Bob McKenzie releases his pre-season rankings for 2023 NHL Entry Draft

Just over two months ago, the Montreal Canadiens selected Juraj Slafkovsky first overall in their own building during the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. With a new season right around the corner, the attention of scouts now turn to the 2023 draft, which has the potential to be the best draft class since 2015.

On Thursday, TSN's Bob McKenzie released his pre-season rankings for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft after surveying 10 National Hockey League scouts. McKenzie's list included 16 players and four honourable mentions. Let's take a look at who those 20 players are.

1. Connor Bedard (C) - Regina Pats (WHL)
2. Matvei Michkov (RW) - St. Petersburg (KHL)
3. Adam Fantilli (C) - University of Michigan (NCAA)
4. Brayden Yager (C) - Moose Jaw (WHL)
5. Leo Carlsson (C/LW) - Orebro HK (SHL)
6. Cal Ritchie (C) - Oshawa (OHL)
7. Zach Benson (LW) - Winnipeg (WHL)
8. Cam Allen (D) - Guelph (OHL)
9. Dalibor Dvorsky (C) - AIK IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
10. Charlie Stramel (C) - University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
11. Nate Danielson (C) - Brandon (WHL)
12. Ethan Gauthier (C) - Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
13. Eduard Sale (LW) - HC Kometa Brno (Czech Extraliga)
14. Otto Stenberg (RW) - Frolunda HC U20 (Sweden J20)
15. Colby Barlow (LW) - Owen Sound (OHL)
16. Kasper Halttunen (RW) - HIFK U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
HM. Mikhail Gulyayev (D) - Omsk (MHL)
HM. Will Smith (C) - US U18 (USNTDP)
HM. Maxim Strbak (D) - Sioux Falls (USHL)
HM. Matthew Wood (RW) - University of Connecticut (NCAA)

«Didn't have to overthink this»

That's what one scout told @TSNBobMcKenzie as our Hockey Insider compiled his pre-season #NHLDraft ranking, led by consensus No. 1 prospect Connor Bedard.

The Top 16, along with honourable mentions: https://t.co/j3frskwG7g#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/PBLMTmifA1— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) September 22, 2022

While it's still very early as most leagues around the World are either just starting or will in the next couple of weeks, it's a bit shocking to see the lack of top-end defencemen, with Guelph's Cam Allen being the only one listed inside the top-16.

Looking at the battle for first overall, Connor Bedard likely already has that locked up. His hockey IQ, vision, shot and speed/acceleration are all elite-level and there's no doubt he is the best player in this draft class.

The more interesting thing to watch this season for the 2023 draft is who will separate themselves and become the second-best prospect available. Right now, there are at least four players that are capable of being selected second overall. Those players are: Matvei Michkov, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson and Brayden Yager.

Who do you think will be selected second overall next summer in Nashville? Let us know in the poll below!