramel - C - Wisconsin (NCAA)

As a freshman at the University of Wisconsin, Stramel earned the nickname 'Big Rig' for his punishing play style. This is a modern-day power forward that is the perfect blend of size (6-foot-3, 222-lbs.) and skill, with the unteachable ability to lean on his opponents and make life miserable on them.

30. Carolina Hurricanes

Mikhail Gulyayev - D - Omsk (MHL)

An offensive defenceman that, according to Corey Pronman at The Athletic, "has all the makings of a powerplay quarterback in the NHL." He breaks pucks out of his own end well and immediately thinks offence.

31. Montreal Canadiens (via Florida)

Kasper Halttunen - RW - HIFK (Liiga)

A versatile power forward with an excellent shot and the ability to take over games. His towering frame (6-foot-3, 215-lbs.) makes him a physical force, but he moves with the kind of speed and agility you'd like expect of someone with a smaller build. That's a good thing, because that combination makes him a powerful puck-carrier that can easily make space for himself.

32. Vegas Golden Knights

Riley Heidt - C - Prince George (WHL)

His ability to process the game is elite - and when you combine that with the speed, natural goal-scoring talent and the quick transitional play he's become known for, it's no surprise he put up nearly 100 points (25G, 72A) with the Cougars this year.