Blackhawks Daily: Michkov In North America; Praise for Levshunov

The 2023 NHL Draft was a very interesting time for the hockey world. There was a belief that it could go down as an all-time great entry draft. Of course, it started with the Chicago Blackhawks having the number one pick. 

With that pick, they selected Connor Bedard, considered by many to be the top prospect in the world in a generational way. He came out and proved those people right and he captured the Calder Trophy as a rookie.

Early looks at Adam Fantilli and Leo Carlsson have been promising as well. There are also other prospects like Will Smith, Gabe Perreault, and Ryan Leonard who showed off big-time skills in college. 

With all of that in mind, it is easy to forget about Matvei Michkov. When he was drafted, he fell to the Philadelphia Flyers at seventh overall because of his KHL contract. He ended up leaving the KHL earlier than expected to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL. 

Without the KHL stuff, it was assumed that he’d be a lock as the second-overall pick. Some people even think he rivals Connor Bedard in terms of skill. Only time will tell. 

Last week, Michkov made his way to North America and is already on the ice in Flyers gear. He will be compared to Bedard more than people think now that he’s over.

Over at Philly Hockey Now, they have a ton of great coverage when it comes to their new young star. From his first presser to how he is already looking, there is a lot of positivity. 

Meanwhile, Chicago Hockey Now has our official Top-Ten Prospect Ranking complete with honorable mentions to look at: 

Chicago Blackhawks

Kicking off CHN’s ranking of Chicago Blackhawks prospects, a look at prospects #7-10 led by Nick Lardis.

Oliver Moore leads prospects #4-6 in the Chicago Blackhawks pipeline.

Ethan Del Mastro is the #3 prospect in the Chicago Blackhawks system.

The Chicago Blackhawks have studs in Frank Nazar and Artyom Levshunov. Who is #1 in the pipeline?

There are some great honorable mentions in the Chicago Blackhawks prospect ranking.

What do the recently graduated Chicago Blackhawks prospects look like now?

National Hockey Now

New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils revealed multiple new hockey operations staff.

San Jose Hockey Now: San Jose Sharks prospect Quentin Musty learned a lot by being left off the WJC team.

Colorado Avalanche: The Colorado Avalanche may be able to revive the career of Erik Brannstrom.