Story perspectives

Roman Kantserov stands out as NHL Draft’s biggest mover

8/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Roman Kantserov emerged as the biggest mover, a second-round winger in the 2023 NHL Draft.
The draft’s top-forward group included Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, Will Smith, Matvei Michkov and Ryan Leonard.
Blue-line prospects Dmitri Simashev and David Reinbacher were strong, though Reinbacher has slipped slightly.
Kantserov is smaller, highly skilled, intelligent and competitive.
The forwards remain highly regarded years later, though to varying degrees.

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Story summary

Roman Kantserov emerged as the biggest mover, a second-round winger in the 2023 NHL Draft.
The draft’s top-forward group included Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, Will Smith, Matvei Michkov and Ryan Leonard.
Blue-line prospects Dmitri Simashev and David Reinbacher were strong, though Reinbacher has slipped slightly.
Kantserov is smaller, highly skilled, intelligent and competitive.
The forwards remain highly regarded years later, though to varying degrees.