2023-09-17 00:31:06
We can expect Connor Bedard to be very popular in hockey pools this year, with good reason. The top pick in the 2023 draft is considered the hottest prospect in hockey since the Edmonton Oilers drafted Connor McDavid first overall in 2015.
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But behind Bedard, who are the rookies who might make an impact this season and who might make a difference in your pool, especially long-term leagues? Here are 12 prospects to watch this season.
Connor Bedard, C, Blackhawks de Chicago
The question everyone is asking in Bedard’s case is this: can he be part of the NHL’s elite scorers this year? We can remember the 100-plus point performances of Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby in their rookie seasons, but is this plateau really realistic for Bedard? Since 2006-07, no rookie has had more than 85 points in their first year in the NHL. In addition, Bedard will not be very well surrounded in Chicago and will often have to do the work on his own. So be realistic in your expectations.
Leo Carlsson, C, Anaheim Ducks
The second pick from the last draft must obviously be on this list, but in his case, we still don’t know if he will play in the NHL next season or if he will return to Örebro to play one more year in the League Sweden’s elite. What should we expect from him if he remains in North America? A harvest of around 40 points, like what his new teammate Mason McTavish did last year in his rookie season.
Adam Fantilli, C, Blue Jackets de Columbus
Third pick in the 2023 draft, Fantilli has decided to put an end to his university career to make the jump to the NHL this year. He will be better surrounded in Columbus than Bedard will be in Chicago, but he will therefore have fewer opportunities to showcase himself. It will all depend on how quickly he adapts to the NHL game, since hockey sense is one of his few weaknesses. If he gets there quickly, there is plenty of room for him on the Blue Jackets’ top two lines.
Luke Hughes, D, Devils du New Jersey
After Quinn and Jack, it is now the turn of the third brother of the Hughes family to make his place in the NHL. He concluded last season in the NHL by playing two games (one goal and one assist), in addition to playing three playoff games (two assists). He’s brimming with talent, but with Dougie Hamilton ahead of him on the Devils’ chart, don’t expect him to put up 53 points in 68 games like his brother did in 2019-20 in his rookie season with the Canucks from Vancouver.
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