And how is this famous 2023 NHL class with its phenomenon Connor Bedard, its mysterious Matvei Michkov as well as its talented Leo Carlsson, Adam Fantilli and Will Smith doing so far?
While the first skates of the season were awarded on Tuesday, Le Journal traced which hopefuls managed to secure a place in the big club.
Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard during Tuesday’s game. Photo Getty Images via AFP
They’re also not that plentiful for a draft in which we discovered so much talent.
However, this can be explained in particular by the fact that certain players had already committed to continuing their careers in the NCAA or even in their home country of Russia.
1. Connor Bedard – Chicago Blackhawks
Obviously a sensation: Connor Bedard started the season with the Blackhawks. Bedard even made it to the front row on Tuesday when he took on one Sidney Crosby for the first faceoff. The player with “generational talent” made his NHL debut recorded an assist against the Penguins. He will be back on the ice on Wednesday night against the Bruins in Boston before facing the Canadian on Saturday at the Bell Centre.
2. Leo Carlsson – Anaheim Ducks
The 1.95 meter tall center will start the season with the Ducks, but not on the ice. The Swede had a serious fall during training on Friday and left the ice without being able to put any weight on his right foot. However, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Carlsson’s name should not be placed on the injured list for as long as originally expected.
Leo Carlsson Photo Getty Images via AFP
3. Adam Fantilli – Columbus Blue Jackets
Not surprisingly, the Blue Jackets welcomed the forward, known for his intelligent and physical play, with open arms. Fantilli celebrates his 19th birthday on the ice Thursday as Columbus plays its first game of the season. During training camp, Fantilli distinguished himself by scoring a game-winning goal at the Capitals’ expense, although he was caught near the boards by TJ Oshie a little earlier.
4. Will Smith – San Jose Sharks
No, Will Smith will not be playing in the “Wild Wild West” this year. The spectacular forward had already declared before the draft that he would wear the colors of Boston College in the NCAA in 2023-2024. He took part in his first game where he did not score any points.
Will Smith Photo Getty Images via AFP
5. David Reinbacher – Montreal Canadiens
During the Canadian’s golf tournament, the club’s management announced that the defender would continue to perfect his game in Europe this year. Reinbacher was finally removed from the CH camp after his second preseason game. Since returning to HC Kloten in Switzerland, the 18-year-old guard has scored one goal in two games, with a margin of zero.
6. Dmitri Simashev – Arizona Coyotes
The Coyotes pulled off a surprise in the draft by selecting Russian Dmitri Simashev while fellow Russian Matvei Michkov, considered one of the auction’s top three prospects, was still available. Like Michkov, the 1.95 meter tall defender is playing in the KHL this year: He provided one assist in 15 games for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
7. Matvei Michkov – Philadelphia Flyers
The case of the Russian attacker had been documented in detail before the draft. It was already assured that he would not report to the Flyers until the 2026-2027 season because he is contractually linked to SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL. And since the auction, it has been the way SKA used its talent that has been the talk of the town: Michkov was used little in Saint Petersburg and, like last year, was eventually loaned out to HC Sotchi, where he… 12 points in 11 Play.
8. Ryan Leonard – Washington Capitals
Like Will Smith, the American striker will unleash his dangerous shot at Boston College, already described as “elite.” Here, too, it is no surprise: The Massachusetts native had already expressed his intention to continue his development in the NCAA before the draft. He has played one game so far in which he received an assist.
9. Nate Danielson-Detroit Red Wings
The speedy center was one of the last players released from Red Wings camp. However, Danielson left a great calling card in Detroit, scoring two goals and as many assists in five preseason games. He will be back in the Western Junior League with the Brandon Wheat Kings, which he captains.
Nate Danielson Photo Getty Images via AFP
10. Dalibor Dvorsky – St Louis Blues
The Slovakian, who is also friends with Juraj Slafkovsky, did not take part in the Blues camp. The latter had already announced that they had loaned him out to IK Oskarshamn in the Swedish elite league. After eight games, the center player is still looking for his first point.
Dalibor Dvorsky Photo Getty Images via AFP
Zach Benson wins his bet
Zach Benson was drafted 13th overall by the Buffalo Sabers and has earned a spot in the big club. Let’s say that if one were to rely solely on his offensive stats, it would have been difficult for the team to do anything else: At 18, the attacker was Buffalo’s leading point scorer in the preseason with four goals and three assists.
But according to Don Granato, the Sabres’ head coach, it is primarily his defensive qualities that have enabled him to start the season with the promising team. Benson is expected to play his first NHL game on Thursday against the New York Rangers.