A lot has changed in 12 months when it comes to evaluating the top New York and New Jersey prospects eligible for the 2023 NHL draft. Playing junior hockey brought out the strengths of some prospects, while others had some weaknesses exposed while playing at a higher level than Midget minor.
A pair of Ontario Hockey League players, Quentin Musty and Carey Terrance, have stepped to the top of the rankings. Both left-shot forwards had solid rookie campaigns in major junior with Sudbury and Erie, respectively. After that, players with a more traditional route for Americans hit center stage — 13 of the next 14 players in these rankings are already committed to play for a Division 1 college.
The 2023 draft could be a prosperous one for New York and New Jersey natives. There is still a little over a year between now and the draft for prospects to continue trending up or regress, but it’s looking like New York and New Jersey could see at least two first-round picks for the ’05 draft class.
