Last-minute announcement from the NHL regarding Connor Bedard and there is a big surprise

In the final seconds, the NHL has released its final rankings ahead of the highly anticipated 2023 draft.

Unsurprisingly, Connor Bedard is the star of this list.

First, take a look at the ranking of North American skaters:




And the ranking of international skaters:


The big surprise is really at the level of the first ranking, that of North American players.

The majority of experts consider that there is a clear-cut top six for the next selection session.

It consists of Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, Michkov, Smith, and Benson.

However, according to the NHL's official scouting bureau, Zach Benson is strangely behind Wood and Leonard, and possibly Dvorsky and Sale.

It would be a big surprise if he slips like this, probably due to his 5-foot-10-inch height, and it would be reminiscent of what happened with Trevor Zegras in 2019.

It could be quite a steal if Benson falls out of the top eight. A story to keep an eye on.