2023 NHL Entry Mock Draft: The Pool is Deep for the Toronto Maple Leafs

3. (C, 6’3″, 198 lbs) – Chicago Blackhawks

Leo Carlsson is the third center in a row to lead off the draft. He is also the first international skater to be selected. Carlsson plays in Sweden for Orebro HK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

He would fit in nicely for the Chicago Blackhawks. After they sent Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers, the fan base could enjoy a new set of slick hands. Carlsson is known to dazzle with his stick handling.

This season with Orebro, Carlsson has 25 points in 44 games with 10 goals and 15 assists. In the WJC, he managed to have three goals and three assists in his seven games.

4. Matvei Michkov (RW, 5’10”, 172 lbs) – Anaheim Ducks

There are very high hopes for Matvei Michkov.

The man is a professional goal scorer with scouts already making connections to Alexander Ovechkin. Dobber Prospects described Michkov as “a generational goal scoring talent who is a threat from all over the offensive zone. His quick and accurate release, along with his elite offensive vision, should make him a star in the NHL whenever he arrives.”

This season, Michkov has played in Russia’s Supreme Hockey League (VHL), Russia’s Junior Hockey League (MHL), and for two teams in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

While on loan with HK Sochi in the KHL, he recorded nine goals and 11 assists in 27 games. What makes it most impressive is that Michkov is just 18-years-old playing with pros.