Final 2023 NHL Draft Rankings: The 120 - Ryan Kennedy | The Hockey News #Hockey

Behold, my final 2023 NHL draft rankings.

We know the first pick, and we pretty much know the second pick, but this draft will be intriguing based on a number of X-factors. Matvei Michkov and his Russian peers will be the big one - in-person viewings were limited by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and all the commensurate international fall-out, and no Russian-based players came to the Draft Combine. Michkov has top-three talent, but which team will pull the trigger in Nashville to secure his rights?

1. Connor Bedard, C, Regina (WHL): Absolute star of a junior player whose electric skill set and junkyard dog mentality will translate easily into NHL success sooner than later.
2. Adam Fantilli, C, Michigan (NCAA): Size, speed and skill are matched with a great compete level. Leading the NCAA in scoring as a freshman cannot be ignored.
3. Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (Swe.): Long, talented and in possession of excellent vision, Carlsson played wing but projects as a center - maybe even an Anze Kopitar type of pivot.
4. Matvei Michkov, RW, Sochi (KHL): His dynamic skill set rivals Bedard, but there is the Russian factor and his contract. On the other hand, players like Kaprizov and Kuznetsov were worth the wait.
5. Will Smith, C, NTDP (USHL): Centered the NTDP's top line and excelled. The Boston College commit is an elite playmaker with power who is just scratching the surface.