Over 100 prospects will look to impress hockey brass in Buffalo
ByEvan Milner @CanadiensMTL / canadiens.com
MONTREAL - One last pitstop awaits this year's top prospects on their way to the 2023 NHL Draft.
The NHL Scouting Combine, which will feature 106 big-league hopefuls, is set to run June 4-10 at KeyBank Center and HarborCenter in Buffalo.
According to NHL.com, 65 forwards, 34 defensemen and seven goalies are slated to participate in the annual event, which includes physical testing, medical assessments, and one-on-one interviews.
Top prospects Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and William Smith are among the invitees.
Here's a brief timeline of the scheduled events:
NHL.com writer Mike G. Morreale confirmed that seven of the 11 fitness tests will be held at HarborCenter: standing height/wingspan, standing horizontal jump, force plate vertical jump, bench press, pro agility test, pull ups and the Wingate Cycle Ergometer test.
The four remaining stations that were included at last year's combine were aerobic fitness, body composition Yuhasz body fat %, grip strength and functional movement screening.
Advanced technology will play a contributing factor at this year's event with the addition of a new mobile app. Players will benefit from the software that will organize their schedules and update their profiles daily.
Stick with canadiens.com and follow @CanadiensMTL across all social media accounts for updates from the annual event, including live media availabilities and behind-the-scenes access to the team's scouting staff.
The 2023 NHL Draft will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on June 28-29.
The Canadiens currently own 11 picks at this year's event, including two first-round selections. In addition to fifth-overall, the Habs also hold a late-round pick that was acquired via trade from Florida in 2022. With the Panthers still competing in the playoffs, the final positioning for that pick will be determined following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final.
