2023 NHL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 6

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

161. Anaheim Ducks: Alexander Hellnemo, G, Skelleftea AIK (Elitserien)
     
     
     The Anaheim Ducks will have John Gibson as their starting goalie, Lukas Dostal as their backup goalie, and Calle Clang as their starting goalie on the San Diego Gulls in the AHL. Dostal got compared to Tuukka Rask back in 2019 and Clang was my second best goalie in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Lukas Dostal and Calle Clang won't keep Anaheim from drafting a goalie entirely, those two goalies will keep the Anaheim Ducks from spending an early round pick on a goalie unless John Gibson is traded. Anaheim will still take a goalie at some point in the sixth or seventh round even if John Gibson, Lukas Dostal, and Calle Clang all stay on the Anaheim Ducks this upcoming season.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 183 lb Alexander Hellnemo had a 2.32 goals against average and a .916 save percentage in 23 games on the Skelletea AIK Under 20 Team in 2022-2023. Alexander Hellnemo did well enough to get promoted to the SHL playing in 9 games against men in Sweden with 8 starts. Alexander Hellnemo went 5-3 in those 8 starts with a 2.39 goals against average and a .895 save percentage with Skelleftea AIK in the SHL in the league once known as Elitserien in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Alexander Hellnemo went undrafted in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, but the 19-year-old goalie is eligible for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Alexander Hellnemo is on a loan to Rogle BK and his contract in the SHL runs through 2025, so the Anaheim Ducks don't have to worry about whether or not to give Alexander Hellnemo an entry level contract until 2025.
     
     
     
     Style, Post Integration, Glove, Blocker Pad, Reading The Puck By Tracking, Rebound Control, Post Save Recovery, Quickness, Footwork, and Puckhandling. Those are ten different categories that NHL Draft Scouts use to evaluate goalies. Alexander Hellnemo has the style, glove, post save recovery, quickness, footwork, and puckhandling you want. He checks off six of the ten boxes. Rebound control and reading the puck by tracking are his two biggest weaknesses. Post Integration and using his blocker pad are question marks meaning there's not enough information whether it be game film or scouting reports to detemine if Alexander Hellnemo can excel in these areas or whether these parts of his game are a liability.
     
     
     
     Worst case scenario, Alexander Hellnemo is a backup goalie on the San Diego Gulls in the AHL. Best case scenario, Alexander Hellnemo can get become a starting NHL goalie. Let's say Anaheim drafts Alexander Hellnemo in the sixth round. He signs his entry level contract with the Ducks and does well enough with the San Diego Gulls in the AHL in 2025 and 2026 to earn a promotion to the NHL by 2027 when John Gibson's contract expires. If Alexander Hellnemo gets promoted to the NHL by the time John Gibson's contract expires then there is a window of opportunity for him to be a starting NHL goalie even if that opportunity apears to be a long-shot.
     
     
     
     Anaheim should gamble on Alexander Hellnemo if he falls to the sixth round. I've seen some NHL scouting services rank Alexander Hellnemo in the third and fourth round on their NHL Draft websites despite his lack of experience in the SHL because he has the glove and athletic traits you want from an NHL goalie.
     
     
     
162. Arizona Coyotes: Owen Beckner, C, Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL)
     
     
     The 6-2 181 lb Owen Beckner had 17 goals, 33 assists, and 50 points in 53 BCHL games with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in 2022-2023. Owen Beckner had 2 goals, 8 assists, and 10 points in 14 games during the 2023 BCHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Owen Beckner 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, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Owen Beckner's defensive awareness is a question mark, but not a weakness and he makes up for it with his ability to win face offs.
     
     
     
     Owen Beckner is versatile enough to play left wing, center, or right wing. Owen Beckner left his childhood home at the age of 14 to play hockey at a boarding school. He was the Regina Pats seventh round pick in the 2020 WHL Draft when Regina took Connor Bedard first overall. Owen Beckner ended up going to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks after not signing a WHL contract with the Regina Pats. Owen accepted an NCAA hockey scholarship to Colorado College. Owen won't enroll into Colorado College until 2024.
     
     
     
     Owen Beckner is a player you can patiently develop. The good news is you don't have to give him an entry level contract until 2027. This means the team that drafts Owen Beckner can keep him in the AHL for three seasons if they sign him before promoting him to the NHL in 2030.
     
     
     
     
     
163. Carolina Hurricanes: Milton Oscarson, RW, Orebro HK (Elitserien)
     
     
     The 6-6 216 lb Milton Oscarson had 1 goals, 2 assists, 3 points, and a -8 +/- ratio in 45 SHL games in 2022-2023. Milton Oscarson had 4 goals, 2 assists, and 6 points in 13 games during the 2023 SHL Playoffs doubling his point total from the regular season in the playoffs. If you're looking for a playoff performer, Milton Oscarson is your guy. He's also versatile enough to play center as well as right winger even though right wing was his main position in the SHL in the league once known as Elitserien due to his massive size.
     
     
     
     Milton Oscarson's only regular season goal of the year came on a play where he played on the top line with top 5 NHL draft pick Leo Carlsson who passed the puck to Milton Oscarson on a goal. Elias Petersson Vancouver's 2022 third round pick was a first line defenseman on Orebro HK playing with Leo Carlsson and Milton Oscarson on Orebro HK's first line. There is even a quiz where Elias Petersson, Leo Carlsson, and Milton Oscarson are competing against each other.
     
     
     
164. New Jersey Devils: Maxime Pellerin, C, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
     
     
     The 6-0 181 lb Maxime Pellerin is versatile enough to play center or right winger. Maxime Pellerin was drafted twelfth overall in the 2019 QMJHL Draft.
     
     
     
     Maxime Pellerin had 40 goals, 46 assists, 86 points, and a +12 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Maxime Pellerin had 2 goals, 1 assist, and 3 points in 5 games during the 2023 QMJHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Maxime Pellerin 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. Maxime Pellerin is a player that you can stash and develop in the sixth round.
     
     
     
     If you draft Maxime Pellerin, you are gonna have to sign him to an entry level contract right away with his time in the QMJHL coming to an end. This means Maxime Pellerin goes straight to the AHL if you draft him meaning you are giving him a contract, but that contract won't count against a teams NHL roster unless he gets promoted to the NHL.
     
     
     
     
     
165. Montreal Canadiens: Rhett Stoesser, G, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
     
     
     The 6-1 183 lb Rhett Stoesser went undrafted in the 2021 WHL Draft, but still did well enough to win the starting goalie job on the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League in his draft year. Rhett Stoesser had a 2.35 goals against and a .910 save percentage while posting a 19-6 record in 25 starts with the Red Deer Rebels 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Rhett Stoesser was a nominee for WHL Goalie Of The Year even with only 25 starts earning the nominee for best WHL goalie in the division he played in. Rhett Stoesser suffered a season ending lower body injury and details about where he suffered the injury and how severe the lower body injury are have been undisclosed.
     
     
     
     Montreal is grooming Rhett Stoesser behind Carey Price. There are going to be medical concerns with Rhett Stoesser, but his production was good for a goalie who only started 25 WHL games. Montreal can gamble on Rhett Stoesser and sign him to an entry level contract if he stays healthy the next two seasons. If Stoesser continues to deal with injuries, then the Montreal Canadiens can move on from Rhett Stoesser.
     
     
     
166. Arizona Coyotes: Michael Burchill, LW, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
     
     
     The 5-10 160 lb Michael Burchill has grown an inch and gained ten pounds of muscle since being drafted fifth overall in the 2021 USHL Draft. Michael Burchill accepted a hockey scholarship as Burchill lives and breathes hockey. He was a center heading into the 2021 USHL Draft, but converted to left wing when he got to the Dubuque Fighting Saints.
     
     
     
     Michael Burchill had 13 goals, 25 assists, 38 points, and a -1 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Michael Burchill had 0 goals, 1 assist, and 1 point in 5 games during the 2023 USHL Playoffs. Michael Burchill has a ridiculous work ethic and committed to Michigan in the NCAA where he will play on the Michigan Wolverines this Fall.
     
     
     
     
     
167. Philadelphia Flyers: Maddox Fleming, RW, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
     
     
     The 5-11 176 lb Maddox Flemming had 14 goals, 38 assists, and 52 points in 2019-2020. Maddox Flemming had 6 goals, 8 assists, 14 points, and a -5 +/- ratio with the United States National Team Developmental Program in the USHL in 2020-2021.
     
     
     
     Maddox Flemming had another season in the USHL before he goes to Notre Dame where he has a hockey scholarship with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the NCAA. He was unhappy with a lack of minutes on the United States National Team Developmental Program in the USHL after his rookie season despite improving with 1 goal, 2 asssists, 3 points, and a +4 +/- in 5 regular season games with the United States National Team Developmental Program. He wanted to try to sign elsewhere. Most players that go to the USNTDP team in the USHL have to stay there for two years before going to College.
     
     
     
     That rule is no longer in effect as of this season and Team USA in the USHL also known as USNTDP cut Flemming from their roster after 5 games accomidating the request of Maddox Flemming. However, he was claimed by another USHL team in the Sioux Falls Stampede. Some NHL Scouts have dropped Flemming, a first round prospect heading into October of 2021 all the way down to the fourth round of their big boards, removing him from their top 100, believing he displays a lack of maturity or character, but that's simply not the case since he still honored his NCAA committment to Notre Dame.
     
     
     
     Maddox Flemming had 10 goals, 24 assists, 34 points, and a -23 +/- ratio with the Sioux Falls Stampede in 47 regular season games in 2021-2022. Unlike Logan Cooley and Rutger McGroaty, Maddox Flemming didn't decommitt from Notre Dame when a better school made him an offer.
     
     
     
     Maddox Flemming is an effective playmaker as far as his offensive skill set goes since he came in as the second line center on the Sioux Falls Stampede and did well there showcasing the versatility to play both center and right wing.
     
     
     
     Back in October of 2021, I mocked him to the Edmonton Oilers at 18 in my very first 2022 NHL Mock Draft prior to the start of the NHL Regular Season, but he went undrafted. Maddox Flemming had 13 goals, 34 assists, 47 points, and a -17 +/- ratio with the Sioux Falls Stampede in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Maddox Flemming heads to Notre Dame this Fall. He's still got a lot to correct, but he's someone you can gamble on in the sixth or seventh round. If he corrects his weaknesses, he could earn an entry level contract in 2026 and if he doesn't you just wasted a sixth round pick which is the worst case scenario.
     
     
     
168. Seattle Kraken: Marcus Vidicek, C, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
     
     
     The 5-10 161 lb Marcus Vidicek had 15 goals, 18 assists, 33 points, and a +6 +/- ratio in 39 games in 2019-2020 prior to the 2020 QMJHL Draft when the Halifax Mooseheads took him in the first round. Marcus Vidicek, who I mocked to Vancouver in the first round back in October of 2021 began his QMJHL career as a third line center on the Halifax Mooseheads with 10 goals, 21 assists, 31 points, and a +3 +/- ratio in 2020-2021. This year, he improved enough to earn a promotion to the second line center role on the Halifax Mooseheads where he posted 18 goals, 47 assists, 65 points, a -3 +/- ratio. Marcus Vidicek also had 4 goals, 1 assist, and 5 points during 5 games in the 2022 QMJHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Marcus Vidicek had 32 goals, 48 assists, 80 points, and a +38 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Marcus Vidicek had 8 goals, 9 assists, and 17 points in 21 games in the 2023 QMJHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     The Seattle Kraken are loaded with center prosects. If Marcus Vidicek impoves on this past season, Seattle can give him an entry level contract in 2024 next season.
     
     
     
     
     
169. Detroit Red Wings: Dylan Earnst, G, Kamploops Blazers (WHL)
     
     
     The 6-2 196 lb Dylan Ernst played well on the Kamploops Blazers as a backup goalie to Dylan Garand the New York Rangers 2020 fourth round pick where he had a 2.95 Goals Against Average and a .900 save percentage in 2021-2022. That's fine you can take a more patient approach when it comes to developing Dylan Ernst as he's nothing more than an insurance plan in case Drew Commesso doesn't pan out.
     
     
     
     Dylan Earnst was a third round prospect in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft before going undrafted. Dylan Earnst took over as the Kamloops Blazers starting goalie once Dylan Garand got promoted to the Hartford Wolfpack in the AHL. Dylan Earnst had a 2.69 goals against average and a .906 save percentage while goin 38-10-3 in 51 starts while playing 53 WHL games. Dylan Earnst was the starting goalie for the Kamlops Blazers during the 2023 WHL Playoffs as well as the 2023 Memorial Cup.
     
     
     
     Dylan Earnst looks like he matured this season. He's a goalie who might honestly check off the most boxes of any goalie outside of the consensus top six goalies in this draft.
     
     
     
     Detroit has their 2021 first round pick Sebastian Cossa as their future starting goalie. Dylan Earnst could be a good backup to Sebastian Cossa. Dylan Earnst has one more year of eligibility in the WHL and then would go to the AHL in 2024 if the NHL team that drafts him gives him an entry level contract.
     
     
     
170. St. Louis Blues: Quentin Miller, G, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
     
     
     The 6-2 183 lb Quentin Miller had a 2.11 goals against average and a .911 save percentage going 14-4 in 18 starts and 20 games played as the backup goalie on the 2023 Memorial Cup Champion Quebec Remparts who also won the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2022-2023. Quentin Miller's head coach is former Colorado Avalanche legend Patrick Roy.
     
     
     
     St. Louis has Jordan Binnington as their starting goalie. Quentin Miller could develop into a viable backup for the St. Louis Blues down the road if the Blues remain patient with him after the departure of backup goalie Ville Husso who got traded to the Detroit Red Wings during the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
     
     
     
     
     
171. Vancouver Canucks: Aiden Celebrini, D, Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
     
     
     Both of Aiden Celebrini's parents played soccer growing up. His father Rick Celebrini is the Director of Sports Medicine and Performance for he Golden State Warriors. Aiden's younger brother Macklin Celebrini had 46 goals, 40 assists, and 86 points with the Chicago Steel in the USHL. Macklin Celebrini is the front runner to go first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, but now I'm going to resume discussing Aiden Celebrini. Aidan has another younger brother named R.J. Celebrini who could be a top prospect like Macklin, but R.J. Celebrini is not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2030 or 2031.
     
     
     
     The 6-1 187 lb Aiden Celebrini had 5 goals, 16 assists, and 21 points in 47 AJHL games 2022-2023. Aiden Celebrini had 0 goals, 3 assists, and 3 points in the 2023 AJHL Playoffs helping the Brooks Bandits secure another Chammpionship with the Brooks Bandits as the first line defenseman anchoring the blue line as the defensive defenseman on the Brooks Bandits top line.
     
     
     
     Aiden Celebrini has one more year of eligibility with the Brooks Bandits which is the same junior hockey league team that Cale Makar and Corson Ceulemans played for. Aiden Celebrini is joining Boston University in 2024 which is where his younger brother Macklin Celebrini will play in his draft year at Boston Univeristy one year before Aiden enrolls in Boston University.
     
     
     
172. Philadelphia Flyers: Sam Court, D, Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
     
     
     The 5-10 181 lb Sam Court had 13 goals, 59 assists, and 72 points with the Brooks Bandits as a line mate to Aiden Celebrini with the 19-year-old Sam Court complimenting the 18-year-old Aiden Celbrini in 2022-2023. Sam Court had 0 goals, 5 assists, and 5 points during the 2023 AJHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Sam Court is heading to New Hampshire this Fall. He will be on a hockey scholarship at New Hampshire for the next three seasons and the team that drafts Sam Court can wait until 2026 to give him an entry level contract.
     
     
     
     
     
173. Buffalo Sabres: Joshua Neidermayer, D, Penticon Vees (BCHL)
     
     
     The 6-0 201 lb Joshua Neidermayer had 1 goal, 10 assists, 11 points, and a +8 +/- ratio in 18 BCHL regular season games in 2020-2021. He anchored the blue line on the Penticon Vees in those 18 contests as a first year player with the team.
     
     
     
     Joshua Neidermayer had 4 goals, 14 assists, 18 points, and a +10 +/- ratio in 43 BCHL regular season games in 2021-2022. He anchored the blue line on the Penticon Vees in those games once again for the second year in a row while leading the Penticon Vees to a BCHL Championship in his draft year with 1 goal, 5 assists, and 6 points in 17 BCHL Playoff games during the 2022 BCHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Joshua Neidermayer went undrafted in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Joshua Neidermayer had 5 goals, 20 assists, 25 points, and a +15 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Joshua Neidermayer had 2 goals, 9 assists, and 11 points in 17 games during the 2023 BCHL Playoffs while helping the Penticon Vees repeat in the BCHL.
     
     
     
     I listened to Joshua Neidermayer's interview. He described the experience of being roomates with his brother Jackson Neidermayer to transitioning to being roomates with Jackson Nieuwendyk who is in fact the son of former Dallas Stars alternate captain Joe Nieuwendyk.
     
     
     
     Joshua Neidermayer already has 2 Championships which is two more than his older brother, so he's ahead of his older brother Jackson Neidermayer in the race to win Championships in the Neidermayer family, but he's still got to win three more Championships to catch his dad. Joshua Neidermayer also accepted a hockey scholarship where he'll play College Hockey with his older brother Jackson Neidermayer who went undrafted after playing for the Penticon Vees.
     
     
     
     Jackson Neidermayer is only a junior after finishing his first two years at Arizona State so he can take his younger brother Joshua Neidermayer under his wing. Maybe this motivates Jackson Neidermayer to play well enough to earn a contract with the NHL team that drafts Joshua Neidermayer next Fall. Regardless of what happens, with both of Scott Neidermayer's sons, the Neidermayer adolescents will both be playing College hockey at Arizona State this fall with Jackson at left wing and Joshua on the blue line in the same stadium that the Arizona Coyotes currently play in.
     
     
     
     Jackson Neidermayer is the extroverted son of Scott Neidermayer. Joshua Neidermayer is the introverted son of Scott Neidermayer. All you need to know about extroverts and introverts is that their personalities are different with extroverts being social butterflies and introverts being quiet letting their actions speak for themselves.
     
     
     
174. Pittsburgh Penguins: Lucas St. Louis, D, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
     
     
     The 5-10 164 lb Lucas St. Louis was a first line defenseman on the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL. He was the Dubuque Fighting Saints second round pick in the 2021 USHL Draft right after taking Michael Burchill in the first round of that draft.
     
     
     
     Lucas St. Louis had 3 goals, 21 assists, 24 points, and a -11 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. He's the son of former Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Martin St. Louis and it's worth pointing out that Lucas St. Louis accepted a hockey scholarship to Harvard. Harvard is the hardest college to get accepted in to which tells you how smart Lucas St. Louis is.
     
     
     
     
     
175. Nashville Predators: Alex Weiermayer, C, USNTDP (USHL)
     
     
     Nashville gets a center taking the NCAA route. Alex Weiermayer did more on the US-Under 18 Team than the USHL. Some have this guy going in the fourth round, but I see a sixth round prospect.
     
     
     
     The 6-1 190 lb Alex Weiermayer had 11 goals, 15 assists, and 26 points on the US-Under 18 Team in 2022-2023. Alex Weiermayer had 4 goals, 5 assists, 9 points, and a +1 +/- ratio in 23 USHL games in 2022-2023. Alex Weiermayer is going to Denver this Fall.
     
     
     
176. Calgary Flames: Will Vote, RW, USNTDP (USHL)
     
     
     The 5-7 158 lb Will Vote had 16 goals, 29 assists, and 45 points with the US-Under 18 Team in 2022-2023. Will Vote had 7 goals, 9 assists, and 16 points in 22 USHL games with the United States National Team Developmental Program known as USNTDP in 2022-2023. Will Vote is enrolling in Boston College this Fall meaning Calgary can draft him and stash him in their prospect pool without having to sign him right away.
     
     
     
     
     
177. New Yok Islanders: Noah Erliden, G, HV71 (Elitserien)
     
     
     The 5-11 170 lb Noah Erliden is one of the youngest players in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He doesn't turn eighteen until September 9, 2023 which is six days before the deadline to enter the 2023 NHL Entry Draft
     
     
     
     Noah Erliden had a 2.93 goals against average and a .912 save percentage on the HV71 Under 20 Team in 19 starts with the HV71 Under 20 Team in 2022-2023. Noah Erliden will probably play another season on the HV71 Under Team in 2023, but whether he gets promoted to the SHL will ultimately determine if the Islanders end up signing Noah Erliden to an NHL contract. For now Noah Erliden is a goalie that the New York Islanders can stash and develop.
     
     
     
178. New York Rangers: Gabriel Szturc, C, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
     
     
     New York gets a center with the playing style of a defensive grinder. Gabriel Szturc went undrafted in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, but did just enough to get picked by a team after the Kelowna Rockets first round pick in the 2021 CHL Import Draft improved this past season.
     
     
     
     The 5-11 186 lb Gabriel Szturc had 16 goals, 25 assists, 41 points, and a +12 +/- ratio in 2021-2022. Gabriel Szturc had 2 goals, 1 assist, and 3 points in 5 games during the 2022 WHL Playoffs. Gabriel Szturc had 24 goals, 55 assists, 79 points, and a +9 +/- ratio after getting promoted to team captain of the Kelowna Rockets in 2022-2023. Gabriel Szturc had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 4 games during the 2023 WHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Gabriel Szturc has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, passing, playmaking, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, stick handling, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Gabriel Szturc was the first line center on the Kelowna Rockets as he was line mates with first round prospect Andrew Cristall this past season.
     
     
     
     
     
179. Tampa Bay Lightning: Konnor Smith, D, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
     
     
     The 6-5 208 lb Konnor Smith had 3 goals, 12 assists, 15 points, a +12 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Konnor Smith had 0 goals, 2 assists, and 2 points in 23 games in the 2023 OHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Konnor Smith has the skating, passing, playmaking, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, stick handling, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Konnor Smith was a third line defenseman on the Peterborough Petes which coincidentally is the same OHL team Slater Koekkoek played for prior to being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
     
     
     
180. Seattle Kraken: Hudson Thornton, D, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
     
     
     The 5-11 178 lb Hudson Thornton complimented Keaton Dowhaunuik who anchored the blue line for the Prince George Cougars this past season. Dowhaunuik was drafted third overall in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft. However, some Prince Goerge Cougars fans will argue that Hudson Thornton is the best defenseman on the Prince George Cougars after posting 14 goals, 31 assists, 45 points, and a -14 +/- ratio in 65 regular season games with the Prince George Cougars in the WHL in 2021-2022. Hudson Thornton also had 1 assist during the 2022 WHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Hudson Thornton went undrafted in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Hudson Thornton had 23 goals, 51 assists, 74 points, and a +13 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Hudson Thornton had 2 goals, 3 assists, and 5 points in 10 games during the 2023 WHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     
     
181. Minnesota Wild: Nikita Nedopyokin, C, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL)
     
     
     The 5-10 187 lb Nikita Nedopyokin had 14 goals, 18 assists, and 32 points in the MHL. He still needs to get promoted to the KHL, but the Minnesota Wild can gamble on him. His contract with SKA Saint Petersburg runs through 2025.
     
     
     
182. Los Angeles Kings: Austin Roest, C, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
     
     
     The 5-10 175 lb Austin Roest went undrafted in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Austin Roest had 32 goals, 46 assists, 78 points, and a +19 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Austin Roest had 4 goals, 1 assist, and 5 points in 5 games during the 2023 WHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Austin Roest has the speed, explosion, burst, agility, skating, versatility, passing, playmaking, sniping, wrist shot power, wrist shot accuracy, slap shot power, slap shot accuracy, stick handling, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Austin Roest has the versatility to play left winger, center, or right winger with center and right wing being his two main positions as a two way forward.
     
     
     
     
     
183. New York Rangers: Jack Harvey, C, Chicago Steel (USHL)
     
     
     Jack Harvey went undrafted in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Jack Harvey improved enough to warrant being drafted in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. That still wasn't good enough to get drafted in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft mainly due to the 2022 NHL Entry Draft being a deep draft class just like the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
     
     
     
     The 5-10 175 lb Jack Harvey had 40 goals, 34 assists, 74 points, and a +30 +/- ratio with the Chicago Steel in 62 USHL games in 2022-2023. Jack Harvey had 2 goal, 2 assists, and 4 point in 6 games during the 2023 USHL Playoffs.
     
     
     
     Jack Harvey is heading to Boston University this Fall. Jack Harvey will play with Chicago Steel teammate Macklin Celebrini at Boston University this Fall.
     
     
     
184. Edmonton Oilers: Benjamin Poitras, C, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
     
     
     The 5-11 176 lb Benjamin Poitras had 14 goals, 23 assists, and 37 points with the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL in 2022-2023. Benjamin Poitras got traded to the Green Bay Gamblers, but he also has a hockey scholarship to Northeastern. I'm not sure if Poitras goes to the Green Bay Gamblers in 2023 and enrolls in Northeastern in 2024 or if he heads to Northeastern this Fall. I don't think the Gamblers would have traded for Poitras if they knew he was eligible for one more season in the USHL. Poitras is now ranked in the top eighty for North American Skaters on NHL Central Scouting, so it's possible he gets drafted earlier than this.
     
     
     
     
     
185. Toronto Maple Leafs: Owen Outwater, C, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
     
     
     The 6-2 161 lb Owen Outwater was drafted by the North Bay Battallion in the first round of the OHL Draft 2021. The North Bay Battallion traded Owen Outwater to the Kingston Frontenacs prior to this season.
     
     
     
     Owen Outwater had 16 goals, 25 assists, 41 points, and a -16 +/- ratio with the Kingtson Frontenacs in the OHL in 2022-2023. Toronto can stash Owen Outwater in their prospect pool by grooming him for the future.
     
     
     
186. New Jersey Devils: Austin Burnevik, RW, USNTDP (USHL)
     
     
     The 6-3 199 lb Austin Burnevik had 6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points, and a -17 +/- ratio in 35 USHL games in 2021-2022. Austin Burnevik had 7 goals, 5 assists, 12 points, and a -4 +/- ratio in 29 USHL games in 2022-2023. Austin Burnevik had 1 goal, 0 assists, and 1 point in the 2023 USHL Playoffs. Austin Burnevik is going to St. Cloud State on a hockey scholarship this Fall.
     
     
     
     
     
187. Colorado Avalanche: Felix Unger Sorum, RW, Leksands IF (Elitserien)
     
     
     The 5-11 170 lb Felix Unger Sorum is the youngest player in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft born one day before the deadline to be eligible for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Felix Unger Sorum had 10 goals, 36 assists, 46 points, and a +25 +/- ratio on the Leksands IF Under 20 Team in 2022-2023. Felix Unger Sorum only played 7 SHL games in the league once known as Elitserien with 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     Felix Unger Sorum has the passing, playmaking, vision, offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and hockey IQ to succeed in the NHL. Felix Unger-Sorum still has to improve as a skater while developing his shot.
     
     
     
188. Boston Bruins: Ian Blomquist, G, Vasteras IK (Allsvenskan)
     
     
     The 6-3 183 lb Ian Blomquist had a .918 save percentage and 2.61 Goals Against Average for the Vasteras IK Junior 20 Team in 29 games in 2021-2022. Once he got promoted to Allsvenskan he had a .910 save percentage and 2.61 goals against average in 3 Allsvenskan starts in 2021-2022. Ian Blomquist had a 2.97 goals against average and a .904 save percentage in 17 starts in 2022-2023.
     
     
     
     
     
189. Dallas Stars: Oliver Auyeng-Ashton, G, Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
     
     
     Dallas has Jake Oettinger, but Dallas may draft and develop a quality backup for Jake Oettinger. Oliver Auyeng-Ashton impressed me when watching his highlights, but he's the smallest goalie in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
     
     
     
     The 5-9 141 lb Oliver Auyeng-Ashton had a 2.48 goals against average and a .927 save percentage going 21-14-6 in 40 BCHL starts while alos playing 44 BCHL games in 2022-2023. He had 5 shutouts among goalies in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft which is tied for the most shutouts by a goalie in this draft. His 1,302 saves are also the most saves by any goalie in this draft class. One article I read about BCHL players in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft ranked Vicotria Grizzlies goalie Oliver Auyeng-Ashton is the top BCHL player behind Bradly Nadeau making this pick a bargain in the sixth round.
     
     
     
     Oliver Auyeng-Ashton did much worse giving up over 4 goals a game in the 2023 BCHL Playoffs in 4 games. Dallas can draft Oliver Auyeng-Ashton in the sixth round. The Dallas Stars do not have to sign Oliver Auyeng-Ashton to an entry level contract if he doesn't outperform Maxim Mayorov, the goalie that Dallas drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft last year since Dallas has Jake Oettinger, Scott Wedgewood, and Matt Murray ahead of Maxim Mayorov and Oliver Auyeng-Ashton on the pecking order in Dallas.
     
     
     
     It's quite common for teams to decline signing a sixth round pick in the NHL Draft. My guess is Mayorov and Oliver Auyeng-Ashton would be competing for the right to be signed by Dallas with one goalie getting a contract and Dallas letting the other goalie walk unless Dallas can wait until 2027 to give Oliver Auyeng-Ashton an entry level deal.
     
     
     
190. Carolina Hurricanes: Tomasso de Luca, C, HC Ambri-Piotta (National League A)
     
     
     The 6-0 187 lb Tomasso de Luca is the one Italian prospect in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Tomasso de Luca is versatile enough to play left winger, center, or right winger. One person on Youtube believes he could be the first star player from Italy in the NHL. Tomasso de Luca could have a similar influence to Jeremy Lin in the NBA if he cracks an NHL roster assuming he gets drafted.
     
     
     
     Tomasso de Luca had 16 goals, 33 assists, 49 points, 50 penalty minutes, and a -5 +/- ratio with the Spokane Chiefs in 2022-2023. Tomasso de Luca is returning to HC Ambri-Piotta in 2023. Tomasso de Luca is under contract with HC Ambri-Piotta until 2025 with an option to stay on HC Ambri-Piotta in the National League A in Switzerland until 2026 if he's not happy with the NHL team that drafts him.
     
     
     
     
     
191. Florida Panthers: Ben Robertson, D, Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL)
     
     
     The 5-11 183 lb Ben Robertson had 3 goals, 42 assists, 45 points, and a +10 +/- ratio in 2022-2023. Ben Robertson accepted a hockey scholarship to Cornell meaning he can develop at Cornell for three years before the Florida Panthers have to decide whether to offer him a contract or not with their final pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
     
     
     
192. Vegas Golden Knights: Tom Leppa, C, Jokerit (KHL)
     
     
     The 6-0 179 lb Tom Leppa had 19 goals, 12 assists, and 31 points with the Jokerit Under 20 Team which is located in Finland despite playing against other Russian hockey teams in the MHL, VHL, and KHL in 2022-2023. Tom Leppa will come to the United States and spend next season with the Fargo Force before heading off to Happy Valley where he will play for the Penn State Nittany Lions on a hockey scholarship in 2024. Vegas wouldn't have to give Leppa an entry level contract until 2027 and wouldn't have to worry about giving Leppa a one-way contract to the NHL until 2030.