The San Jose Sharks chosen Boston College’s Macklin Celebrini with the No. 1 choose of the 2024 NHL draft on Friday.
The clear-cut high expertise on this draft class might be a first-line middle who drives play for his staff.
“Only a surreal feeling,” Celebrini informed ESPN. “I’ve dreamed about this second ever since I used to be a child and for it to return true, it is simply a tremendous feeling.”
The 6-foot, 190-pound freshman had 32 targets and 32 assists in 38 video games to guide the Terriers to the Frozen 4. He gained the Hobey Baker Award as school hockey’s high males’s participant, plus was voted Hockey East’s high participant and rookie.
Kyle Woodlief, the writer and chief scout of the impartial scouting service Purple Line Report, supplies scouting reviews on the prospects drafted within the first spherical.
1. San Jose Sharks
C Macklin Celebrini, Boston College
He has excellent fingers and timing and is a extremely imaginative playmaker who will get pucks to his linemates with one-touch passes. He’s a terrific objective scorer with a lightning quick catch and launch – the puck explodes off his stick. His potential to anticipate creating performs places him a step forward of everybody else on the ice. Performs simply as arduous on the defensive finish as he does within the offensive zone. When he doesn’t have the puck, he works to get it.
Projection: Prime line two-way middle who impacts recreation at each ends.
Fashion compares to: Jonathan Toews
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Defenseman Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State
Might be a franchise altering defenseman. Large mixture of dimension, mobility, puck abilities, imaginative and prescient and superior defensive habits. Has already proven he’s capable of dangle and skate his approach by way of a lot older opponents in school whereas making dynamic performs with the puck. His fast ft make him harmful on the push. Largest energy is transitioning rapidly from protection to offense. Robust defender gaps up nicely and will get stick on puck. Rugged, blocks pictures, hits, wins puck battles and performs with a nasty disposition.
Projection: Robust, highly effective first pairing defenseman.
Fashion compares to: Mikhail Sergachev
Proper wing Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa
Had an actual roller-coaster season. Lack of consistency in his recreation triggered his inventory to drop. Then he caught hearth late within the season proper on by way of the playoffs, the place his play helped get Oshawa to the Ontario Hockey League finals. His particular person abilities are on par with the elite forwards on this group, particularly his potential to stickhandle in small areas. Has wonderful fingers in tight across the internet and reveals the power to undress defenders down low. Takes the puck to scoring areas and has wonderful imaginative and prescient and playmakingskills, which he makes use of to seek out the open man after drawing defenders. Has an excellent launch and a tough, correct shot. However his willingness to compete shift-to-shift is questionable at instances. His board battle andloose puck retrieval numbers have been very low, regardless of huge body and good energy.
Projection: Second line objective scoring winger with dimension.
Fashion compares to: Jamie Benn
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
Heart Cayden Lindstrom, Medication Hat
Prototypical NHL energy ahead will get north/south rapidly, has a big-time shot with an amazing launch and has the dimensions and skating potential to beat defenders both with velocity or energy. Likes to play within the greasy areas in entrance of the web and is prepared to pay the worth in tight areas – performs with some edginess when challenged. You don’t see many 6-foot-4, 216-pound facilities who transfer together with his agility or possess as a lot puck talent as Lindstrom does. This season he has discovered the stability between utilizing his energy to pressure his method to the web or center of the ice, and his persistence and creativity to create separation and use his teammates extra successfully.
Projection: Dominant center of the ice, first line pressure.
Fashion compares to: Quinton Byfield/Anze Kopitar
5. Montreal Canadiens
Winger Ivan Demidov, SKA St. Petersburg
This scoring machine is an clever winger with an elite talent set. His predominant strengths are his IQ, stickhandling and wonderful skating. Has made progress in all areas of his recreation and now reveals extra selection in the best way he assaults. His fingers are distinctive. He strikes the puck huge, beats gamers simply and at all times finds house, even when it seems unimaginable. His wrister explodes off his blade across the slot, and he doesn’t want a lot time or house to get pictures away. Has nice velocity and acceleration, together with elusiveness in tight areas. Solely minus for him is his dimension and lack of bodily chew. Nonetheless, he has true star potential.
Projection: Dynamic offensive catalyst.
Fashion compares to: Artemi Panarin
6. Utah Hockey Membership
Ahead Tij Iginla, Kelowna
Simply whenever you assume he can’t presumably take his recreation to a different stage – he does. Like his father, Jarome, he at all times takes the puck on to internet and might’t be deterred from attending to the crease and scoring greasy targets. Makes nice little performs with the puck in tight areas. Reveals lightning quick reactions to kick passes from his skate as much as his stick and launch multi functional blurry quick movement. So instinctive offensively and will get himself to nice spots. Makes neat toe drags to alter the angle of his pictures. This yr he’s been capable of showcase a much-improved shot and excellent ending potential. Pushed, decided and regularly getting higher.
Projection: Aggressive, objective scoring high line winger.
Fashion compares to: Jarome Iginla
7. Ottawa Senators
Defenseman Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary
Electrical. The 6-foot-3 defenseman has a magnet pulling him towards the opposite staff’s internet always. He is within the operating for the title of participant who generates probably the most offense from the again finish on this yr’s draft class. Has elite offensive instincts, and mixed together with his top-notch skating, puck abilities and deadly level shot, he’s exceptionally harmful every time he has possession. Dominant energy play quarterback. Has the physicality and energy to be efficient defensively in zone and off the push, however has so much to find out about positioning/consciousness.
Projection: Powerhouse No. 2 defenseman and energy play quarterback.
Fashion compares to: Evan Bouchard/Brent Burns
8. Seattle Kraken
Heart Berkly Catton, Spokane
Arguably the neatest participant on this draft class with hockey sense off the charts. Dissects performs at each ends so he both is aware of the place he’s passing the puck earlier than he will get it, or is aware of place himself within the defensive zone to steal pucks. He each creates and finishes at high velocity. Has an amazing preliminary burst, fast fingers and terrific scoring contact across the internet. Glorious imaginative and prescient and creativity in his passing. Won’t have the elite velocity wanted to actually shine as a middle at his dimension.
Projection: Prime line scorer might need to shift to wing.
Fashion compares to: Nick Suzuki
9. Calgary Flames
Defenseman Zayne Parekh, Saginaw
Dynamic defenseman backs defenders off the blue line together with his velocity when he carries the puck by way of impartial zone. Extremely misleading puck service is well capable of elude forecheckers with tight spin strikes after which makes lateral leap cuts at full velocity as he’s dashing up ice. His instincts and imaginative and prescient are phenomenal within the offensive zone and he’s a relentless menace to arrange an open teammate for a Grade A scoring alternative. Deadly on the facility play together with his depraved level blast and terrific distribution abilities. Pucks hearth off his stick rapidly and with uncanny accuracy. Wants plenty of teaching on his defensive recognition and consciousness round internet. Board and internet entrance battles are a wrestle as he’s often outmuscled.
Projection: Good offensive and energy play pressure who struggles in personal finish.
Fashion compares to: Quinn Hughes
10. New Jersey Devils
Defenseman Anton Silayev, Nizhny Novgorod
Huge 6-foot-7 defenseman with the wingspan of a condor and makes use of his dimension nicely. Performed within the Kontinental Hockey League all yr. Makes use of his energy for efficient physique checks even towards older, extra mature guys. Glorious at utilizing his lengthy attain and fast stick with steal pucks. Unattainable to beat off the push or with huge velocity, defending simply together with his lengthy stick and shockingly nimble footwork — superb skater for his dimension. Has an enormous level blast and will get good torque that generates velocity and energy. Though his bodily attributes are good for enjoying within the NHL, his hockey sense and effectiveness on offense are questionable. Recreation lacks creativity and is simply too fundamental, so it’s straightforward to learn his subsequent transfer.
Projection: Huge shutdown defenseman and matchup defender.
Fashion compares to: Nikita Zadorov
11. San Jose Sharks (from Buffalo Sabres)
Defenseman Sam Dickinson, London
Large horse can dominate at each ends. Performs a peaceful recreation and his selections by no means appear rushed or hurried beneath forechecking strain. Explosive skater will get again rapidly on retrievals. Shuts down performs rapidly beneath the objective line, breaking apart opponents’ cycle recreation. Has good creativity with the puck and wonderful offensive instincts. Shoots bombs from the purpose, resulting in his 18-goal season. We’d prefer to see him grow to be extra bodily with that massive body, however he has a superb defensive stick and is wise positionally. Can carry the puck up ice and make issues occur off the push. Has a full toolbox and performs a assured, confident type – at all times in management.
Projection: Prime pairing defenseman with dimension on a powerful membership.
Fashion compares to: Moritz Seider
Commerce alert: Flyers, Wild swap spots
The Flyers will draft thirteenth. Minnesota ship a 2025 third-round choose to Philadelphia to maneuver as much as twelfth. There have been no trades within the first spherical final season.
12. Minnesota Wild (by way of Philadelphia Flyers)
Defenseman Zeev Buium, Denver College
Put up some of the dominant performances by a freshman defenseman in NCAA historical past, capped off by main Denver to the nationwide championship. A particularly easy skater with implausible edges, nice pivots, velocity and quickness. Simply closes the hole defensively or beats forechecking strain when he has the puck. His puck retrievals and skill to transition to offense with fast strike counter-attacks are excellent. Finds forwards with pinpoint retailers. Large PP quarterback is a superb distributor who walks the road laterally to create passing/capturing lanes. Defensively takes good angles on puck carriers and will get stick on puck.
Projection: Prime pairing offensive defenseman and PP quarterback.
Fashion compares to: Noah Dobson
13. Philadelphia Flyers (by way of Minnesota Wild)
Heart Jett Luchanko, Guelph
Dynamic middle who drives play for his line. Has wonderful wheels with immediate acceleration and his velocity intimidates defenders, forcing them to again in off the blue line. Will get in on the forecheck rapidly to disrupt. Forceful participant who needs the puck on his stick and instantly assaults when he will get it. At all times concerned in the course of the motion. Not huge, however not shy about taking part in a bodily recreation and utilizing his body to battle on the boards and in entrance of the web. Conscious and accountable everywhere in the ice, will get his stick in passing lanes usually. Takes each key faceoff within the defensive zone. Performs in all conditions and is aggressive on the penalty kill.
Projection: Blazing quick two-way middle.
Fashion compares to: Carter Verhaeghe/Travis Konecny
14. Buffalo Sabres (from Pittsburgh Penguins by way of Sharks)
Heart Konsta Helenius, Jukurit
Artistic middle has fast ft, fast fingers and a fast thoughts. Artful and crafty and extremely expert with the puck. Nice stickhandler and playmaker, sees performs creating and is aware of the place his linemates are always. Glorious hockey sense, mushy fingers, and nice imaginative and prescient. Not very huge, however sturdy on his skates with advantageous stability and quickness. Can weave by way of visitors and finds open ice the place there seemingly is none. Good with out the puck too – pressures guys alongside the boards, closes off their skating lanes and forces turnovers. His passes are at all times correct and catch his wingers in stride. Understands defensive zone assignments.
Projection: Undersized, instinctive second line middle on high membership.
Fashion compares to: Brayden Level
15. Detroit Purple Wings
Winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Mora
We’re not as excessive on him as others appear to be. Large Norwegian energy winger shows sturdy work ethic and performs a rugged, bodily model of hockey – extremely concerned across the visitors areas. Persistent forechecker exerts strain and is decided in puck pursuit, inflicting giveaways. Outmuscles opposing defensemen across the crease to money in on rebounds. He’s not actual polished or a finesse man, however will drive out of the corners and make energy strikes to the center, funneling pucks to the web. He has a heavy one-timer from the circle on the facility play. However doesn’t have a fast catch-and-release when arrange across the slot. His particular person abilities are simply common.
Projection: Rugged north/south third line grinder with dimension/shot.
Fashion compares to: Josh Anderson
16. St. Louis Blues
Defenseman Adam Jiricek, Plzen
Robust season. He performed the primary half towards males in Extraliga the place his offensive recreation wasn’t utilized, then he suffered a season-ending knee damage in first recreation on the world junior championships . Tall, lean blue-liner is cell and handles the puck nicely. Strikes round confidently to realize angles whereas manning the purpose on the facility play. Performs an aggressive recreation and appears to pressure the motion everywhere in the ice. Reveals a pleasant drag and drive to attend out blockers and get arduous pictures away. Overextends himself in search of hits within the defensive zone and will get himself out of place, however he can play in his personal finish and his errors are ones of aggression.
Projection: Offensively expert No. 3-4 defenseman and energy play triggerman.
Fashion compares to: Mike Matheson
17. Washington Capitals
Proper wing Terik Parascak, Prince George
In case you search for “opportunist” within the dictionary you would possibly very nicely see an image of Parascak. This Western Hockey League rookie was the largest shock of your complete scouting season – got here out of nowhere to bag a shocking 43 targets and 105 factors. An extremely good finisher, he merely has instincts that may’t be taught. His poise to carry onto pucks an additional beat opens up capturing lanes and will get goalies to indicate their playing cards, after which he unleashes a scorer’s shot. His two-way recreation and particular person play constructing remains to be uncooked, however these finer particulars will be excused contemplating his WHL rookie standing. He’s a excessive reward participant with out a lot threat – his improvement curve is headed straight up, and he’s already proven actual high six NHL upside.
Projection: 30 objective scoring, high six winger.
Fashion compares to: Brock Boeser
18. Chicago Blackhawks (from New York Islanders)
Tall, lanky middle with dimension, skating and puck abilities who’s productive on the scoresheet. Lengthy, easy strider who can speed up rapidly and draw back from opponents in open ice, but additionally has elusive quickness in tight areas. Nice shooter: can rip pucks off the push or find rebounds in shut and put them at the back of the web. Tall, skinny body means he wants time to fill out and get stronger. Not constantly bodily as a punishing hitter, however is legitimately robust: will drop the gloves and care for enterprise when challenged. Physique language and general effort depart one thing to be desired at instances. Along with his dimension and expertise, he’ll play within the NHL when he fills out and is bodily prepared. The query is what his final ceiling is likely to be.
Projection: Second line middle on center tier membership.
Fashion compares to: Martin Necas
19. Vegas Golden Knights
Winger Trevor Connelly, Tri-Metropolis
His velocity and strain trigger panic and turnovers that result in Grade A probabilities. Performs the sport at a dizzyingly excessive tempo 100% of the time. Fast stick and nice lateral strikes. Terrific fingers and harmful with the puck always; he’s a game-breaker together with his potential to create separation with ease or drive by way of defenders to get to internet. We’d prefer to see him make the most of his arduous, correct shot extra usually. Groups will look right into a earlier social media publish that will trigger some to move on him. Common supervisor Kelly McCrimmon informed ESPN that the staff did its due diligence earlier than drafting him.
Projection: Slick passing and skating scoring line winger.
Fashion compares to: Mitch Marner
20. New York Islanders (from Tampa Bay Lightning by way of Chicago Blackhawks)
Left wing Cole Eiserman, U.S. Nationwide Crew Growth Program
As pure a objective scorer as you’ll ever discover. Elite finisher who scores in a wide range of methods. Broke Cole Caufield’s NTDP file with 127 factors in two seasons. Robust, highly effective skater who bulls his method to the web and might enhance the possession recreation together with his potential to protect the puck. A legit menace on each shift as a result of he can rip pucks off the push, but additionally constantly will get to the soiled areas. Superior hand-eye coordination for ideas/deflections or can find pucks in a scrum and bury them with little time and house. Glorious on the facility play. One-way participant must bear down extra within the defensive finish and present extra depth in excessive leverage conditions.
Projection: Devastating, however one-dimensional, first line objective scorer.
Fashion compares to: Brett Hull
21. Montreal Canadiens (from Los Angeles Kings)
Heart Michael Hage, Chicago
Robust two-way middle is not flashy, however is unquestionably underappreciated. Particular expertise who blew up within the second half of the season to guide Chicago to the postseason after the staff stumbled out of the gate.Nice skater, pops instantly together with his potential to speed up to high velocity immediately and again defenders up. Blows up defensive gaps together with his high gear and nifty fingers to slip laterally and pressure opponents toturn or get burned. Makes everybody round him higher as he’s capable of slice by way of layers within the defensive zone and discover open teammates with heads-up passing performs. Along with his dimension, velocity, up-tempo tempo andpure talent, he’s solely starting to scratch the floor by way of manufacturing. He works and evokes these round him by private instance. Future captain with star potential.
Projection: Two-way, second line middle who performs in all conditions.
Fashion compares to: Anton Lundell
22. Nashville Predators
Winger Yegor Surin, Yaroslavl
Highly effective two-way winger with an amazing package deal of dimension, skating potential, hockey smarts and puck abilities. His work ethic has improved dramatically for the reason that begin of the season. Already a world-class skater with nice acceleration, attending to full velocity in two strides. Generates offense by bulling his approach by way of visitors or stickhandling in tight areas. Makes use of his huge physique to maintain defenders on his again and defend the puck. Has a powerful and correct shot – will get nice wrist snap. Additionally has terrific hockey sense and is extremely thought to be a staff chief. Performs with a nasty edge and has bodily presence.
Projection: Nasty, aggressive objective scoring energy winger.
Fashion compares to: Brady Tkachuk
Commerce alert: Maple Leafs, Geese swap picks
The Geese transfer as much as the twenty third spot for the thirty first choose and a second-rounder.
23. Anaheim Geese (by way of Toronto Maple Leafs)
Defenseman Stian Solberg, Vålerenga
Large, sturdy, solidly constructed defenseman performed large minutes in all conditions for Norway on the world junior championships. Has a strong body and might maintain off forecheckers with one hand whereas getting pucks safely as much as his forwards. Bounces off hits and is at all times correct and sharp together with his retailers. Settles down the play in his personal finish when staff begins scrambling. Reveals superb stick placement towards the push. Performs a rugged, bodily recreation in his personal finish, separating opponents from the puck and profitable board battles. Rips arduous wristers from the purpose. Distributes the puck nicely on the facility play.
Projection: Rugged, puck shifting, second pairing defenseman.
Fashion compares to: Braden Schneider