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Jun 27, 2023, 07:00 AM ET
Welcome to the 2023 NHL draft.
Well, almost.
The draft, which begins Wednesday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville (7 ET, ESPN and ESPN+), is a starting point both for the prospects and the teams that pick them. One thing to remember is that some players will go higher than they were projected, others will go lower and still others won’t even get chosen.
But know that the draft is not the be-all and end-all. I played with guys who were late picks or undrafted. Jonathan Marchessault, who just won the Conn Smythe Trophy, was undrafted.
A note on the format: These picks are based on what I think could happen. But as we know, everything this time of year is fluid and a lot can change between now and when it comes time for the pick to be made. While I didn’t do any trades in this mock, don’t be surprised if you see some teams **looks at the St. Louis Blues** decide to get creative with their picks when the time comes.
DOB: 07/17/05 | Ht: 5-9.75 | Wt: 185 | Shot: R
GP: 57 | G: 71 | A: 72 | P: 143
You saw the gold the Blackhawks struck in the mid-2000s. If Bedard can be even 70% or 80% of what Jonathan Toews or Patrick Kane was, it’d be great for Chicago. You think of his ability to play in all situations and the fact that he’s expected to be the guy. He’s also a fellow hockey nerd, and I like to see hockey nerds excel. There is something to be said for people who eat, breathe and sleep the game. He’s not one of those kids who became an outstanding prospect and that’s it.
2. Anaheim Ducks: Adam Fantilli, C, Michigan (Big 10)
DOB: 10/12/04 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 195 | Shot: L
GP: 36 | G: 30 | A: 35 | P: 65
Former Wisconsin coach Tony Granato told me the other day that for Fantilli to be a true freshman and do what he did in college hockey on what he called an “NHL lite” roster, that’s saying something. They had a strong group, and to come in and run the way he did, winning the Hobey Baker Award, was impressive. Granato also noted that when the game was on the line,…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/insider/story/_/id/37913876/nhl-mock-draft-2023-all-32-picks-predictions-bedard-fantilli
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Publish date : 2023-06-27 12:06:15
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