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2023 NHL Mock Draft 2.0: Buffalo Sabres get it right with this forward

By Sion Fawkes

OSHAWA, ONTARIO - NOVEMBER 07: Ryan Gagnier #67 of the Oshawa Generals battles for the puck with Quentin Musty #27 of the Sudbury Wolves during the first period at Tribute Communities Centre on November 07, 2021 in Oshawa, Ontario. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
OSHAWA, ONTARIO - NOVEMBER 07: Ryan Gagnier #67 of the Oshawa Generals battles for the puck with Quentin Musty #27 of the Sudbury Wolves during the first period at Tribute Communities Centre on November 07, 2021 in Oshawa, Ontario. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images) /
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BASEL, SWITZERLAND – APRIL 30: Will Smith of United States in action during final of U18 Ice Hockey World Championship match between United States and Sweden at St. Jakob-Park at St. Jakob-Park on April 30, 2023 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – APRIL 30: Will Smith of United States in action during final of U18 Ice Hockey World Championship match between United States and Sweden at St. Jakob-Park at St. Jakob-Park on April 30, 2023 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /

5 – Montreal Canadiens, Will Smith, C/USNTDP

Previous Selection: Will Smith

Will Smith is yet another center whose name you can expect to be called early. He’s also another forward whose offensive game is top-tier in this draft, though he will need time to work on his defensive play and transition.

6 – Arizona Coyotes, Gabe Perreault, LW/USNTDP

Previous Selection: Zach Benson

The Arizona Coyotes can go in several directions here, so I had them rolling with the best player left on the board not named Matvei Michkov. Like Smith, Gabe Perreault needs to focus on improving his defensive play and adding weight to his 165 lb frame. He will, however, put up a lot of points offensively when he eventually lands in the desert.

7 – Philadelphia Flyers, Dalibor Dvorsky, C/AIK

Previous Selection: Ryan Leonard

As in my previous mock, I kept flipping back and forth of whether the Philadelphia Flyers would go with a forward here or David Reinbacher. This time, I’m pegging them to roll with Dalibor Dvorsky, Unlike Perreault, Dvorsky has the size teams will crave at 6’1, 201 lb. Production-wise, he’s been remarkable against those his age, and you can expect it to improve this season at the pro level in Sweden.

8 – Washington Capitals, Matvei Michkov, RW/Sochi

Previous Selection: David Reinbacher

There is a lot of controversy surrounding Matvei Michkov, but I can’t see him sliding past the Washington Capitals at this point. Sure, Washington will need to wait for his KHL deal to end, but given his talent, plus his need to pack on size, it will be worth the wait.

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