2023 NHL Draft Countdown – No. 45-41: Noah Dower Nilsson, Kalan Lind, Timur Mukhanov, Luca Cagnoni, Jayden Perron

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. 45 Noah Dower Nilsson, No. 44 Kalan Lind, No. 43 Timur Mukhanov, No. 42 Luca Cagnoni, and No. 41 Jayden Perron.

Scouting Report: “Dower Nilsson missed more than a month due to an injury, but was solid down the stretch and saw some SHL action, too. When he’s on his game, he tends to grab points in bursts. His 54 points and 1.46 points per game were the best among U-18 skaters in the Swedish U-20 league with at least 15 games played.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Scouting Report: “Like energy? You’ll love Lind. He brings it every shift, getting in your face and making you pay on the scoresheet. Lind has the makings of a fan favourite for the way he gives it his all every game. He’s a future middle-six forward with the potential to step up in a pinch.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Scouting Report: “At 5-foot-8, Mukhanov is undersized, but it hasn’t stopped him from producing in Russia. He’s an excellent skater, plays a dynamic two-way game, and is difficult to take the puck off despite his size. You don’t see a ton of players his size play down the middle, so expect him to move to the wing in the NHL, if he makes it.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Scouting Report: “Another quick-moving, modern-day two-way blueliner. He’s not the quickest skater, and he’s definitely not a physical defenseman, but he has a wicked release and can dominate the power play.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

Scouting Report: “Perron is one of the best passers in the draft, and his hot second half definitely helped his first-round case. Many scouts were hoping to see him end the regular season on a high note, and he’s been one of Chicago’s best players. But will scouts overlook his 5-foot-8 frame? I’m not sure he’s a good enough skater or defensive player to play outside the top six.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff