2023 NHL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 4

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: June 28, 2023.

97. Anaheim Ducks: Martin Misiak, LW, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
    
    
    Anaheim gets a player with the upside to be a third line forward in the fourth round. Martin Misiak is versatile enough to play left winger, center, or right winger on a third line in a top nine role.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 200 lb Martin Misiak had 1 goal, 9 assists, and 10 points in 29 games with HC Nove Zamky in Tipos which is a professional league in Slovakia in 2022-2023. Martin Misiak had 6 goals, 11 assists, and 17 points in 27 games with the Youngstown Phantoms in 2022-2023. Martin Misiak had 7 goals, 20 assists, 27 points, and a +8 +/- ratio with both HC Nove Zamky as well as the Youngstown Phantoms in 2022-2023.
    
    
    
    Martin Misiak has the skating, versatility, playmaking, passing, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Martin Misiak is a great passer whose well rounded defensively. He's got to develop his shot though.
    
    
    
    Martin Misiak has the floor of a first line AHL player and the ceiling of a third line NHL player. It's uncertain whether Misiak goes to College or returns to the Youngstown Phantoms next season. He needs a lot of work and time to develop though. He will get that in Anaheim.
    
    
    
98. Columbus Blue Jackets: Brandon Svoboda, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
    
    
    Brandon Svoboda was the team captain on the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL. Before that, he really stood out with the Pittsburgh Penguins Under 15 AAA Bantam team that plays at the UPMC Mario Lemeiux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township, Pennsylania.
    
    
    
    Brandon Svoboda had 26 goals, 34 assists, and 60 points in 56 games on the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 14 Under AAA team at the UPMC Mario Lemeiux Sports Complex in 2019-2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic. Brandon Svoboda had 25 goals, 38 assists, and 63 points with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 15 Under AAA team at the UMPC Mario Lemieux Sports Complex in 2020-2021. Brandon Svoboda had 24 goals, 26 assists, and 50 points with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 16 Under AAA team at the UPMC Mario Lemieux Sports Complex in 50 games in 2021-2022.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 209 lb Brandon Svoboda was voted team captain of the Youngstown Phantoms prior to the start of the season. Brandon Svoboda had 10 goals, 16 assists, 26 points, and a +20 +/- ratio in 59 USHL games in 2022-2023. Brandn Svoboda had 1 goal, 0 assists, and 1 point in 9 games during the 2023 USHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Brandon Svoboda has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Brandon Svoboda is great at winning face offs. He has a lot of NHL traits that you want and will only continue to develop at Boston University this Fall.
    
    
    
    
    
99. Chicago Blackhawks: Tyler Peddle, LW, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
    
    
    Chicago drafts Tyler Peddle here in the fourth round. Tyler Peddle was drafted second overall in the 2021 QMJHL Draft one spot after Ethan Gauthier.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 204 lb Tyler Peddle had 17 goals, 18 assists, 35 points, and a -19 +/- ratio in 65 QMJHL games in 2021-2022. Tyler Peddle had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point during 4 games in the 2022 QMJHL Playoffs. Tyler Peddle had 24 goals, 17 assists, 41 points, and a -22 +/- ratio in 64 QMJHL games in 2022-2023. Tyler Peddle had 2 goals, 1 assist, and 3 points in 9 games during the 2023 QMJHL Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Tyler Peddle has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Tyler Peddle could end up as a third or fourth line left winger on an NHL team down the road if he develops properly since he has a lot of traits you want in an NHL left winger. Even though his +/- is in the negative this left winger delivers bone crushing hits that you'd expect to see from a defenseman.
    
    
    
100. San Jose Sharks: Drew Fortescue, D, USNTDP (USHL)
     
     
     The 6-1 176 lb Drew Fortescue had 1 goal, 25 assists, and 26 points on the US-Under 18 Team in 2022-2023. Drew Fortescue had 0 goals, 5 assists, 5 points, and a +13 +/- ratio in 22 games for the United States National Team Developmental Program in the USHL in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Drew Fortescue has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Drew Fortescue will play defense at Boston College starting this Fall and can develop there before signing his NHL entry level contract. San Jose won't have to sign Drew Fortescue until 2026 making him a great stash and develop player early in the fourth round.
     
     
     
     
     
101. Montreal Canadiens: Gavin McCarthy, D, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
     
     
     Montreal takes the best player on the board in the fourth round. Gavin McCarthy is someone that you stash in your prospect pool and sign at a later date if an opportunity opens up for him.
     
     
     
     The 6-1 186 lb Gavin McCarthy will be heading to Boston University this Fall. Gavin McCarthy had 2 goals, 11 assists, 13 points, and a +7 +/- ratio in 2021-2022. Gavin McCarthy had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 9 games during the 2022 USHL Playoffs. Gavin McCarthy had 8 goals, 19 assists, 27 points, and a -4 +/- ratio in 42 games in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Gavin McCarthy was a top 5 defenseman in points for an under 18 defenseman in the USHL. He also finished in the top 30 in penalty minutes despite missing 20 games due to injuries.
     
     
     
     Gavin McCarthy has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Gavin McCarthy has the physicality and penalty killing you want, but he also needs to develop his shot. Gavin McCarthy has a third round grade, but with questions about his shot, durability, and quick decision making despite a sharp hockey IQ, I have him falling to the fourth round. He was one of 106 players at the 2023 NHL Combine, so it's possible he ends up sneaking into the third round. If an NHL team drafts Gavin McCarthy they won't have to sign him to an entry level contract until 2026.
     
     
     
102. Arizona Coyotes: Jakub Stancl, LW, Vaxjo Lakers (Elitserien)
     
     
     Arizona drafts a forward with the versatility to play all three spots on offense in a forward line. Jakub Stancl is versatile enough to play left winger, center, and right winger.
     
     
     
     The 6-3 202 lb Jakub Stancl had 11 goals, 6 assists, 17 points, and a +8 +/- ratio with the Vaxjo Lakers Under 20 Team in 2022-2023. Jakub Stancl had 1 goal, 0 assists, 1 point, and a +1 +/- ratio with the Vaxjo Lakers in 8 SHL games with this years SHL champion the Vaxjo Lakers in the league once known as Elitserien.
     
     
     
     Jakub Stancl has the versatility, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, and slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Jakub Stancl is amazing on special teams particularly the power play and penalty killing. He's just got to develop as a skater. If he can develop as a skater and improve in this category he's a third line NHL player and if he doesn't develop as a skater he's still a quality first or second line forward on an AHL team.
     
     
     
     Jakub Stancl has the body of a center. He will probably play left wing in the NHL if he makes it to the NHL since the Arizona Coyotes will have Logan Cooley, Barrett Hayton, and Connor Geekie as their top three centers by the time Stancl arrives to the NHL. Even if Stancl doesn't crack the NHL, he will still be a great addition to an AHL franchise once he signs his entry level contract.
     
     
     
     
     
103. Philadelphia Flyers: Alex Pharand, RW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
     
     
     Philadelphia drafts another center to develop for the future. Sean Couturier is the best forward that Philadelphia has until prospects from the 2022 and 2023 NHL Entry Drafts arrive in the NHL.
     
     
     
     Alex Pharand was drafted fourteenth overall in the 2021 OHL Draft. Alex Pharand is versatile enough to play center or right winger.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 205 lb Alex Pharand had 6 goals, 8 assists, 14 points, and a -14 +/- ratio in 2021-2022. Alex Pharand had 18 goals, 21 assists, 39 points, and a +9 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Alex Pharand had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 4 games during the 2023 OHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     At the 2023 CHL Prospects game, Alex Pharand impressed coaches enough to earn a top line spot with first line left winger Zach Benson and first line center Connor Bedard by earning the right to be the first line right winger for his team at the 2023 CHL Prospects Game. Alex Phrand also interviewed with 20 NHL teams at the 2023 NHL Combine.
     
     
     
     Alex Pharand has the skating, versatility, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. He's a selfless player that makes more good than bad ecisions, but his decision making with the puck has to improve. Alex Pharand also has to develop his slap shot, but projects as a bottom six forward in the NHL. His floor is a first line right winger or center in the AHL with his ceiling being a third line right winger or third line center on an NHL team.
     
     
     
104. Washington Capitals: Brady Cleveland, D, USNTDP (USHL)
     
     
     Washington drafts another defenseman in the fourth round. Brady Cleveland can take the NCAA route while the Washington Capitals stash Brady Cleveland in their prospect pool.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 210 lb Brady Cleveland had 0 goals, 6 assists, and 6 points in 55 games with the US Under 18 Team in 2022-2023. Brady Cleveland had 0 goals, 3 assists, 3 points, and a +9 +/- ratio in 19 USHL games in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Brady Cleveland has the skating, playmaking, passing, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. In the one game I saw with Brady Cleveland he was a first line defenseman for the USNTDP USHL team complimenting the defenseman that anchored the blue line for the United States National Team Developmental Program. Brady Cleveland is a player that could potentially develop into a first line defenseman next to Cameron Allen when John Carlsson retires if he can fix his shot when he goes to Wisconsin this Fall to begin his NCAA hockey career with the Wisconsin Badgers. Brady Cleveland is a terrfic shot blocker on the blue line. Brady Cleveland led the USNTDP with 106 penalty minutes. I'm not sure how NHL teams are going to feel about his penalty minutes being over 100 minutes, but he's very effective defensively when on the ice.
     
     
     
     
     
105. Vancouver Canucks: Brad Gardiner, C, Ottawa 67's (OHL)
     
     
     Vancouver goes for the best player on the board here. Brad Gardiner is a player that could develop into a third line center for the Vancouver Canucks down the road.
     
     
     
     The 6-1 184 lb Brad Gardiner had 19 goals, 20 assists, 39 points, and a +19 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. His father Bruce Gardiner played 312 NHL games.
     
     
     
     Brad Gardiner has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Brad Gardiner has come a long way since being a third round pick in the 2021 OHL Draft showing he has the wrist shot and slap shot NHL teams want to see. He's a great passer as well who would develop quickly in Vancouver.
     
     
     
106. St. Louis Blues: Quinton Burns, D, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
     
     
     St. Louis drafts another defenseman that can be groomed for the future. Quinton Burns can play two more years in the OHL before going to the AHL where he will play through his entry level contract.
     
     
     
     The 6-1 180 Quinton Burns had 0 goals, 4 assists, 4 points, and a -3 +/- ratio in 42 OHL games as a 2021 second round pick in the 2021 OHL Draft in 2021-2022. Quinton Burns had 2 goals, 27 assists, 29 points, and a -13 +/- ratio in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Quinton Burns has the speed, burst, explosion, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Quinton Burns held his own as a penalty killer. Quinton Burns displayed good funamentals and ideal traits you want from a defenseman when the Kingston Frontenacs clobbered the Oshawa Generals in an 8 to 1 road victory for the Kingston Frontenacs.
     
     
     
     
     
107. Vancouver Canucks: Zachary Nehrig, RW, Shattuck St. Mary's HS (MN)
     
     
     The Vancouver Canucks have a ton of prospects on defense in their prospect pool. Vancouver drafts a future right winger for the back 6 knowing they are getting either a top six right winger that can play the first or second line on the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL or a bottom six right winger that can play on the third or fourth line on the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL once he's finished developing.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 182 lb Zachary Nehrig is versatile enough to play right winger or center. Zachary Nehrig is my top High School player that didn't play in the CHL or the USHL in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Zachary Nehrig is going to play college hockey at Western Michigan this fall on a hockey scholarship with Zachary Nehrig being the first hockey recruit from the NHL Combine that Western Michigan's hockey program has landed.
     
     
     
     Zachary Nehrig had 26 goals, 61 assists, and 87 points with Shattuck St. Mary's a High School hockey powerhouse in the state of Minnesota in 2021-2022. Zachary Nehrig had 39 goals, 46 assists, and 85 points with Shattuck St. Mary's during his senior season in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Zachary Nehrig has the speed, burst, explosion, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, stick handling, and offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Zachary Nehrig can go to Western Michigan for three years and potentially sign his entry level contract with the Vancouver Canucks in 2026 starting out on the Abbotsford Canucks. He would be in the NHL by 2027 at the earliest and 2029 at the latest.
     
     
     
108. Ottawa Senators: Jonathan Castanga, C, St Andrew's College HS (ON)
     
     
     The Ottawa Senators have Brady Tkachuk the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft as their first line left winger, Tim Stutzle the third overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft as their first line center, and Claude Giroux the former Philadelphia Flyers captain as their first line right winger until 2025 providing an excellent first line of talent for Ottawa for two more seasons. Ottawa has Alex Debrincat as their second line let winger whose an RFA wanting to play elsewhere, Josh Norris as their second line center who only played 8 games due to injuries, and Drake Batherson as their second line right winger whose under contract until 2027 as Batherson played on Ottawa's first line prior to landing Claude Giroux in Free Agency. Ottawa has two really good lines for next season if the Ottawa Senators can keep Debrincat in Ottawa next season since Ottawa has $17 million in cap space meaning that Pierre Dorian has the cap space to keep this top six if he really wants to.
     
     
     
     Ottawa has Mathieu Joseph as their third line left winger, Shane Pinto as their third line center when both the combination of Stutzle along with Norris is fully healthy with Pinto showing he can play on the second line if Norris is injured, and Patrick Brown the third line right winger is a UFA. Derrick Brassard who began the season as the third line left winger before his injury which led to Mathieu Joseph replacing him is also a Free Agent.
     
     
     
     Ottawa has Ekor Sokolov as a fourth line left winger whose an RFA, Mark Kastelic their 2019 fifth round pick did well enough to secure the third line center role although his 11 points in 65 games aren't great, but he can be Ottawa's fourth line center, and Julian Gauthier Carolina's 2016 first round pick is also an RFA for Ottawa. Ottawa can tender those wingers as well as Dylan Gambrell who did a nice job as the fourth line center in Ottawa.
     
     
     
     The Ottawa Senators finally have a top two pairing on the blue line for the first time that they can rely on. Ottawa has Jakob Chychurn anchoring the blue line with Thomas Chabot, Ottawa's 2015 first round pick went from anchoring the first line at the beginning of the season to complimenting Chychurn. Artem Zub and Jake Sanderson both showed the ability to anchor the blue line as first line defensemen on Ottawa's blue line down the stretch when both Chychurn along with Chabot were injured. Erik Brannstrom, Ottawa's 2017 first round pick showed he could be an effective second line defenseman down the stretch and will anchor the third line of Ottawa's blue line assuming Dorion retains Brannstrom whose an RFA with Tyler Kleven, Ottawa's 2020 second round pick complimenting Brannstrom.
     
     
     
     Ottawa will have Anton Forsberg as their starting goalie for two more years after Forsberg had a sesaon ending injury. Backup goalie Cam Talbot started the rest of the season once Forsberg was ruled out for the season with Mads Sogaard, Ottawa's 2019 second round pick being the backup goalie to Cam Talbot learning under Talbot. Anton Forsberg will probably start next season with Mads Sogaard actually getting to play some NHL games getting his feet wet as he will gain some experience in games during the regular season when Anton Forsberg needs a day off.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 195 lb Jonathan Castanga had 29 goals, 43 assists, and 72 points as the team captain on the St Andrew's College High School hockey team that plays High School in Ontario in 2022-2023. Jonathan Castanga will play on the Penticon Vees in the BCHL next season in 2023 before starting his NCAA career at Cornell in 2024.
     
     
     
     Jonathan Castanga has the speed, burst, explosion, skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, stick handling, and offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Jonathan Castanga just needs to develop his slap shot and maybe improve his ability to win face offs. Ottawa has Tim Stutzle until 2031 and Josh Norris until 2030. Castanga can develop on the Penticon Vees and Cornell in the NCAA. He won't have to sign his entry level deal until 2027. If he plays all three years of his entry level deal in the AHL, then he wouldn't require a one-way contract in the NHL until 2030 which is when the contract for Josh Norris expires.
     
     
     
     
     
109. Buffalo Sabres: Paul Fischer, D, USNTDP (USHL)
     
     
     The 6-1 200 lb Paul Fischer had 2 goals, 4 assists, 6 points, and a +9 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Paul Fischer is heading to Notre Dame this Fall, so Buffalo won't have to sign him to an entry level deal until 2026.
     
     
     
     Paul Fischer has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, stick handling, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Paul Fischer needs to develop his shot. Right now, Fischer projects as a third line defenseman that can also be a second line defenseman on a penalty killing unit. Pairing him with number one picks Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power on the Buffalo Sabres penalty killing unit down the road could be beneficial for the Buffalo Sabres.
     
     
     
110. Montreal Canadiens: Zachary Schultz, D, USNTDP (USHL)
     
     
     The Montreal Canadiens draft another USHL defenseman to stash into their prospect pool. Zachary Schultz can play in the NCAA for three years before Montreal has to decide whether they committ to him or let him walk.
     
     
     
     The 6-1 197 lb Zachary Schultz had 1 goal, 9 assists, and 10 points on the US Under 18 Team. Zachary Schultz also had 0 goals, 3 assists, and a +0 +/- ratio in 19 USHL games in 2022-2023. Zachary Schultz was also the team captain for Team USA at the World Junior Championships leading up to the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
     
     
     
     Zachary Schultz has the skating, foot speed, leadership, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Zachary Schultz is heading to Wisconsin this Fall.
     
     
     
     
     
111. Nashville Predators: Sawyer Mynio, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
     
     
     Nashville goes for value and drafts another defenseman that can be groomed for the future. Sawyer Mynio is one guy left on the board with enough upside to develop into a defenseman that could be a first line defenseman on an NHl team down the road.
     
     
     
     The 6-0 163 lb Sawyer Mynio had 4 goals, 7 assists, 11 points, and a +8 +/- ratio in 47 WHL games in 2021-2022. Sayer Mynio had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in the 2022 WHL Playoffs as a rookie after being a third round pick in the 2020 WHL Draft. Sawyer Mynio had 5 goals, 26 assists, 31 points, and a +50 +/- ratio in 68 WHL games in 2022-2023. Sawyer Mynio had 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points in 19 games during the 2023 WHL Playoffs plus Mynio played in 5 more playoff games during the 2023 Memorial Cup.
     
     
     
     Sawyer Mynio has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Sawyer Mynio needs to improve his skating mechanics and edgework, but everything else checks out.
     
     
     
112. Calgary Flames: Terrell Goldsmith, D, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
     
     
     Calgary loses four of their six defensemen to Free Agency in 2024. Yan Kuznetsov their 2020 second round pick and Jeremie Poirier a 2020 third round pick are the top two defensive prospects that Calgary drafted. I mocked Axel Sandin-Pellikka to Calgary at 16, but Calgary will need to draft a second defenseman for insurance in case all four of their defensemen walk in Free Agency after next season.
     
     
     
     Calgary drafts one of the biggest defenseman in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft here. Terrell Goldsmith was drafted fifteenth overall in the 2020 WHL Draft.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 220 lb Terrell Goldsmith had 2 goals, 0 assists, 2 points, and a +5 +/- ratio as a third line defenseman on the Prince Albert Raiders in 2020-2021. Terrell Goldsmith had 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points, and a -7 +/- ratio as a third line defenseman on the right side anchoring the third line of the Raiders blue line on the Prince Albert Raiders in 2021-2022. Terrell Goldsmith had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points during the 2022 WHL Playoffs in his only playoff appearance. Terrell Goldsmith had 3 goals, 6 assists, 9 points, and a -6 +/- ratio after getting promoted to the second line on the left side with the Prince Albert Raiders in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Terrell Goldsmith has the skating, versatility, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, puck handling, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Terrell Goldsmith has to develop a slap shot. He's extremely raw, but graded in the top 90 percent in hitting and passing so there is some potential there.
     
     
     
     Calgary is looking at a player who has the floor of a third line defenseman on the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL and the celing of a number four defenseman on the second line on the Calgary Flames in the NHL.
     
     
     
     
     
113. New Yok Islanders: Cole Knuble, C, Fargo Force (USHL)
     
     
     The 5-11 185 lb Cole Knuble is one of the most consistent playmakers in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He has a wrist shot and slap shot that are both equally effective.
     
     
     
     Cole Knuble had 20 goals, 29 assists, 49 poinsts, and a -10 +/- ratio in 62 USHL games during his rookie season in 2021-2022 after being a fourth round pick in the 2021 USHL Draft by the Fargo Force. Cole Knuble had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 2 games during the 2022 USHL Playoffs. It's also worth pointing out that 6/15 scouting services have a top 100 grade on Cole Knuble in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, but since he went undrafted in 2022, he's draft eligible for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
     
     
     
     Cole Knuble got promoted to alternate captain and had 30 goals, 36 assists, 66 points, and a +31 +/- ratio in 57 USHL games in 2022-2023. Cole Knuble had 6 goals, 3 assists, and 9 points in 9 games during the 2023 USHL Playoffs helping the Fargo Force get to the 2023 Clark Cup. Cole Knuble won the Curt Hammer Award which is basically the USHL's version of the Bill Masterson Award.
     
     
     
     Cole Knuble has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, foot speed, leadership, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Cole Knuble will begin play at Notre Dame in the Fall of 2023.
     
     
     
114. Columbus Blue Jackets: Matteo Mann, D, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
     
     
     Columbus drafts an enforcer to add to their prospect pool on the blue line. Matteo Mann has three years of experience in the QMJHL after being a 2020 third round pick. Matteo Mann was also the only player on the Chicoutimi Sagueneens to receive an invite to the 2023 NHL Combine.
     
     
     
     The 6-5 230 lb Matteo Mann had 1 goal, 0 assists, 1 point, and a -4 +/- ratio in 20 QMJHL games in 2020-2021. Matteo Mann had 2 goals, 9 asssists, 11 points, and a -8 +/- ratio in 2021-2022. Matteo Mann had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in the 2022 QMJHL Playoffs. Matteo Mann had 0 goals, 5 assists, 5 points, and a -23 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Matteo Mann had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in the 2023 QMJHL Playoffs failing to produce any playoff points for the second year in a row.
     
     
     
     Matteo Mann has the skating, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, and defensive awareness to succeed in the NHL. Matteo Mann can play on the Chicoutimi Saguneens for the next two years. From there Columbus can stash him on the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL. He could be ready for Columbus by 2028 if they choose to sign him.
     
     
     
     
     
115. Nashville Predators: Larry Keenan, D, Culver Military Academy HS (IN)
     
     
     Nashville goes with the best player on the board once again. Larry Keenan of Culver Military Academy has a grandfather of the same name that was born in 1940 that played for the St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers.
     
     
     
     The 6-3 186 lb Larry Keenan had 11 goals, 26 assists, and 37 points with the Culter Military Academy High School in Indiana in 2022-2023. Larry Keegan is heading to University of Massachusetts this Fall on a hockey scholarship beginning his NCAA journey.
     
     
     
     Larry Keenan has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, passing, playmaking, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Larry Keenan is going to the same college that Cale Makar spent two seasons at prior to joining the NHL.
     
     
     
116. Seattle Kraken: Emil Pieniemi, D, Oulun Karpat (SM Liiga)
     
     
     The 6-2 175 lb Emil Pieniemi is the top prospect on Oulun Karpat. Oulun Kaprat is one of the powerhouse teams in Liiga which is a professional mens hockey league which was known as SM Liiga.
     
     
     
     Emil Pieniemi had 1 goal, 12 asssists, and 13 points in 31 games with the Oulun Karpat Under 20 Team in 2022-2023. Emil Pieniemi only played one game with Oulun Karpat in Liiga in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Emil Pieniemi's contract in Finland runs through 2025. This means he's got two more years to develop in Finland before the NHL team that drafts him has to sign him to an entry level contract.
     
     
     
     Emil Pieniemi has the skating, passing, playmaking, slap shot accuracy, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Emil Pieniemi needs to develop his wrist shot, slap shot, and build some muscle. His coaches believe he can play in the NHL once he gets up to 195 lbs. Emil Pieniemi was 170 lbs, but bulked up to 175 lbs for the 2023 NHL Combine since hockey in Finland ended for this season.
     
     
     
     
     
117. Detroit Red Wings: Jaden Lipinski, C, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
     
     
     The 6-3 210 lb Jaden Lipinski had a chip on his shoulder ever since going undrafted in the WHL Draft. Jaden Lipinski did well enough to earn an invite to the 2023 CHL Prospects Game as well as the 2023 NHL Combine.
     
     
     
     Jaden Lipinski had 8 goals, 9 assists, 17 points, and a -30 +/- ratio in 2021-2022. Jaden Lipinski had 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points in 12 games during the 2022 WHL Playoffs. Jaden Lipinski had 19 goals, 32 assists, 51 points, and a -6 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Jaden Lipinski had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 4 games during the 2023 WHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Jaden Lipinski has the passing, playmaking, vision, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Jaden Lipinski is effective on the power play and penalty killing unit. He's a great special teams player on the ice plus he's someone who can score in penalty shootouts too.
     
     
     
118. Los Angeles Kings: Aaron Pionk, D, Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL)
     
     
     The Los Angeles Kings go with the best player on the board here. Aaron Pionk is the younger brother of Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk.
     
     
     
     The 6-0 173 lb Aaron Pionk went undrafted in 2021 and 2022. This is his Aaron Pionk's last year of draft eligibility. Aaron Pionk was at the 2023 NHL Combine this year and something tells me Aaron Pionk actually gets picked this year.
     
     
     
     Aaron Pionk had 9 goals, 19 assists, 28 points, 14 penalty minutes, and a +14 +/- ratio in 51 regular season games with the Minnesota Wilderness in the North American Hockey League in 2021-2022. He struggled to produce any points in the 2022 NAHL Playoffs though.
     
     
     
     Aaron Pionk joined the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHL this season though. Aaron Pionk had 12 goals, 24 assists, 36 points, 51 penalty minutes, and a +21 +/- ratio in 60 USHL games in 2022-2023. Aaron Pionk had 0 goals, 2 assists, and 2 points in 3 games during the 2023 USHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Aaron Pionk has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Aaron Pionk is a player that the Los Angeles Kings can stash without having to sign him right away.
     
     
     
     
     
119. Vancouver Canucks: Carsen Musser, G, USNTDP (USHL)
     
     
     Thatcher Demko will be the starting goalie while Arturs Silovs will be the backup goalie. The only player from the 2023 NHL Combine still on the board at this point in the fourth round is Carsen Musser the backup goalie to Trey Augustine on the United States National Team Developmental Program in the USHL.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 212 lb Carsen Musser had a .863 save percentage and a 4.11 goals against average in 9 USHL starts. His coaches have praised his work ethic despite posing underwelming numbers in 2022-2023. Carsen Musser will start for the United States National Team Developmental Program in 2023 before enrolling into Colorado College in 2024. Carsen Musser could develop into a backup to Arturs Silovs if Vancouver wants to move on from Thatcher Demko when he becomes an unrestricted Free Agent in 2026.
     
     
     
120. Philadelphia Flyers: Tomas Suchanek, G, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
     
     
     I like Tomas Suchanek more than Carsen Musser. Carsen Musser got an invite to the 2023 NHL Combine while Tomas Suchanek didn't.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 181 lb Tomas Suchanek went undrafted in 2021 and 2022. The 20-year-old goalie had a .912 save percentage and a 3.05 goals against average. Tomas Suchanek can go straight to the AHL and play for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He might be ready to play by 2025 in the NHL when Cal Pedersen is a Free Agent. Philadelphia will need to draft a backup goalie if they keep Carter Hart and if the Flyers trade Carter Hart they will have to draft a goalie and groom him to be a starting goalie as quickly as possible.
     
     
     
     
     
121. Nashville Predators: Andrei Loshko, RW, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
     
     
     The 6-1 173 lb Andrei Loshko had 16 goals, 10 assists, 26 points, and a -20 +/- ratio in 2021-2022. Andrei Loshko had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 3 games during the 2022 QMJHL Playoffs. Andrei Loshko had 22 goals, 48 assists, 70 points, and a -1 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Andrei Loshko had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 5 games during the 2023 QMJHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Andrei Loshko has the skating, foot speed, explosion, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Some believe Andrei Loshko is a top 3 prospect in the QMJHL, so getting him this late in the fourth round is a steal. Chicoutimi was able to trade him to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies for the tenth pick in the 2023 QMJHL Draft.
     
     
     
122. New Jersey Devils: Luke Coughlin, D, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
     
     
     New Jersey grabs a defenseman here. Luke Coughlin was drafted fourth overall in the 2021 QMJHL Draft.
     
     
     
     The 5-10 170 lb Luke Coughlin had 4 goals, 14 assists, 18 points, and a +3 +/- ratio in 55 QMJHL games 2021-2022. Luke Coughlin had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points during the 2022 QMJHL Playoffs. Luke Coughlin had 5 goals, 14 assists, 19 points, and a +5 +/- ratio in 37 games in the QMJHL in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Luke Coughlin has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Luke Coughlin needs to develop his shot, but has enough upside to get to the NHL as a third line defenseman down the road.
     
     
     
     
     
123. San Jose Sharks: Matthew Mania, D, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
     
     
     The 6-1 180 lb Matthew Mania had 2 goals, 11 assists, 13 points, and a -24 +/- ratio in 49 OHL games in 2021-2022. Matthew Mania had 10 goals, 28 assists, 38 points, and a +21 +/- ratio in 67 OHL games in 2022-2023. Matthew Mania had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 2 points in 4 games during the 2023 OHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Matthew Mania has the skating, foot speed, playmaking, passing, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. You want to see Matthew Mania add more muscle and develop more explosion when skating.
     
     
     
124. Boston Bruins: Daniil Karpovich, D, Avotmobilist Yekaterinburg (KHL)
     
     
     The 6-3 209 lb Daniil Karpovich had 10 goals, 25 assists, and 35 points in the MHL in 2022-2023. He's due to get promoted to Avotmobilist Yekaterinburg in the KHL soon. Boston can draft him and if he brings this type of play to the KHL, then the Bruins can buy out Daniil Karpovich by giving him an entry level contract.
     
     
     
     
     
125. Dallas Stars: Jan Sprynar, RW, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
     
     
     The 6-1 176 lb Jan Sprynar had 23 goals, 17 assists, 40 points, and a +1 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Jan Sprynar had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 3 games during the 2023 QMJHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Jan Sprynar has the skating, playmaking, passing, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Jan Sprynar got a hat trick earlier this season after being a first round pick in the 2022 CHL Import Draft where players outside of Canada get picked to play in the CHL.
     
     
     
126. Carolina Hurricanes: Jake Sloan, C, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
     
     
     Carolina grabs another center to develop for the future late in the fourth round. The 6-4 215 lb Jake Sloan had 20 goals, 35 assists, 55 points, and a +7 +/- ratio in 58 WHL games in 2022-2023. Jake Sloan had 3 goals, 1 assist, and points in 6 games during the 2023 WHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     
     
127. Florida Panthers: Hoyt Stanley, D, Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
     
     
     The Florida Panthers draft a defenseman here. Hoyt Stanley is one of the better sleepers in the BCHL that Florida can draft here in the fourth round.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 187 lb Hoyt Stanley had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 2021-2022. Hoyt Stanley had 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points in 5 games during the 2022 BCHL Playoffs. Hoyt Stanley had 4 goals, 34 assists, and 38 points in 2022-2023. Hoyt Stanley had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 4 games during the 2023 BCHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Hoyt Stanley anchored the blue line on the Victoria Grizlies. He also won BCHL High School player in the month of December. Hoyt Stanley accepted a hockey scholarship to Cornell as Hoyt Stanley will begin his NCAA hockey career this fall.
     
     
     
128. Montreal Canadiens: Roman Kantserov, RW, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)
     
     
     Montreal uses this fourth round pick from Vegas to grab another winger. Roman Kantersov will be the last player picked in the fourth round of this mock draft.
     
     
     
     The 5-9 176 lb Roman Kantserov had 28 goals, 28 assists, and 56 points in 47 MHL games in 2022-2023. Roman Kantserov has yet to get promoted to the VHL or the KHL despite his impressive play in the MHL. His contract in the KHL runs through 2024, so Montreal might be able to sign him as early as next year if he can post the type of numbers he did in the MHL in the KHL.