Celebrini is the clear No. 1, followed by LD Anton Siyalev (No. 2) and RD Artyom Levshunov (No. 3). Full list [here](https://www.tsn.ca/macklin-celebrini-the-unanimous-no-1-prospect-in-bob-mckenzie-s-mid-season-draft-ranking-1.2066050).
I can’t say I’m anything close to an expert, but the right-handed Levshunov seems like a good pick for the Ducks based on value and need. Here’s his brief write-up:
>The No. 3 ranked Levshunov, unlike the 2006-born Celebrini and Silayev, is a late 2005 birthdate. His physical maturity, strength and strong skating give him the tools to project as a high-end two-way defenceman. Scouts still aren’t sure what his offensive ceiling will be in the NHL, but he has put up some noteworthy numbers in each of the past two seasons.
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>He had 13 goals and 42 points with the USHL’s Green Bay in 2022-23. His seven goals and 26 points at Michigan State this season are gaudy totals for an 18-year-old freshman.
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>“I don’t think he’ll be a high-end, big numbers offensive defenceman in the NHL but he’s such a good skater and puck mover he will still contribute offensively,” one scout said. “I could see him being on a No. 2 power play, but he’ll be on the No. 1 penalty-killing unit and log big minutes in all situations. He’s strong, he can defend. He has a really good two-way game.”
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>Rankings for Levshunov among the 10 scouts surveyed ranged from No. 3 to No. 6.
I know many Ducks fans want a goal-scorer (Eiserman, Demidov). But I could see Verbeek being very bullish on Levshunov’s well-rounded game, especially after trading Drysdale.
Who are your favorite draft prospects?
by BigTimeTimJim13
9 Comments
The thought of Levshunov and Mintyukov as our top pairing for the next 15 years makes my plums swell
What’s the comparison between last year’s draft class and this upcoming year’s draft class?
Like if Celebrini was in the last draft would he be projected #2 after Bedard?
If Demidov or Eiserman are on the board, there is zero reason we should pass on them for a defensman
We will pick someone unexpected, complain for a week or so, and then when the season starts return to our shrines of Martin Madden. This is the Ducks way.
I’m like Sam Dickinson for the Ducks. His offence is lacking, but he’s by far the best defensive player in the draft. Given Zellweger and Mintyukov, I think that’s a thing we need. But I’m up for any of the 3 top D players – seems we’ll be picking in that range.
With that said, I’m not super high on this draft overall. Not saying there’s no talent, there obviously is. I just wouldn’t hate it if this was the draft they decided to trade their pick for an established, or nearly established, young player. I’m not sure who could be made available, but maybe there’s some young talent ready to break in that might fit our timeline just a small bit better (given that D usually take a little longer to become established NHL players).
Besides the obvious choices on forward, the only other one that seems like a Verbeek pick is Cayden Lindstrom.
As for defense, I’d be fine with either of Levshunov, Dickinson or Silayev
I really wouldn’t be surprised if we passed on Celebrini if we won the lottery. Just a hunch. Sign me up for the big russian kid personally!
We are getting siyalev or levshunov, I guarantee it!!! This is financial advice, you should bet all your money on us getting one of those two players in the next draft!!!
I honestly don’t know what to expect with this draft. Between the lottery crap shoot and the fact that a lot of the high end prospects seemed to vary depending on scouts or analysis. My heart wants us to draft a pure goal scoring winger but my mind tells me we still need a top pairing D-Men who can play and be physical.