The National Hockey League's Central Scouting department released their mid-season rankings for the 2023 Draft, which is set to be held in Nashville in late-June.
Leading the way on the North American side is Connor Bedard, which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. The 17-year-old is currently leading the Western Hockey League with 70 points in 29 game and is coming off an MVP performance at the World Juniors where he had 23 points in seven games.
On the International side, Orebro HK forward Leo Carlsson is ranked first. The 6'3" centerman is playing quite well in the Swedish Hockey League, putting up 15 points in 26 games. He also played for Sweden at the World Juniors and shined, recording six points in seven games.
Let's take a look at the top-ten ranked North American and International skaters, as well as the top-five ranked North American and International goalies.
North American Skaters
1) Connor Bedard - Regina (WHL)
2) Adam Fantilli - University of Michigan (NCAA)
3) Will Smith - USA U-18 (NTDP)
4) Ryan Leonard - USA U-18 (NTDP)
5) Brayden Yager - Moose Jaw (WHL)
6) Oliver Moore - USA U-18 (NTDP)
7) Zach Benson - Winnipeg (WHL)
8) Matthew Wood - UConn (NCAA)
9) Samuel Honzek - Vancouver (WHL)
10) Colby Barlow - Owen Sound (OHL)
Source: North American Skaters
International Skaters
1) Leo Carlsson - Orebro HK (SHL)
2) Matvei Michkov - HK Sochi (KHL)
3) Axel Sandin-Pellikka - Skelleftea (SHL)
4) Dalibor Dvorsky - AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
5) Eduard Sale - Brno Kometa (Czech Extraliga)
6) Otto Stenberg - Frolunda HC Jr. (Swe-Jr)
7) Lenni Hameenaho - Assat (Liiga)
8) Mikhail Gulyayev - Omsk (KHL)
9) Kasper Halttunen - HIFK (Liiga)
10) David Reinbacher EHC Kloten (NL)
Source: International Skaters
North American Goalies
1) Carson Bjarnason - Brandon (WHL)
2) Michael Hrabal - Omaha (USHL)
3) Trey Augustine - USA U-18 (NTDP)
4) Adam Gajan - Chippewa (NAHL)
5) Carsen Musser - USA U-18 (NTDP)
Source: North American Goalies
International Goalies
1) Alexander Hellnemo - Skelleftea Jr. (Swe-Jr)
2) Juha Jatkola - KalPa (Liiga)
3) Ian Blomqvist - Vasteras (HockeyAllsvenskan)
4) Adam Dybal - Karlovy Vary Jr (Czech-Jr)
5 Aksels Ozols - HS Riga (Latvia)
Source: International Goalies
Assuming Connor Bedard goes first overall, who should be selected second?
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