2023 DCHL Draft

1.1   CONNOR BEDARD

DOBBER REPORT CARD FU: 10  NC: 10

Truly generational talent, the best we have seen since Connor McDavid in 2015. Even though this was an easy selection in hindsight, it was tough seeing a player like Fantilli on the board and not taking him 1^st overall, Fantilli is my second highest rated prospect since Mathhews (Bedard being #1). Bedard will quickly rise the ranks in the NHL and eventually line the 1C position while being the future Captain of your DCHL Tampa Bay Lightnings.

1.9 DIMITRY SIMASHEV

DOBBER REPORT CARD FU: 9.0  NC: 8.5

My #1 rated Dman in this draft class, size, skill and an improving skater for his size. Simashev will lock down the left side of ice for years to come, his imposing size and great defensive play will make him a high floor player. I have Simashev as a low end Victor Hedman upside. With minimal dman in Tampa’s system I wanted to add a top end prospect too the system. Many saw Arizona drafting him at 6 OVR being a major reach, but truthfully this is a top 10 pick and he will be a staple on their back end for years to come.

1.11 DALIBOR DVORSKY

DOBBER REPORT CARD FU: 8.5  NC: 8.5

The plan was Simashev at 9 & Barlow at 11, but Montreal changed that plan at 10, to my surprise Dvorsky was still available at 11 as I had him as my number 7 prospect. His size and play as an all-around center make him a perfect complement to Bedard as the long term 2C for the Tampa Bay Lightnings. After Bedard at 1, the game plan was to add some size, crit and defensive play and even with this detour we succeeded in accomplishing our goals at 9 & 11.

1.24 ANDREW CRISTALL

DOBBER REPORT CARD FU: 9.5  NC: 7.5

As shown by his 9.5/10 Fantasy upside Cristall is a point producer and if all goes well he will join his childhood friend Bedard on his RW for years to come. Cristall was a top 20 player in this class who somehow fell to the early 2^nd round in the NHL due to his size. With many players showing size doesn’t always matter (Caufield, point, Bedard, Gaudreau, etc.) we are extremely happy making this pick with the unbelievable upside.

1.31 OTTO STENBERG

DOBBER REPORT CARD FU: 9.0  NC: 7.5

Tampa’s GM had very little previous scouting experience when it came to Stenberg, but we have heard nothing but positives from other scouts. Many say he was a consensus top 20 player, with his only real negative being a overall inconsistency in his draft year. At the end of round 1 TB took a flyer on a high upside player with great character.

2.41 OSCAR FISKER-MOLGAARD

DOBBER REPORT CARD FU: 7.5  NC: 7.5

Tampa had about 5 late 2^nd round picks that they where targeting at this pick, unfortunately they all went in the 1^st few picks of round 2. TB choose to target what they believe will be a long-term fixture on their 3^rd line. OFM will be the player that every team wants come playoff time. His effort and defensive play make his floor as a defensive minded bottom 6, if his offensive game develop he can turn into a reliable middle 6 forward.

2.49 JAYDEN PERRON

DOBBER REPORT CARD FU: 9.5  NC: 7.0

As shown by his 9.5 fantasy upside Perron is the definition of boom or bust, he will either become a dominant offensive force in the NHL or a top end AHL point getter. Perron similar to Cristall, fell to the late 3^rd in the NHL due to his size even though his availability had him as a top 40 talent.

2.52 ANTON WAHLBERG

DOBBER REPORT CARD FU: 8.5  NC: 7.5

Wahlberg his simply a massive Centre at only 18 years old, the power he has allows him to make impact on both ends of the ice. Wahlberg will look to develop into a solid middle 6 center at the next level and he adds some much needed size after we have drafted 3 players under 5’9”.

Overall Outlook:

In the past 2 drafts Tampa Bay has drafted 10 first rounders, as well as the 3 second round picks from this current draft. With all the draft capital Tampa Bay has now put together their foundation for years to come. A generational piece in Bedard has spead up the rebuild, but all the pieces are their to supports the once in a generation player!