Top-three prospect for 2023 NHL Draft to play for Canada at World Championship

Hockey Canada got some disappointing news the other day when it was revealed that Connor Bedard will not be playing for them at the 2023 IIHF World Hockey Championship, but they will have another top prospect for June's draft on their roster.

According to Sportsnet's Jeff Marek, University of Michigan forward Adam Fantilli will play for Canada at next month's tournament, which is being co-hosted by Finland and Latvia.

Fantilli, 18, is expected to be picked in the top-three in June's Entry Draft in Nashville, with NHL Central Scouting having him ranked second among North American Skaters behind Connor Bedard.

The Nobelton (Ontario) native had an incredible rookie campaign in the NCAA where he put up 65 points (30 goals, 35 assists), 67 penalty minutes and was a plus-31. After the season, he was named the 2023 recipient of the Hobey Baker Award.


On the international stage, Fantilli helped Canada win the gold medal on home ice in Halifax at the 2023 World Juniors, recording five points in seven games.

Canada will open up their World Championship schedule on May 12th against Latvia. They'll also face Slovenia, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, Norway and Czechia in the preliminary round.