The 2023 NHL Draft is still seven months away, but NHL Central Scouting released its initial list of prospects for this upcoming year’s draft class. They gave out grades to players, either an A, B or C. Those with an A rating are considered potential first-round picks, B ratings are considered possible second- or third-round choices and C ratings are potential fourth-, fifth- or sixth-round selections.
To the surprise of no one, one of those players with an A rating is Connor Bedard, considered to be the consensus top pick in the 2023 draft. The Regina Pats star is off to a blazing start to the season with 10 goals and 11 points, totaling 21 points in the first 12 games.
Other players to receive an A rating to be on the lookout for are Russian star Matvei Michkov, Slovak talent Dalibor Dvorsky, University of Michigan forward Adam Fantilli and Czech prospect Eduard Sale.
NHL Power Rankings: Observations, overreaction after first two weeks
Here is a look at the top-rated prospects for the 2023 NHL draft.
NHL Central Scouting Rankings 2023: Top players to watch
When is the 2023 NHL Draft?
Day 1 date: Wednesday, June 28 Day 1 start time: TBD Day 2 date: Thursday, June 29 Day 2 start time: TBD
The 2023 NHL Draft will span two days. The first round will take place Wednesday, June 28, with representatives from all 32 teams in Nashville.
On Thursday, June 29, the picks in Rounds 2-7 will be made.
Where is the 2023 NHL Draft?
Venue: Bridgestone Arena City: Nashville, Tenn.
Bridgestone Arena, home of the Predators, will be the location of the 2023 NHL Draft.
This is the second time that Nashville will host a draft. The city was the site of the 2003 draft.
Complete list of first-overall picks in NHL draft history
No team has had more No. 1 overall picks than the Canadiens. Picking first isn’t always easy and many teams have failed to identify the best player in the draft while picking first.
Here’s a list of every No. 1 overall pick in NHL Draft history.
