The Arizona Coyotes have two of the first 12 picks in the 2023 NHL Draft.
What will they do with them?
Intrigue surrounds the selections for the Coyotes, their own No. 6 pick in the first round on Wednesday night, and the No. 12 pick, a pick they acquired from the Ottawa Senators in the trade of Jakob Chychrun.
Coverage of the first round of the NHL Draft will begin at 4 pm Arizona time Wednesday on ESPN.
The draft is being held over two days this year in Nashville, Tennessee, with Rounds 2-7 scheduled for Thursday.
The Chicago Blackhawks hold the No. 1 pick, with the Anaheim Ducks at No. 2, the Columbus Blue Jackets at No. 3, the San Jose Sharks at No. 4 and the Montreal Canadiens at No. 5, right before the Coyotes’ first pick.
More: The top prospects for the 2023 NHL draft from Bedard to Fantilli to Reinbacher and more
NHL.com: Arizona Coyotes take David Reinbacher, defenseman, Kloten (SUI) at No. 6
Adam Kimelman writes: “With two picks in the first round, the Coyotes can take the best defenseman available and still find a top-end forward later in the draft. Reinbacher is highly skilled in all areas of the game and has already been a standout. against older, more developed competition in the top pro league in Switzerland as well as the IIHF World Championship. He could be a year away from playing significant minutes in the NHL.”
NHL.com: Arizona Coyotes select Dalibor Dvorsky, C, AIK (SEW-2) at No. 6
Mike G. Morreale writes: “Dvorsky (6-1, 200) is a good skater, great with the puck on his stick, and has an ability to maintain possession with good vision. He can win battles in the corner and shows great skill. in tight spaces; he led fourth-place Slovakia with 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in seven games at the U-18 Worlds.”
Yahoo Sports: Coyotes go with Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skelleftea AIK (J20 Nationell) at No. 6
Ian Kennedy writes: “There’s truly no guarantee David Reinbacher isn’t the first blueliner chosen, as both he and Sandin Pellikka have been on an upward trajectory all season. After picking forward after forward, the Coyotes need an elite puck-moving blueliner to help their transition and to distribute to those players. Sandin Pellika has those traits.”
Sportsnet: Coyotes draft David Reinbacher at No. 6
Jason Bukala writes: “Coveted right shot defender who leans two-way/transitional NHL defenseman at times. Understated shot from range. High end hockey sense. Can be used in all situations.”
More: In a forward-heavy NHL draft class, teams looking for defensemen have options topped by Reinbacher
NHL.com: Coyotes pick Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound (OHL) at No. 12
Kimelman writes: “The Coyotes need goal scorers and Barlow showed a great scoring touch this season, finishing fifth in the OHL with 46 goals in 59 games, and he has a high-end shot that is reminiscent of Sabers forward Jeff Skinner. Barlow can skate the puck into the offensive zone and is strong enough (6-foot, 190) to win battles along the wall. He also rates high in intangibles: He was a 17-year-old captain and was the top scholastic player in the Canadian Hockey League.”
NHL.com: Coyotes land Oliver Moore, C, USA U-18 (NTDP) at No. 12
Morreale writes: “Moore (5-11, 195), who is headed to the University of Minnesota in the fall, is considered by many to be the fastest skater of this draft class. On top of his elite speed and top-line potential in the NHL, he can play center or wing. He had 75 points (31 goals, 44 assists) in 61 games with the NTDP.”
Yahoo Sports: Coyotes pick Oliver Moore at No. 12
Kennedy writes: “Similar to the Canucks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Coyotes grab a blueliner as they’ve stocked up on forwards the past few drafts. Moore, however, can contribute in multiple ways, particularly as a stellar two- way player. Headed to the University of Minnesota, he has a solid development path secured.”
Sportsnet: Coyotes end up with Zach Benson, C, Winnipeg (WHL) at No. 12
Bukala writes: “Benson is an elusive player who has some of the best offensive vision in this draft class. He also has the commitment to be used in key defensive scenarios. His 1-on-1 skill off the rush is fun to watch. “
2023 NHL draft primer: First-round order and top prospects
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NHL mock draft: Who will Arizona Coyotes get with 2 first-round picks?