2023 NHL Draft Countdown – No. 10-6: Axel Sandin Pellikka, Dalibor Dvorsky, David Reinbacher, Zach Benson, Ryan Leonard

Over the next few weeks leading into the 2023 NHL Draft, we’ll be counting down the Top 100 prospects in this year’s class based on Daily Faceoff’s list. Today, we have No. 10 Axel Sandin Pellikka, No. 9 Dalibor Dvorsky, No. 8 David Reinbacher, No. 7 Zach Benson, and No. 6 Ryan Leonard.

Scouting Report: “Pellikka fell in my rankings, but not really due to poor performance or anything. It’s just that I like the forward options more. He was a feral beast at the U-20 level, but much more reserved against men in the SHL. If he can unlock a bit more of that intensity with Skelleftea next season, that’ll be awesome.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Scouting Report: “Most hype has quieted down for Dvorsky over the past year, but he still put decent numbers playing against men. The raw talent is there, and if he falls outside the top 15, Dvorsky could just become one of the bigger steals. It feels like we’re always looking for a bit more out of him. Still, the raw skill is there, and he has a solid CV. Plus, he earned some MVP consideration for the way he dominated with Slovakia at the U-18s.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Scouting Report: “Not many people had Reinbacher as a first-round pick heading into the season. Now, most have Reinbacher as the best defenseman in the class. He put up excellent numbers in the top Swiss league, a division that hasn’t always been kind to younger blueliners. Reinbacher looked mature beyond his years and could immediately jump over and make an impact in the AHL next season if that ends up being the plan.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Scouting Report: “Benson dealt with an injury to close out the season, but still managed to pot 36 goals and 98 points. He’s only 5-foot-10, but he’s strong, has a great release and his shift-to-shift effort level will never waver. Benson’s going to be a big-time play driver.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Scouting Report: “Leonard is coming off an absolutely ridiculous U-18 tournament, which was capped off by scoring the championship winner. The seven-game affair was a perfect microcosm of Leonard’s true abilities: good speed, skill and physicality all wrapped into one. He’s the type of player every team wants.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff –