2023 NHL Draft Top 100 Countdown: No. 75 Joey Willis, No. 74 Theo Lindstein, No. 73 Alexander Rykov, No. 72 Andrew Strathmann, No. 71 Matthew Mania

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. 75 Joey Willis, No. 74 Theo Lindstein, No. 73 Alexander Rykov, No. 72 Andrew Strathmann, and No. 71 Matthew Mania. 

Scouting Report: “Willis shines defensively, which is partially why his offensive creation was a bit hit or miss for large stretches of the season. He’s more focused on ensuring that his teammates are supported defensively, through scanning, reads, backchecks, and retrievals. Rarely does he exit his own end until he’s sure his teammates have controlled possession on breakouts. Offensively, Willis flashes advanced playmaking ideas and has the ability to execute when he so chooses. He times arrivals to space and delays in the offensive zone at the right moments and has the ability to link plays with his teammates.” – Lauren Kelly, EP Rinkside

Scouting Report: “He is almost always the first player back in the defensive zone and has good footwork when he needs to transition in reverse. On defence, Lindstein could use a bit more muscle, but that doesn’t stop him from being aggressive.” – Alexa Potack, Dobber Prospects

Scouting Report: “Rykov doesn’t just play well away from the puck when in pursuit or defending, he’s also a good off-puck player on offense. Rykov has a natural ability to find soft spots in defensive coverage and get open for centering passes. He does this both in the middle of the ice and down around the net, which puts him in good situations to act as the finisher on his line. His shot is just okay for now, and will require work if he’s going to play as a finisher vs. a creator or connector. Rykov’s skating is solid and doesn’t look too out of place when compared to his VHL peers. He does lack the required knee bend required, and isn’t the most creative skater, especially when he carries the puck.” – Jordan Harris, Dobber Prospects.

Scouting Report: “There aren’t a ton of elite defensemen in this draft class, but after my second viewing of Andrew Strathmann there’s no question he’ll be one of the better options available. He’s someone that plays in every situation, skates well, and impacts the game on both sides of the puck. It was evident early on he’s not afraid to take shots from the point — shots that hit the net as well. He moved the puck well while making the simple but smart play more often than not. Strathmann showed off his elusiveness with the puck, being able to escape oncoming attackers with his quick feet and change of direction. He’s got a set of puck skills to help him out in that area as well as making him an effective quarterback on the man advantage.” – Douglas Larson, FC Hockey

Scouting Report: “His mobility and handling allow him to solve problems in practical manners and to quickly change angles to access new passing lanes. His defensive game remains a work in progress, and he will likely never be the “shut-down” type, but there have been flashes of defensive progress in his game as the season’s progressed.”– Sebastian High, Dobber Prospects