The 2024 NHL draft is going down on Friday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN and ESPN+) and Saturday (11:30 a.m. ET, ESPN+) at Sphere in Las Vegas.
From the primary spherical all the best way to choose No. 225 in Spherical 7, this web page is your private home for each choice, together with scouting notes from Rachel Doerrie, and group match evaluation for the 32 gamers taken within the first spherical from Ryan S. Clark and Greg Wyshynski.
Extra: Last mock
Prospect rankings
Profiles: Celebrini
Tij Iginla
Workforce: Boston College (H-EAST) | Rank: 1
DOB: 06/13/06 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 190 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 38 | G: 32 | A: 32 | P: 64
Scouting notes: There isn’t a space of the sport the place reputable considerations exist. Merely put, he doesn’t have a weak level. He excels as a 200-foot participant, making vital contributions on each ends of the ice.
Offensively, he navigates the center of the ice, disrupts defensive schemes and finds passing lanes that others can’t. His puck safety abilities, willingness to play by means of contact, spin off defenders and keep play are qualities that can translate effectively to the NHL. Even with out the puck, he stays a scoring menace resulting from his skill to seek out open areas, maintain his stick away from defenders and launch the puck shortly. — Doerrie
Workforce match: Rebuilds require cornerstone gamers. Celebrini seems to be simply that, contemplating this 12 months’s draft was generally known as “The Celebrini Draft.” Ending with the NHL’s worst file meant the Sharks had quite a few areas that wanted to be addressed. Amongst them: top-six ahead assist. Enter Celebrini.
Whereas the likelihood exists that Celebrini may return to BU for his sophomore 12 months, he may very well be step proper in to the Sharks’ lineup. Since 2005, the forwards that have been chosen with the No. 1 decide performed the subsequent season. It is a record that features Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, and final 12 months’s No. 1 decide, Connor Bedard. Moreover, Celebrini now formally turns into the face of a promising rebuild that already had Thomas Bordeleau, William Eklund, Mario Ferraro, Quinten Musty and the group’s 2023 first-round decide in Will Smith, who’s leaving Boston School after one season having signed his entry-level contract with the Sharks. — Clark
Workforce: Michigan State (BIG10) | Rank: 3
DOB: 10/28/05 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 208 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 38 | G: 9 | A: 26 | P: 35
Scouting notes: The Belarusian is broadly thought to be the most effective defender within the draft class, impressing scouts in lots of areas. A right-shot defenseman, he imposes himself bodily and dictates offensive play. His fast improvement has led scouts to imagine he may shortly change into an impactful two-way defenseman within the NHL. He excels at making good first passes, discovering taking pictures lanes and taking management of the sport from the blue line.
Although nonetheless uncooked defensively, he has great upside resulting from his bodily attributes, glorious skating skill and excessive puck battle success fee. Persistently engaged and a play driver at each ends of the ice, he has the potential to shift momentum. Levshunov may change into a top-pairing defenseman who dictates play in transition and tilts the ice in his group’s favor. — Doerrie
Workforce match: The Blackhawks discovered their subsequent foundational participant atop final 12 months’s draft in ahead Connor Bedard, who gained the Calder Trophy because the NHL’s rookie of the 12 months on Thursday. However additionally they needed to strip down their group to the foundations to get him. The period of the rebuild round Bedard is solely contingent on the gamers with whom they encompass him. To the tip, Levshunov is a large addition, actually and figuratively.
The Blackhawks have some intriguing younger defenseman of their system, however not sufficient of them. Kevin Korchinski performed 76 video games as a rookie final season and has some upside. Wyatt Kaiser cut up time between the Blackhawks and AHL Rockford. Sam Rinzel, chosen twenty fifth general in 2022, had an excellent first season with the College of Minnesota. However what they’ve in Levshunov is, for lack of a greater label, “The Man.” The enormous blueliner that may very well be their Victor Hedman. These dynastic Lightning groups have been construct on offensive stars like Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, however they gained Cups due to the efforts of Hedman on the again finish. This draft may very well be seemed again on as a necessary second of the Bedard Period in Chicago. — Wyshynski
Artyom Levshunov’s NHL draft profile
Try the performs that helped make Michigan State’s Artyom Levshunov one of many high prospects within the NHL draft.
Workforce: Oshawa (OHL) | Rank: 13
DOB: 01/28/06 | Ht: 6-2.25 | Wt: 177 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 63 | G: 27 | A: 41 | P: 68
Scouting notes: Offensively, it’s troublesome to discover a weak point. He’s a dual-threat menace within the offensive zone and dropped extra jaws in one-on-one play than another draft-eligible participant within the OHL this season. His skill to power defenders into unhealthy spots and manipulate his approach round them is terrifying. Not solely is he a menace in tight conditions, however he is additionally a menace in transition. The puck follows him across the ice, and he slices defensive protection with ease by means of glorious reads, decisive passing and a high quality shot.
Off the puck, he makes use of his consciousness to win pucks again. Because the season progressed, he grew to become a nightmare on the forecheck, routinely hemming gamers in and profitable pucks again. For lack of a greater phrase, he is a gamer. If he needs the puck, he is greater than doubtless going to finish up with it on his stick. He isn’t an elite skater, however he will get to the place he must go, performs two steps forward of his friends and makes his teammates higher. There are groups which have him of their high 5, and whereas that may be a little excessive for me, it’s straightforward to grasp why scouts imagine Sennecke may very well be a top-line participant. — Doerrie
Workforce match: As soon as once more, Geese normal supervisor Pat Verbeek went in a little bit of an surprising course by taking Beckett Sennecke. The Geese have been in a little bit of a tough scenario when it got here to including to their rebuild. Not that they could not have used extra forwards, however they have already got fairly a little bit of youth with Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. The identical holds true with defensemen after all, with Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov taking part in as rookies final season and one other defenseman, Olen Zellweger, getting 9 factors in 26 video games with the Geese after spending the vast majority of the 12 months within the AHL with the San Diego Gulls.
Now that they’ve added Sennecke, the Geese have one other top-six ahead with dimension because the 6-foot-2 Sennecke could be somebody who provides the Geese an alternative choice of their assault. — Clark
Beckett Sennecke has superb response to being drafted No. 3 by the Geese
Beckett Sennecke is chosen by the Anaheim Geese with the No. 3 decide within the 2024 NHL draft.
Workforce: Medication Hat (WHL) | Rank: 4
DOB: 02/03/06 | Ht: 6-3.25 | Wt: 210 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 32 | G: 27 | A: 19 | P: 46
Scouting notes: Lindstrom combines pace, dimension and talent, making him a dominant power on the junior stage. He successfully makes use of his body to guard the puck, win battles and play by means of contact in difficult areas of the ice. His bodily bundle and skating skill make him a formidable opponent on the push and in puck battles. If he continues to develop his skill to play by means of contact, he has the instruments to be a wonderful energy ahead on the NHL stage. His pace in transition retains defensemen on their heels and he alters gears to create house.
With out the puck, he reads off his linemates effectively and finds open pockets of house. As a flexible offensive participant, he is aware of when to make use of his physicality to create scoring possibilities or maintain the puck to arrange performs within the offensive zone. Though his harm historical past is a priority, projections point out that Lindstrom may change into a second-line heart with the potential to attain 70 factors over a protracted interval. He could take longer to develop, however a participant together with his toolbox is intriguing to many groups. — Doerrie
Workforce match: That is the primary Blue Jackets draft since 2012 that did not have Jarmo Kekalainen operating the desk. He was dismissed as normal supervisor earlier this season, creating a gap for one of many NHL’s most fascinating jobs. Columbus is a spot the place the bar for fulfillment is low and the expertise within the prospect pool is excessive.
It simply obtained increased. New GM Don Waddell, who took over the Blue Jackets after leaving the Carolina Hurricanes, had quite a few choices after the Geese shocked the draft by taking Beckett Sennecke third general. They fought some temptation and added Lindstrom. The Medication Hat heart joins heart Adam Fantilli, the third general decide in 2023 who had 27 factors in 49 video games this season; Kent Johnson, one other Michigan alum, who’s getting into his fourth NHL season; and the large physique and booming shot of defenseman David Jiricek as the subsequent era of the Blue Jackets. With Cole Sillinger additionally up the center, the times of the Blue Jackets being the NHL’s donut — nothing within the center — seem over. — Wyshynski
Workforce: SKA St. Petersburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.) | Rank: 2
DOB: 12/10/05 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 181 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 30 | G: 23 | A: 37 | P: 60
Scouting notes: Offensively, he is the whole bundle and is projected to be a top-six difference-maker within the NHL. His dynamic skill to create offense combines an excellent launch, elite imaginative and prescient and elite puckhandling abilities, maybe the most effective on this draft class. He is greater and extra bodily mature than initially thought, which drew consideration on the Florida showcase. Able to driving play offensively, Demidov persistently took over video games within the playoffs, incomes the MVP award.
He ranks within the high 5% for taking pictures and passing metrics and is a transition menace. He drives the center from the skin and persistently will get himself to the harmful scoring areas. As a flexible offensive participant, Demidov has the potential to be a 40-goal, 40-assist producer and is the one participant with a ceiling near Celebrini’s. — Doerrie
Workforce match: Previous to the draft, it appeared that getting a ahead was going to be the transfer for the Canadiens. They usually fulfilled that in taking Demidov. They have been ready to take a ahead final 12 months however handed on Matvei Michkov earlier than taking defenseman David Reinbacher. With Reinbacher being the decide final season, he added to a defensive setup that already included Kaiden Guhle, Logan Mailloux and Jayden Struble.
Concentrating on defensemen the previous couple of years created that opening to take a ahead for the second time in three years, having chosen Juraj Slafkovsky with the No. 1 decide in 2022. Now the Canadiens have one other top-six ahead in Demidov who in some unspecified time in the future will make the trek to North America. And when he does, he’ll be part of Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield as one other homegrown participant that is trying to take the Habs again to prominence within the Japanese Convention. — Clark
Celine Dion publicizes Canadiens’ No. 5 decide in NHL draft
Celine Dion publicizes the Montreal Canadiens’ fifth general decide, Ivan Demidov.
Workforce: Kelowna (WHL) | Rank: 7
DOB: 08/04/06 | Ht: 5-11.75 | Wt: 182 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 64 | G: 47 | A: 37 | P: 84
Scouting notes: His pure offensive instincts and deadly wrist shot make him a critical goal-scoring menace each with and with out the puck. His puck talent steadily improved this season, and he grew to become a critical offensive menace. When he has possession, Iginla shows glorious puckhandling, robust safety, and a launch that surprises goaltenders. He has a singular understanding of methods to mix aggressive physicality with elite talent, a harmful mixture.
With out the puck, he finds open areas, forechecks tenaciously and displays the competitiveness his father Jarome was recognized for. Though he wants to enhance his defensive play, his mixture of skating, puck abilities, tenacity and taking pictures skill ought to allow him to contribute persistently in a top-six position, with a ceiling of a top-line winger. — Doerrie
Workforce match: When the Arizona Coyotes have been offered to Smith Leisure Group and relocated to Utah, their historical past did not include them. So that is the primary decide ever made by this franchise.
However their hockey operations employees was imported together with the gamers. That included GM Invoice Armstrong, whose calling card has at all times been his work in scouting and drafting. That is enabled Utah to have gamers like ahead Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther, who made an impression on the NHL stage; in addition to heart Conor Geekie, defenseman Maveric Lamoureux and KHL defensemen Dmitry Simashev and Daniil However.
Armstrong informed me that Utah would not really feel strain so as to add a “poster on the facet of the sector” stage star for his or her first season in Salt Lake Metropolis, as a result of there may be some within the group that might match that position. They may have one other in Tij Iginla. He is obtained the hockey legacy of his Corridor of Fame father and his personal high-end expertise. Iginla is a perfect choice given their wants on offense, and as somebody who can ultimately assist promote hockey to a brand new fan base. — Wyshynski
Tij Iginla’s NHL draft profile
Check out the highlights that make Tij Iginla a compelling NHL draft prospect.
Workforce: Calgary (WHL) | Rank: 14
DOB: 09/29/05 | Ht: 6-2.75 | Wt: 201 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 66 | G: 30 | A: 41 | P: 71
Scouting notes: Yakemchuk is an offensive difference-maker on the junior stage and confirmed glimpses of wonderful puck distribution. He dictates the ability play from the purpose, however he’ll have to develop the power to facilitate offence to benefit from his shot within the NHL. He manipulates defenders with glorious arms, fakes and sheer energy. The shortage of an explosive skating stride makes him simpler to defend than a extra elusive skater.
Defensively, he is a piece in progress. His skating mobility wants to enhance to be an efficient transition defender within the NHL. Scouts and executives love his imply streak, as he hits to go away a mark. He will get caught puck-watching or stepping out of place to be bodily. He lacks the skating step to catch opponents once they beat him in these conditions, an space he might want to develop earlier than making the bounce. — Doerrie
Workforce match: Drafting Yakemchuk may show to be an intriguing transfer for a number of causes. The primary is that this was the primary time in two years the Senators used a first-round decide. It’s kind of of a weird dynamic for a franchise that is been making an attempt to shed the title of rebuild and transition right into a playoff group, solely to overlook the postseason for the final seven campaigns.
That mentioned, Yakemchuk provides them a younger defenseman which provides to a gaggle that already has Thomas Chabot, Jakob Chychrun, Jake Sanderson and Jacob Bernard-Docker, amongst others. However that additionally comes with the understanding that Chychrun’s future with the membership is in query. He has a 12 months left on his contract earlier than hitting free company. He may both signal a brand new deal or the Sens may look to commerce him. Both approach, they’re going to have choices, and getting Yakemchuk will now play a giant position in that dynamic. — Clark
Workforce: Spokane (WHL) | Rank: 10
DOB: 01/14/06 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 170 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 68 | G: 54 | A: 62 | P: 116
Scouting notes: Catton is a type of “get you out of your seats” gamers. He is dynamic with the puck, studying defensive buildings, slicing by means of protection and a nightmare to defend in one-on-one conditions. His skill to control defenders together with his pace and talent is pure brilliance. He is one of the vital harmful transition gamers within the draft, and even at 5-10, he is proven a capability to execute high-skill performs in site visitors.
As is the case with any participant of this talent set, he wants to choose his spots just a little higher to enhance his offensive effectivity. The turnovers aren’t going to fly on the NHL stage, and he’ll have to develop his skill to create offense when he is not in transition. The identical manipulation, stick talent and deception he makes use of on the push must be utilized in smaller areas. If he can take pucks off the wall and get to the center, there’s a higher probability he hits his ceiling of a top-six, level producer.
He is already a twin menace with a promising arsenal of releases and shot sorts. Provided that he understands methods to put defenders in susceptible postures, it isn’t a stretch to imagine his offensive sport will proceed to enhance. I am undecided he is a middle within the NHL, however the dynamic twin menace must be an entertaining participant to observe for years. — Doerrie
Workforce match: Coming into the draft, the narrative surrounding the Kraken was that they wanted to draft a defenseman. Particularly, a puck-mover who may assist facilitate possession for a group that is struggled to attain objectives in two of their first three seasons. Though the argument may very well be had that they have already got that with Ryker Evans.
It nonetheless amounted to the Kraken needing prospects who can rating or create objectives and it led to them selecting Berkly Catton. He addresses their scoring wants offered he scored 54 objectives and 116 factors for the Spokane Chiefs final season. If the Kraken choose to maintain Catton at heart, he would be part of their backbone of the long run that features Matty Beniers and Shane Wright. However there’s an opportunity he may very well be moved to the wing, with the expectation that he may sometime play alongside Beniers on one of many Kraken’s high two strains and on their energy play. — Clark
Workforce: Saginaw (OHL) | Rank: 5
DOB: 02/15/06 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 179 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 66 | G: 33 | A: 63 | P: 96
Scouting notes: Parekh is the highest offensive defenseman within the draft, with out query. He has all of the makings of a game-breaker on the blue line. His statistics and mannequin projections stand out, surpassing each different defenseman besides Levshunov. He’s clearly within the high tier, projected as a top-4 offensive catalyst with an over 80% probability of taking part in 200+ NHL video games.
Proper-handed offensive dynamos are uncommon and infrequently accessible by way of commerce. Parekh has all of the qualities of a top-notch power-play quarterback and even-strength play driver, able to scoring upward of 60 factors per season within the NHL. He had probably the greatest draft-eligible seasons in CHL historical past, which shouldn’t be ignored. His elite four-way mobility permits him to evade opponents and create house effortlessly.
His defensive sport improved all through the OHL season, and whereas it is not as sturdy as some may favor, his skating and hockey sense equip him to defend successfully on the NHL stage. His offensive instincts are innate and type the inspiration of his play-driving offense. Mix his offensive instincts with demonstrated skill to maneuver pucks to harmful areas, create taking pictures alternatives and get pucks by means of, and Parekh presents an intriguing bundle. His ceiling is the very best amongst defensemen within the draft, confidently projecting him as an impactful top-4 defenseman over a prolonged NHL profession. — Doerrie
Workforce match: The decide wasn’t Tij Iginla and that is going to be a bummer for lots of Flames followers. However Zayne Parekh is a stable selection and somebody who will definitely assist with Calgary’s rebuild … retool … no matter it’s that GM Craig Conroy is doing with this franchise, which is content material to ship out some veterans (Jacob Markstrom, Andrew Mangiapane) whereas maintain onto others (like, reportedly, Nazem Kadri). They’ve some high quality younger gamers up entrance like winger Matt Coronato, who performed 35 video games within the NHL; heart Connor Zary, who had a powerful rookie season with 34 factors in 63 video games; and a giant ahead in Samuel Honzek.
Now they add Parekh, a participant that has electrifying offensive upside. Parekh is the primary defenseman the Flames chosen within the first spherical since Juuso Valimaki at No. 16 in 2017. They merely did not have a participant together with his skillset of their pipeline, and this picks a terrific one for Calgary. — Wyshynski
Workforce: Nizhny Novgorod (RUSSIA) | Rank: 8
DOB: 04/11/06 | Ht: 6-7 | Wt: 211 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 63 | G: 3 | A: 8 | P: 11
Scouting notes: At 6-7, this hulking defender performed vital minutes for one of many KHL’s higher groups, a rarity at age 17, and this tremendously enhances his projection. Whereas he is not anticipated to be dynamic within the NHL, his creating offensive abilities recommend he may change into a 35- to 40-point producer.
He skates very effectively, with good edgework and agility, which is obvious in his defensive transitions and his motion alongside the offensive blue line. If he can add power with out dropping mobility, he may change into a high-minute defenseman within the NHL, able to shutting down the opposition’s greatest gamers.
His flooring is increased than different high defensive prospects resulting from his confirmed skill to achieve the KHL. Scouts are excessive on his skating skill, physicality and transition protection. There are considerations about his skill to learn the play and make good puck choices. He’ll want time to reinforce his skill to facilitate breakouts, transition offense and skim strain. —Doerrie
Workforce match: There was loads of hypothesis that the Devils would transfer this decide — it was actually in play within the hours main as much as the draft. However New Jersey stored the decide and added to the deepest a part of their prospect pool: the blue line.
Anton Silayev is a 6-7 mountain, a defensive defenseman who has great skating skill and a implausible attain. They moved 24-year-old Kevin Bahl, who’s 6-6, for goalie Jacob Markstrom. Silayev greater than suits in as an eventual substitute. He joins Calder Trophy finalist Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec and ultimately Seamus Casey because the defensive foundations for years to return. — Wyshynski
Workforce: London (OHL) | Rank: 11
DOB: 06/07/06 | Ht: 6-2.5 | Wt: 199 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 68 | G: 18 | A: 52 | P: 70
Scouting notes: Dickinson is likely one of the greatest all-around skating defensemen within the draft, and it’s significantly evident in transition. Offensively, he carries the puck with ease, evades defenders, cuts to the center and creates scoring possibilities.
Defensively, he maintains a superb hole, matches opponent’s pace and finishes his checks. His shot is above common, however he’s unlikely to overpower goalies on the NHL stage. His skating and defensive skills will carry him within the NHL. These are all attributes scouts and coaches love. It’s straightforward to see why the mannequin initiatives him to be a top-four defender with a puncher’s probability of being a top-pairing man.
The massive query with Dickinson is decision-making on either side of the puck. On the junior stage, he is so evasive and above his friends within the skating division, that it masks some consciousness points. On the push, he can skate himself into hassle and make life extra difficult when an easier play exists. Within the defensive zone, he will get caught on the flawed facet of gamers and makes questionable choices with the puck after he wins a battle. He is a pure athlete who will play within the NHL, however time will inform if he can develop his consciousness and reads to benefit from his toolbox and change into a distinction maker. — Doerrie
Workforce match: When the Sharks traded as much as No. 11 on Thursday, it got here with the expectation that they have been going to make use of that decide to get a defenseman. Particularly contemplating they already had Celebrini, along with forwards akin to Bordeleau, Eklund, Musty and Smith. And that is not together with who they took in 2022, heart Filip Bystedt.
That perception solely intensified contemplating by the point the Sharks picked at 11, as defensemen akin to Zeev Buium and Sam Dickinson have been nonetheless accessible when it got here time for his or her second decide of the primary spherical. They selected Dickinson, who now provides them a large defenseman who cannot solely serve in a top-pairing position however can be on the controls of an influence play. An influence play that within the coming years may very well be led by Celebrini, Smith, Dickinson and Eklund. — Clark
Workforce: Denver (NCHC) | Rank: 6
DOB: 12/07/05 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 183 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 42 | G: 11 | A: 39 | P: 50
Scouting notes: Top-of-the-line defensemen in school hockey this season, Buium is confidently projected as a top-4 defenseman within the NHL. He persistently stands out by becoming a member of the push, defending effectively in transition and excelling in man-to-man protection in his personal zone. He is an elite two-way defenseman on the school stage, and is probably going essentially the most environment friendly puck mover on this draft class. He exhibits elite hockey sense and appears to be two to a few performs forward, permitting him to make performs that different gamers cannot.
Defensively, he maintains a good hole, adapts to adjustments in tempo and makes use of glorious edgework to keep away from getting crushed in tight conditions. His puck abilities, mixed with numerous head and shoulder fakes, allow him to create house and passing lanes. If there’s a higher one-on-one defenseman on this draft, I’ve but to see him.
Buium elevates his play as video games intensify and was one among Workforce USA’s greatest gamers on the World Juniors as an underage participant, along with being a vital a part of the NCAA champion Denver blue line. With all of the qualities of a play-driving, momentum-shifting defenseman, Buium may very well be prepared for the NHL by the tip of the 2024-25 school season. — Doerrie
Workforce match: GM Invoice Guerin obtained aggressive right here to pick Zeev Buium, and rightfully so. Buium has a excessive hockey IQ and will be somebody that may run an NHL energy play, main all NCAA defenseman in factors final season (50). Denver relied on him massive time in profitable the nationwide title this season — he performed 31 minutes in opposition to Boston College within the semifinal and greater than 29 minutes in opposition to Boston School for the title.
He is an impression participant and the very best defenseman the Wild have taken since Matt Dumba at seventh general in 2012. — Wyshynski
Workforce: Guelph (OHL) | Rank: 26
DOB: 08/21/06 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 180 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 68 | G: 20 | A: 54 | P: 74
Scouting notes: Luchanko has all of the makings of a dream bottom-six position. Given the offensive instincts and skills he has proven this season, Luchanko has a greater skill to drive play than many imagine. He is a wonderful two-way participant, a uncommon feat for a really younger participant in a draft class. The mix of manufacturing, improvement and a later birthday give Luchanko a projection nearer to center six than backside six.
Luchanko was the principle beneficiary of Matthew Poitras’ transfer to the Bruins, permitting him to change into the first driver on either side of the puck. His skating takes the tempo of the sport to a different stage, forcing his opponents to play at speeds through which they’re uncomfortable. His skill to dictate the play is eye-opening, beating defenders clear together with his pace whereas being a royal ache to take care of on the forecheck and backcheck. He’s in the course of all the pieces that occurs, displaying off a detail-oriented sport that features consciousness, shiftiness and talent that scouts love. — Doerrie
Workforce match: Buying and selling right down to No. 13 earned some additional draft capital. However additionally they landed a middle in Jett Luchanko that provides to a future that already consists of Noah Cates, Joel Farabee, Tyson Foerster and Matvei Michkov. Even with that many forwards, the Flyers have been nonetheless in want of a middle. That made Luchanko or Konsta Helenius an choice.
The final time they drafted a middle within the first spherical was in 2018 once they took Jay O’Brien, who they didn’t signal (and earned a compensatory decide this 12 months for it). Previous to that, It was 2017 once they took Nolan Patrick with the second decide and Morgan Frost at 27. Patrick was traded, whereas Frost stays with the membership. Luchanko provides the Flyers somebody who initiatives as a two-way choice who may very well be anchoring one of many strains of a rebuild that took a big step ahead in 2023-24. — Clark
Workforce: Jukurit (FINLAND) | Rank: 12
DOB: 05/11/06 | Ht: 5-10.75 | Wt: 180 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 51 | G: 14 | A: 22 | P: 36
Scouting notes: Helenius is superb defensively, and his play is straight away projectable to the NHL. Offensively, he’s efficient, not flashy. He retrieves pucks, enters the zone with possession, creates house with efficient physique positioning, and depends on his elite hockey sense to make sound choices with the puck. The mix of his competitiveness, hockey sense and puck administration make him a extremely efficient and dependable participant in all three zones.
He lacks dynamic attributes that different gamers within the draft class possess, however he makes up for that his in his skill to be the engine of his line. He persistently drives play and confirmed flashes of offensive creativity, however Helenius doesn’t have a standout offensive attribute. He is a well-rounded, 200-foot participant who might be impactful on either side of the puck on the NHL stage. Scouts see some Mikael Backlund in him, which is excessive reward for the younger Finn.
A second-line heart/high penalty killer who can drive play at even power is one thing each contender wants. That’s Helenius. If his offense develops, there’s an opportunity he suits the mould of a Joel Eriksson Ek or Elias Lindholm kind of participant. — Doerrie
Workforce match: The Sabres traded down this week, buying the Devils’ No. 42 general decide of their flip-flop with the Sharks. Helenius is a stable two-way heart who joins a depth chart that features Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, Peyton Krebs, Matthew Savoie, Jiri Kulich and Noah Ostlund.
Clearly, a few of them may shift to the wing, however the backside line is that the Sabres have a ton of expertise on the best way up entrance, to go together with the foundational defensemen in Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Energy. — Wyshynski
Workforce: Mora (SWEDEN-2) | Rank: 19
DOB: 10/05/05 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 198 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 41 | G: 8 | A: 10 | P: 18
Scouting notes: The Norwegian ahead is likely one of the most well-rounded gamers within the draft. The mix of grit, talent and in-tight scoring skill has scouts believing he’s a Swiss military knife on the NHL stage. There’s perception that he may very well be the most effective two-way ahead within the draft not named Celebrini.
Defensively, he could also be the most effective ahead within the draft. He’s persistently in the suitable positions, makes glorious reads in defensive transition and reads off his teammates effectively to assist the puck. His skill to retrieve pucks, win puck battles, and place his physique in ways in which make is almost unimaginable to knock him off the puck will solely enhance has he bodily matures and provides power. He is unafraid to ship a board-shaking physique verify to shift momentum, however doesn’t put himself out of place to take action. He separates opponents from the puck, drives ahead and makes use of his highly effective body to chop to the center or the web. Honestly, if there’s a weak point in his defensive sport, I’ve but to seek out it.
The downside with Brandsegg-Nygard is that he is not dynamic. His ceiling is not as excessive as different gamers’, however his flooring is increased than almost each ahead exterior of the highest 5. There’s little doubt he might be a middle-six energy ahead who might be deployed to close down opponent’s greatest gamers and end offensive alternatives in tight. As one scout put it, “He is not the man you construct round, however actually the kind of participant that each contender needs in the course of their lineup.” — Doerrie
Workforce match: What’s this? The Purple Wings went into Europe and drafted a participant?
In all seriousness, Brandsegg-Nygard was considered somebody who may have gone on this vary, so it wasn’t just like the Purple Wings reached.
Detroit has used two of its most up-to-date first-round picks to get facilities. It is simply that Brandsegg-Nygard provides them one other potential top-six winger. And given how the Wings are at present arrange with their ahead depth, Brandsegg-Nygard has a superb probability to interrupt onto the scene within the close to future. — Clark
Workforce: Plzen (CZECHIA) | Rank: 17
DOB: 06/28/06 | Ht: 6-2.5 | Wt: 182 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 19 | G: 0 | A: 1 | P: 1
Scouting notes: The 6-2, right-handed defenseman has been on scouting radars for years, permitting for his sport to be put below the microscope. He is aggressive, makes good puck choices and prompts within the play.
Dropping almost a full season of improvement throughout essentially the most essential years makes for a harder analysis and mannequin projection. Jiricek’s numbers are very unstable, and the draft 12 months pattern will not be massive sufficient for a assured projection. The instruments to be an impactful defenseman are there, with good reads, aggressive defensive posture, robust puck retrieval abilities and physicality. He wants the skating, which clearly took a developmental hit when he tore his ACL, to enhance by a step and half or two to benefit from his different abilities. His stride lacks the explosive and aggressive attributes to enrich the remainder of his sport and can hinder his skill to make the most of different abilities if he cannot maintain tempo.
He has an extended runway to develop as a result of he is rawer and misplaced almost a 12 months of improvement to his harm. There’s a actual probability he turns into a second-pairing defenseman and an out of doors shot on the high pair. — Doerrie
Workforce match: The Blues actually wanted so as to add some expertise to their protection prospects — they hadn’t drafted a defenseman within the first spherical since Jordan Schmaltz in 2012 — and Jiricek is a terrific selection. He gained nice expertise taking part in the Czech league, and as a right-shot defenseman he is a helpful commodity.
Jiricek won’t have the ceiling of his brother David, who went sixth general to the Blue Jackets in 2022, however he is actually obtained some upside. — Wyshynski
Workforce: Prince George (WHL) | Rank: 30
DOB: 05/28/06 | Ht: 5-11.5 | Wt: 173 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 68 | G: 43 | A: 62 | P: 105
Scouting notes: His manufacturing is harking back to a participant who must be chosen in high half of the primary spherical. His skating, like Jason Robertson’s in 2017, worries scouts. He would not have the bodily bundle of Robertson, however his manufacturing is significantly better. Parascak has all of the capabilities to be a twin menace on the NHL stage if his skating improves.
Parascak’s instincts on and off the puck are high-end. He understands defensive schemes and methods to penetrate them, however his skating holds him again from driving play. That is evident in transition, the place he lacks the tempo to assault the center and depends on his instincts to seek out open house and arrive on the good time. When he will get the puck in house, he is terrifying. His catch and launch shot, one-timer and talent to shoot reverse his momentum make him difficult for goalies to cease.
A group taking Parascak is getting a participant with an elite hockey sense and lots of pictures in his arsenal. If he can add power and extra energy to his skating, there’s a actual probability he is a top-six, difference-maker within the NHL. He is unlikely to be a real play driver, however a complementary piece that may ignite an influence play. — Doerrie
Workforce: Muskegon (USHL) | Rank: 24
DOB: 03/17/06 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 176 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 61 | G: 36 | A: 32 | P: 68
Scouting notes: Boisvert can actually shoot the puck, and no matter the place he receives the puck, he’s a menace. He will get pucks by means of layers with accuracy and has glorious arms to complete performs on the internet entrance. There’s cause to imagine his misleading launch will switch to the NHL stage, but when it doesn’t, his skill to complete performs in tight will certainly make him worthy of consideration.
With out the puck, Boisvert remains to be impactful. He tracks again effectively, disrupts transition play and delivers exhausting hits to separate gamers from the puck. There is a noticeable edge to his sport that can solely enhance as he will get stronger. His skating posture is off steadiness, and he lacks the explosiveness required to create extra space offensively. An improved skating stride with extra energy and higher skill to learn defensive protection will permit Boisvert to benefit from his NHL-ready shot and two-way sport. — Doerrie
Upcoming picks
19. Vegas Golden Knights
20. New York Islanders*
21. Los Angeles Kings
22. Nashville Predators
23. Toronto Maple Leafs
24. Colorado Avalanche
25. Boston Bruins
26. Montreal Canadiens*
27. Carolina Hurricanes
28. Calgary Flames*
29. Dallas Stars
30. New York Rangers
31. Anaheim Geese*
32. Philadelphia Flyers*
* Traded picks:
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The Blackhawks’ choice at No. 18 is the results of a commerce involving this decide, the No. 20 decide and different picks with the Islanders.
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The Islanders’ choice at No. 20 is the results of the above commerce; the Blackhawks initially acquired the decide by way of a March 18, 2022 commerce that despatched Brandon Hagel to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
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The Canadiens’ decide at No. 21 is the results of the June 28, 2024 commerce that despatched this commerce to Montreal in change for picks No. 26, 57 and 198.
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The Kings’ decide at No. 26 is the results of the June 28, 2024 commerce above. The Canadiens initially secured it by way of the Feb. 2, 2024 commerce that despatched Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets.
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The Flames’ choice at No. 28 is the results of the Jan. 31, 2024 commerce that despatched Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks.
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The Geese’ choice at No. 31 is the results of the commerce on March 6, 2024 that despatched Sam Carrick, Ty Taylor and a 2024 seventh-round decide to the Oilers.
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The Flyers’ choice at No. 32 is a results of the commerce on March 19, 2022 that despatched Claude Giroux, German Rubtsov, Connor Bunnaman to the Panthers, and Owen Tippett to the Flyers.