With the 2022–23 season just around the corner, here are our pre-season rankings of the upcoming 2022–2023 NHL Entry Draft:
1. Connor Bedard - Regina Pats (WHL)
Bedard has dazzled at every single level that he has played at, and there is no doubt in my mind that the West Vancouver native will be selected first-overall.
He was recently named captain of the Regina Pats and scored 51 goals and 49 assists last season in the WHL. while also winning a gold medal with Team Canada at the WJC.
2. Adam Fantilli - Chicago Steel (USHL)
Fantilli's game is well-rounded and offensively structured.The soon-to-be Michigan Wolverines player spent the last two seasons playing for the Chicago Steel of the USHL.
The Nobleton, Ontario native plays a hard, skilled, and intelligent game. Last season, in the USHL, the forward put up 37 goals and 37 assists in 54 games.
3. Matvei Michkov - St. Petersburg SKA (KHL)
Michkov is an extremely high-end forward who can single-handedly turn a rebuilding team around. Michkov has spent his junior career in Russia, putting up an insane number of points in the junior league. The Russian forward suited up for 13 KHL games last season, recording two goals and three assists.
One concern from North American scouting would be that Michkov is currently under contract with his KHL team, and would not be able to join the NHL until his contract is over. There are also concerns over Russian-born players, due to the ongoing occurrences.
4. Brayden Yager - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Yager plays a smart, offensively minded game that has impressed scouts over the course of his junior hockey career. The Saskatoon native is currently a member of the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL. Yager is described as a shoot-first player who can make plays for his teammates.
With the Warriors last season, the forward suited up for 63 games while recording 34 goals and dishing off 25 assists. Yager is a right-handed center who at times plays on the wing.
5. Dalibor Dvorsky - AIK (Allsvenskan) 5th.
Dvorsky comes into this ranking as the second-highest rated European skater. Dvorsky is a Slovakian-born forward who is currently playing in the SHL. Dvorsky is a well-rounded player, with a great skill set and hands around the net.
Dvorsky is set to suit up for AIK this season in the Swedish Allsvenskan League (second-tier pro league). Last season, the then-16-year-old split time playing for the J20 team and the pro team. In a total of 50 games last season, Dvorsky put up 43 points.
6. Cam Allen - Guelph Storm (OHL)
While suiting up for Team Canada, Allen recently made a name for himself at the IIHF U18's Hockey Tournament. Along with winning a gold medal, Allen led all d-men with six assists. The average-sized D-man is noted as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman who controls the game.
Allen is a smart, confident player, as shown last season while playing for the Guelph Storm in the OHL. Allen played in 65 regular season games last season, scoring 13 goals and setting up 24 assists.
7. Matthew Wood - University of Connecticut (NCAA)
Wood is set to enter his draft year, playing for the University of Connecticut in the NCAA. Wood is described as a pure goal scorer; he drives the puck to the net while flying through the offensive zone.
Wood spent the entire 2021–22 season playing for the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL, where the youngster put up 45 goals and 40 assists in 46 games. The Alberta native was also selected to play for Team Canada's U18 team, where he put up two goals in four games.
8. Zach Benson - Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
Benson is an undersized forward that has dominated throughout the junior level. He is a really intelligent and skillful player who likes to set up teammates. Benson is great at scanning the ice and using his puck skills to get by defenders.
Playing on a stacked ice team, Benson was able to put up 25 goals and 38 assists in 58 regular-season games. While he also put up 23 points in 15 playoff games,
9. Colby Barlow - Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Barlow is a dynamic offensive threat, like many other players on this list. Barlow possesses strength and will when he has the puck. He uses his frame and skill to drive through to the net, creating scoring opportunities.
The Orillia native was selected 8th overall during the 2021 OHL Selection Draft. During his first junior season, Barlow played in 59 games, recording 47 points. He was also selected to represent Team Canada, playing in five games and scoring two goals and three assists.
10. Calum Ritchie - Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Ritchie plays an intelligent, playmaking style of game. He is a pivotal player whenever he is on the ice. He scans the ice well, creating opportunities for himself or teammates.
The Oakville native was selected 2nd overall during the 2021 OHL Selection Draft. In his first season playing for the Oshawa Generals, the forward put up 45 points in 65 points. Ritchie was also selected to represent Canada at the U18's, where he led the team with five goals and five assists, for ten points.