Robert Lefebvre /OHL Images
As a way to familiarize yourself with the various NHL Draft prospects, each month we bring you a themed Team of the Month from the 2023 NHL Draft. Just like any All-Star team, there are three forwards his slots, two defenders, and a goalie to be loved and appreciated.
This month we have a player who will almost certainly be knocked out for being under 5ft 10 tall. These “short kings” could be fan favorites around draft conversations because of their flash and flair, but size still matters at the NHL level, so they could drop a bit on draft day. There is a possibility
forward
LW: Luca Pinelli, Ottawa 67’s (OHL) – 5.9 feet
After a strong start to the season, Pinelli is one of the OHL’s most watched players in the 2023 draft. Pinelli is skilled, agile and has plenty of releases. The 67’s forward can fully route the puck, from various hand positions, with the puck extended or with the puck on his feet. He can maneuver space with his ability to maintain balance and control packs passing through traffic.
Pinelli has great vision on the ice and the passing ability to capitalize on that. He finds his teammates in a dangerous position. He has the ability to draw defenders into his space and slot his needle in. The diminutive forward plays with a bit of a grunt at times and isn’t afraid to fight opponents with a size advantage .
C: Connor Bedard, Regina Patz (WHL) – 5’10
What is not said about Bedard? The estimated #1 pick was an absolute threat to the WHL’s opposing defense. His ability to outmaneuver opponents with speed and skill, attack in the middle, and crush opponents at will was nothing fun to watch.
Bedard is petite and some say his listed height is perhaps even generous. That doesn’t stop him from being a dominant force in the WHL. His 10 goals and 11 assists are both Both lead the league with 21 points per season, four more than any other skater in Western Canada. Next season he will find score sheets in his NHL, so enjoy the rest of the year watching him tear up his hockey juniors.
RW: Jaden Peron, Chicago Steel (USHL) – 5’8
One of the most active and entertaining players in the 2023 NHL Draft, Peron knows how to time attacks into the offensive zone skate lanes alongside the best players in this age group. Perron waits perfectly for a pass or skating lane to open up across the slot or net front, allowing him to focus his offensive play into high-risk areas.
Peron has 15 points in nine games, leading all USHL skaters in scoring. His smooth hands and ability to pick up and drop speed allow him to reach his full potential. A pocket-sized striker doesn’t get intimidated by bigger defenders because he knows his pack skills and ability to take down opponents are almost always at a higher level. If so, some teams are very likely to lose a lot of money from Steele.
defense man
D: Mikhail Gulyaev, Avangard Omsk (KHL) – 5ft 10
One of the top Russians in the 2023 Draft class, Guryaev is a lightning-fast defender with mobility in all three zones. Already this year he has played games at MHL, VHL and KHL levels. His playing time in the KHL was inconsistent, with some matches being fixed on the bench, but his play at the lower levels and juniors was outstanding.
Gulyayev is a modern pack-transport blueliner who is good at carrying packs, bursting ice at high speed. The young Russian is able to move his teammates and make crisp breakouts his passes. He also uses his skating on defense, closing gaps, playing aggressively, and keeping his stick in the puck to disrupt plays. He must continue to improve his play in the zone, but a defender like Guryaev has his place in the NHL in today’s game.
D: Luca Cagnoni, Portland Winterhawks (WHL) – 5’10
Another diminutive mobile defenseman, Cagnoni has taken a definite step forward this season. WHL defenders use advanced technical skating to build the rest of the game. Cagnoni is clicking at his rate points per game at the WHL level from the blue line for a team that has not lost a game so far.
He always puts “flash” play on the ice and has the tools to be a player trying to be the hero of a particular shift, but he plays smarter games than that. A true tactician, it shows in his game. Cagnoni’s skating his route is calculated and his desire to join the rush looks well timed.
goalie
G: Noah Erliden, HV71 J20 (J20 Nationell) – 5ft 10
The Swedish Netminder is one of the youngest players to be considered for the 2023 draft regardless of position, so there is certainly room for physical growth. His numbers at almost every level were impressive. He stood out in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup that summer, but he was four inches smaller than most teams thought at the net.
Erliden has great positioning and is sure to face the shooter head-on. The young Swede moves well in the crease and shows excellent footwork around the net. Because of his size, VH and RVH can struggle to close the sides of the net when integrating his technique with the post, but he is quick in and out.
While smaller goalkeepers have had success, including Nashville’s Vezina contender Euse Saros, it’s still the exception, not the rule of the net. Any kind of rapid growth would do wonders for Erliden’s draft stock.
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