The 2024 NHL draft is going down this weekend. Watch a replay of Spherical 1 right here, and tune in Saturday (11:30 a.m. ET, ESPN+) for Rounds 2-7.
From the primary spherical all the best way to select 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: Remaining 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 is no such thing as a space of the sport the place reliable issues 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 not. His puck safety abilities, willingness to play by contact, spin off defenders and preserve play are qualities that can translate nicely to the NHL. Even with out the puck, he stays a scoring menace as a result of his means to search 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 document meant the Sharks had various areas that wanted to be addressed. Amongst them: top-six ahead assist. Enter Celebrini.
Whereas the chance exists that Celebrini might return to BU for his sophomore 12 months, he may very well be step proper in to the Sharks’ lineup. Since 2005, the forwards who have been chosen with the No. 1 decide performed the subsequent season. It is a listing 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 Faculty 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 extensively thought to be the very best 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 might shortly change into an impactful two-way defenseman within the NHL. He excels at making good first passes, discovering capturing lanes and taking management of the sport from the blue line.
Although nonetheless uncooked defensively, he has great upside as a result of his bodily attributes, glorious skating means and excessive puck battle success charge. Persistently engaged and a play driver at each ends of the ice, he has the potential to shift momentum. Levshunov might 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 received 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 length of the rebuild round Bedard is fully contingent on the gamers with whom they encompass him. To that finish, Levshunov is a big 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 break 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 who may very well be their Victor Hedman. These dynastic Lightning groups have been constructed on offensive stars reminiscent of Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, however they received Cups due to the efforts of Hedman on the again finish. This draft may very well be regarded again on as a vital second of the Bedard Period in Chicago. — Wyshynski
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Artyom Levshunov’s NHL draft profile
Take a look at 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 every other draft-eligible participant within the OHL this season. His means to drive defenders into unhealthy spots and manipulate his manner 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 glorious reads, decisive passing and a top quality shot.
Off the puck, he makes use of his consciousness to win pucks again. Because the season progressed, he turned 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 probably 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 state of affairs 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 can be a participant who offers the Geese another choice of their assault. — Clark
1:08
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: Drugs 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 ability, making him a dominant drive on the junior stage. He successfully makes use of his body to guard the puck, wins battles and performs by contact in difficult areas of the ice. His bodily package deal and skating means make him a formidable opponent on the frenzy and in puck battles. If he continues to develop his means to play by contact, he has the instruments to be a superb energy ahead on the NHL stage. His pace in transition retains defensemen on their heels and he modifies gears to create area.
With out the puck, he reads off his linemates nicely and finds open pockets of area. As a flexible offensive participant, he is aware of when to make use of his physicality to create scoring probabilities or maintain the puck to arrange performs within the offensive zone. Though his harm historical past is a priority, projections point out that Lindstrom might change into a second-line heart with the potential to attain 70 factors over a protracted interval. He might take longer to develop, however a participant along 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 working the desk. He was dismissed as normal supervisor earlier this season, creating a gap for one of many NHL’s most attention-grabbing 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 larger. New GM Don Waddell, who took over the Blue Jackets after leaving the Carolina Hurricanes, had various choices after the Geese shocked the draft by taking Beckett Sennecke third general. They fought some temptation and added Lindstrom. The Drugs 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 coming 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 package deal and is projected to be a top-six difference-maker within the NHL. His dynamic means to create offense combines an excellent launch, elite imaginative and prescient and elite puckhandling abilities, maybe the very best on this draft class. He is larger 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 capturing 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 sooner or later will make the trek to North America. And when he does, he’ll be a part of Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield as one other homegrown participant that is trying to take the Habs again to prominence within the Jap Convention. — Clark
1:07
Celine Dion declares Canadiens’ No. 5 decide in NHL draft
Celine Dion declares 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 severe goal-scoring menace each with and with out the puck. His puck ability steadily improved this season, and he turned a severe offensive menace. When he has possession, Iginla shows glorious puckhandling, sturdy safety, and a launch that surprises goaltenders. He has a novel understanding of learn how to mix aggressive physicality with elite ability, a harmful mixture.
With out the puck, he finds open areas, forechecks tenaciously and reveals the competitiveness his father Jarome was recognized for. Though he wants to enhance his defensive play, his mixture of skating, puck abilities, tenacity and capturing means 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 affect on the NHL stage; in addition to heart Conor Geekie, defenseman Maveric Lamoureux and KHL defensemen Dmitry Simashev and Daniil However.
Armstrong instructed me that Utah would not really feel strain so as to add a “poster on the aspect of the world” stage star for his or her first season in Salt Lake Metropolis, as a result of there is likely to 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 finally assist promote hockey to a brand new fan base. — Wyshynski
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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 must develop the power to facilitate offence to make the most of 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 leap. — Doerrie
Workforce match: Drafting Yakemchuk might show to be an intriguing transfer for a couple of causes. The primary is that this was the primary time in two years the Senators used a first-round decide. It is a bit 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 offers 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 might both signal a brand new deal or the Sens might look to commerce him. Both manner, 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 kind of “get you out of your seats” gamers. He is dynamic with the puck, studying defensive buildings, slicing by protection and a nightmare to defend in one-on-one conditions. His means to control defenders along with his pace and ability 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 ability set, he wants to select his spots a little bit higher to enhance his offensive effectivity. The turnovers will not be going to fly on the NHL stage, and he’ll must develop his means to create offense when he is not in transition. The identical manipulation, stick ability and deception he makes use of on the frenzy 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 varieties. Provided that he understands learn how to put defenders in susceptible postures, it’s not 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 ought to 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. Specifically, a puck-mover who might assist facilitate possession for a group that is struggled to attain targets 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 targets and it led to them selecting Berkly Catton. He addresses their scoring wants offered he scored 54 targets and 116 factors for the Spokane Chiefs final season. If the Kraken choose to maintain Catton at heart, he would be a part of their backbone of the longer term 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 might sometime play alongside Beniers on one of many Kraken’s high two traces 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 through 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 among the best draft-eligible seasons in CHL historical past, which shouldn’t be neglected. His elite four-way mobility permits him to evade opponents and create area effortlessly.
His defensive sport improved all through the OHL season, and whereas it isn’t as strong as some would possibly favor, his skating and hockey sense equip him to defend successfully on the NHL stage. His offensive instincts are innate and type the muse of his play-driving offense. Mix his offensive instincts with demonstrated means to maneuver pucks to harmful areas, create capturing alternatives and get pucks by, and Parekh presents an intriguing package deal. 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 robust 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 along with his skillset of their pipeline, and this picks an awesome 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 enormously enhances his projection. Whereas he is not anticipated to be dynamic within the NHL, his growing offensive abilities recommend he might change into a 35- to 40-point producer.
He skates very nicely, with good edgework and agility, which is obvious in his defensive transitions and his motion alongside the offensive blue line. If he can add energy with out dropping mobility, he might change into a high-minute defenseman within the NHL, able to shutting down the opposition’s finest gamers.
His ground is larger than different high defensive prospects as a result of his confirmed means to achieve the KHL. Scouts are excessive on his skating means, physicality and transition protection. There are issues about his means to learn the play and make good puck selections. He’ll want time to reinforce his means 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 means and a improbable attain. They moved 24-year-old Kevin Bahl, who’s 6-6, for goalie Jacob Markstrom. Silayev greater than matches in as an eventual substitute. He joins Calder Trophy finalist Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec and finally 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 among the finest all-around skating defensemen within the draft, and it’s notably evident in transition. Offensively, he carries the puck with ease, evades defenders, cuts to the center and creates scoring probabilities.
Defensively, he maintains 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 talents 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 frenzy, he can skate himself into hassle and make life extra sophisticated when a less complicated play exists. Within the defensive zone, he will get caught on the incorrect aspect of gamers and makes questionable selections 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 make the most of 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 reminiscent of 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 reminiscent of 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 offers 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: Among the finest 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 frenzy, defending nicely 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 overwhelmed in tight conditions. His puck abilities, mixed with numerous head and shoulder fakes, allow him to create area 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 certainly one of Workforce USA’s finest gamers on the World Juniors as an underage participant, along with being an important 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 top of the 2024-25 school season. — Doerrie
Workforce match: GM Invoice Guerin obtained aggressive right here to pick out Zeev Buium, and rightfully so. Buium has a excessive hockey IQ and could be somebody that may run an NHL energy play, main all NCAA defenseman in factors final season (50). Denver relied on him huge time in profitable the nationwide title this season — he performed 31 minutes towards Boston College within the semifinal and greater than 29 minutes towards Boston Faculty for the title.
He is an affect 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 talents he has proven this season, Luchanko has a greater means to drive play than many imagine. He is a superb two-way participant, a uncommon feat for a really younger participant in a draft class. The mixture 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 by which they’re uncomfortable. His means to dictate the play is eye-opening, beating defenders clear along with his pace whereas being a royal ache to take care of on the forecheck and backcheck. He’s in the midst of the whole lot that occurs, exhibiting off a detail-oriented sport that features consciousness, shiftiness and ability 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 contains 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 possibility.
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 offers the Flyers somebody who initiatives as a two-way possibility who may very well be anchoring one of many traces of a rebuild that took a big step ahead in 2023-24. — Clark
1:23
Legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer calls thirteenth decide for Flyers
Philadelphia native Michael Buffer declares that Jett Luchanko is headed to the Flyers.
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 great defensively, and his play is instantly projectable to the NHL. Offensively, he’s efficient, not flashy. He retrieves pucks, enters the zone with possession, creates area with efficient physique positioning, and depends on his elite hockey sense to make sound selections with the puck. The mixture 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 means 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 can 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 energy is one thing each contender wants. That’s Helenius. If his offense develops, there’s an opportunity he matches 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 might 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 among the most well-rounded gamers within the draft. The mix of grit, ability and in-tight scoring means has scouts believing he’s a Swiss military knife on the NHL stage. There’s perception that he may very well be the very best two-way ahead within the draft not named Celebrini.
Defensively, he could also be the very best ahead within the draft. He’s persistently in the best positions, makes glorious reads in defensive transition and reads off his teammates nicely to help the puck. His means to retrieve pucks, win puck battles, and place his physique in ways in which make is sort of unimaginable to knock him off the puck will solely enhance has he bodily matures and provides energy. He is unafraid to ship a board-shaking physique examine 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. In truth, if there’s a weak point in his defensive sport, I’ve but to search out it.
The disadvantage with Brandsegg-Nygard is that he is not dynamic. His ceiling is not as excessive as different gamers’, however his ground is larger than almost each ahead outdoors of the highest 5. There’s little doubt he can be a middle-six energy ahead who can be deployed to close down opponent’s finest 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 midst of their lineup.” — Doerrie
Workforce match: What’s this? The Pink Wings went into Europe and drafted a participant?
In all seriousness, Brandsegg-Nygard was regarded as somebody who might have gone on this vary, so it wasn’t just like the Pink Wings reached.
Detroit has used two of its most up-to-date first-round picks to get facilities. It is simply that Brandsegg-Nygard offers them one other potential top-six winger. And given how the Wings are at the moment arrange with their ahead depth, Brandsegg-Nygard has 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 beneath the microscope. He is aggressive, makes good puck selections and prompts within the play.
Shedding 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 is just not giant sufficient for a assured projection. The instruments to be an impactful defenseman are there, with good reads, aggressive defensive posture, sturdy 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 make the most of his different abilities. His stride lacks the explosive and aggressive attributes to enrich the remainder of his sport and can hinder his means 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 outdoor 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 invaluable 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 ought to 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 package deal 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 learn how 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 search out open area and arrive on the excellent time. When he will get the puck in area, 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 plenty of photographs in his arsenal. If he can add energy 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 match: Utilizing their first-round picks to pick out top-six forwards they imagine can present a way of offensive consistency going ahead has been the plan for the Caps the previous couple of years. The choice to take Parascak matches inside that dynamic. Parascak was one of some forwards such who might have been picked at this spot.
When the time comes, he’ll be the newest prospect to return by a farm system that has watched its AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, win Calder Cups whereas persevering with to ship the group’s homegrown skills to the NHL. — Clark
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 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 means to complete performs in tight will certainly make him worthy of consideration.
With out the puck, Boisvert remains to be impactful. He tracks again nicely, 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 stability, and he lacks the explosiveness required to create extra space offensively. An improved skating stride with extra energy and higher means to learn defensive protection will enable Boisvert to make the most of his NHL-ready shot and two-way sport. — Doerrie
Workforce match: The belief was that the Blackhawks would go together with a ahead right here after taking Levshunov at second general. Boisvert presents an awesome distinction to the best way Connor Bedard performs at heart — a two-way sport with some physicality. He aspires to be an Evgeni Malkin-like participant within the NHL. Not a foul gamble for the Blackhawks to take, contemplating they have already got their Sidney Crosby. — Wyshynski
Workforce: Tri-Metropolis (USHL) | Rank: 15
DOB: 02/28/06 | Ht: 6-0.25 | Wt: 156 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 52 | G: 31 | A: 47 | P: 78
Scouting notes: On expertise and expertise alone, the mannequin initiatives him to be a top-six ahead with a good probability at a top-line position. There are only some gamers with higher offensive attributes than Connelly, and they’re going to go within the high 10. He leaves quite a bit to be desired defensively however ought to get a wholesome dose of defensive improvement at Windfall Faculty. He’s unlikely to be a two-way participant, and that is not his fashion. His fashion is flash, sprint and pizzazz — a participant with a real “wow” issue.
Connelly has lots of maturing to do on and off the ice. The egocentric main and misconduct on the under-18 championship kick-started the collapse towards Canada within the gold medal sport. Fairly a couple of groups have designated him as “don’t draft” due the data revealed in a narrative from the Athletic. As one NHL head scout put it, “top-10 expertise, bottom-10 character. Cannot do it.”
The definition of high-risk, high-reward for all of the incorrect causes. — Doerrie
Workforce match: There is a chance that the Golden Knights have reached the purpose that they might begin to incorporate prospects as they proceed to problem for the Stanley Cup. It is potential that drafting Connolly might work out certainly one of two methods for the Golden Knights. He may very well be somebody who works his manner into the lineup as a productive winger on a team-friendly deal to assist offset a few of their wage cap points. Or he may very well be utilized in a possible commerce to assist the Golden Knights get a participant they covet.
No matter path the Golden Knights take, it will include the win-at-all prices mentality that is continued to outline them. — Clark
Workforce: USA U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: 9
DOB: 08/29/06 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 195 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 49 | G: 49 | A: 27 | P: 76
Scouting notes: Eiserman is taken into account the very best pure scorer within the draft, although opinions about him range extensively.
His spectacular objective totals with the nationwide group improvement program are exhausting to disregard, but he typically leaves scouts wanting extra. With the very best shot within the draft, his projection suggests he might rating 35-40 targets per season if he reaches his ceiling. As a younger participant within the draft, he has extra runway to enhance his decision-making and develop a well-rounded offensive sport. Whereas habits could be mounted and skating will proceed to enhance, scoring instincts and the power to catch and launch the puck from awkward positions are innate, and Eiserman excels in each areas.
There are occasions he tries to do an excessive amount of with the puck, resulting in turnovers and compelled photographs — habits that may frustrate scouts and coaches. Regardless of this, his potential as a 40-goal scorer is simple if developed with persistence. The mannequin is assured he’ll produce on the NHL stage in a top-six position. Eiserman has the expertise to be an even-strength scorer, power-play asset and most significantly, a difference-maker. — Doerrie
Workforce match: Go away it to Lou Lamoriello to punch consensus within the face. Cole Eiserman is among the finest goal-scorers within the draft, whose inventory had fallen as a result of criticisms of his defensive sport. The Islanders actually wanted an infusion of high-end offensive expertise of their prospect pool. Eiserman is the embodiment of the “you may’t educate offense” mindset. — Wyshynski
Workforce: Chicago (USHL) | Rank: 18
DOB: 04/14/06 | Ht: 6-0.5 | Wt: 187 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 54 | G: 33 | A: 42 | P: 75
Scouting notes: A giant, right-handed heart who’s a twin menace within the offensive zone and confirmed one of the vital promising improvement curves of the season? Verify. Verify. Verify. A dynamic transitioner of the puck, Hage is a cerebral participant who picks aside defensive schemes in transition with ease. He will get the puck off the wall to the harmful areas of the ice higher than most gamers within the draft.
The deceptiveness of his shot and the array of photographs in his arsenal makes him equally harmful with and with out the puck. He can pull the puck and hearth it by defenders as simply as he receives the puck and releases in a single movement. A heady participant, Hage understands learn how to manipulate defenders and open capturing lanes up. If he can add a step to his tempo, he’ll have the ability to make the most of the compromising positions he places defenders in.
There are a lot of components of Hage’s sport that scouts love outdoors of his bodily items. He wins puck battles, will get to the web entrance and makes his teammates higher. He’ll develop exhausting ability by bettering his means to take contact and use it to his benefit. The main points of his sport are a robust level. He helps the puck nicely, and his means to affect the sport will solely enhance as his skating takes a step. The mannequin sees him as a middle-six participant with an outdoor probability at hitting his second-line ceiling. — Doerrie
Workforce match: After taking Demidov at No. 5, the Canadiens used their second first-round decide to take one other ahead in Hage. The expectation with Hage is that he might give them a two-way heart for the longer term.
Hypothetically talking, the Canadiens won’t be in any rush, as they’re arrange with Nick Suzuki and Alex Newhook down the center for no less than three extra years. Hage will spend subsequent season taking part in on the College of Michigan which has just lately developed various facilities reminiscent of Matty Beniers, Thomas Bordeleau and Brendan Brisson, amongst others. — Clark
Workforce: Yaroslavl Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.) | Rank: 44
DOB: 08/01/06 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 192 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 43 | G: 23 | A: 30 | P: 53
Workforce match: Barry Trotz goes ahead first once more, after deciding on Matthew Wooden at No. 15 final season. Yegor Surin’s inventory reportedly shot up after taking part in agent Dan Milstein’s camp in Fort Lauderdale in the course of the Stanley Cup Remaining.
He actually matches the Predators’ id beneath Trotz and head coach Andrew Brunette of compete stage up entrance. — Wyshynski
Workforce: Valerenga (NORWAY) | Rank: 36
DOB: 12/29/05 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 194 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 42 | G: 5 | A: 10 | P: 15
Workforce match: Solberg offers the Geese one other defensemen for the longer term in a farm system by which blueliners are in extra. They have already got Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger, plus Tristan Luneau. However additionally they have a pair of defenseman older than 32 in Cam Fowler and Radko Gudas.
In brief order, the Geese might probably have 5 homegrown defensemen, or they might look to maneuver certainly one of them sooner or later if it will probably assist them swing a deal to handle one other space of the roster. — Clark
Workforce: Barrie (OHL) | Rank: 32
DOB: 04/24/06 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 209 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 67 | G: 28 | A: 34 | P: 62
Scouting notes: Mix an elite motor, good two-way play and a wholesome dose of compete, Cole Beaudoin is just a gamer. If I used to be giving every draft-eligible a superlative or vibe, Beaudoin’s can be “gamer.” The mannequin is decrease on him than this rating, however the perception that he ought to change into a bottom-six participant that checks nicely, kills penalties and produce power to the lineup.
A giant, sturdy participant who could also be best on the wing on the NHL stage, Beaudoin reads the play nicely, will get into site visitors, wins almost each puck battle and grinds opponents down. There is no such thing as a OHL participant who enjoys going into the nook with him — and quite a lot of got here out worse for put on. He is obtained the energy and want to be an impactful bodily participant within the NHL. If his skating continues to enhance, there’s cause to imagine he has a better ceiling than present projections point out. Utah will want a extra affected person strategy with him, however added tempo might see him leap right into a third-line position as a participant coaches belief implicitly. — Doerrie
Workforce match: GM Invoice Armstrong had a treasure trove of draft picks and determined to dip into them swap with Colorado, sending the thirty eighth, 71st and the Rangers’ 2025 second-rounder to the Avalanche. That is as a result of it was extensively anticipated that the Bruins have been going to pick out Cole Beaudoin with the subsequent choice.
Utah will get a robust heart that performs with bodily tenacity, a puck-swarming ahead that matches in nicely on the UHC depth chart. — Wyshynski
Workforce: St. Andrews Faculty (HIGH-ON) | Rank: 34
DOB: 02/21/06 | Ht: 6-6 | Wt: 210 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 56 | G: 61 | A: 66 | P: 127
Workforce match: Letourneau offers the Bruins excessive dimension down the center. The actual fact he scored greater than 60 targets and 127 factors proves there’s offensive upside, too.
He’ll attend Boston Faculty beginning in 2025, so the Bruins can maintain a detailed eye on his improvement. Maybe essentially the most fascinating half is that the Bruins are hoping to strike it wealthy with Letourneau given they’ve solely had 4 draft picks since 2018 which have reached the NHL. — Clark
Workforce: Windsor (OHL) | Rank: 16
DOB: 01/01/06 | Ht: 6-2.25 | Wt: 207 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 64 | G: 36 | A: 54 | P: 90
Scouting notes: Greentree has many attributes that scouts love — he performs in the midst of the ice, sees the ice very nicely, is an adept playmaker and a throwback construct within the fashion of an influence ahead. He ranks extremely throughout the board from his bodily sport to his hockey sense to his high-end playmaking. He lacks in crucial, but most simply improvable, space: skating. Have been Greentree a median or barely above common skater, he probably would’ve been a top-10 decide as a result of he is that good within the different areas of his sport.
Greentree was successfully a one-man present on a rebuilding Windsor group. His manufacturing is probably going 20% higher on a group that does not end close to the underside of the OHL standings. Not solely is he a top quality offensive driver, however he’s additionally dependable defensively. He will get himself in good positions, wins puck battles and routinely outmuscles opponents everywhere in the ice. He is enjoyable to observe since you marvel how he’s as efficient as he’s along with his skating deficiencies.
Scouts and executives have expressed an admiration for his sport. His puckhandling, imaginative and prescient and shot make him an issue to take care of within the offensive zone. There are lots of instruments to work with and would not be the primary prospect to enhance his skating after being drafted. The issue with Greentree’s skating is that it’s sufficient of a priority in in the present day’s league that if it would not enhance, he might not have the ability to sustain. Functionally huge and expert energy wingers are exhausting to search out these days and Greentree is precisely that. If he does add a step or two to his sport, there’s an actual probability he is a top-six level producer on the NHL stage. — Doerrie
Workforce match: The Kings picked up this decide when Montreal traded as much as No. 21 to pick out heart Michael Hage. Greentree was captain of the Windsor Spitfires, and has a giant physique and a wise offensive sport.
He joins a gaggle of younger forwards with the Kings that features burgeoning star Quinton Byfield, Alex Laferriere and hopefully Alex Turcotte, who hasn’t developed as shortly because the others. Most significantly, Liam Greentree wore No. 66 within the OHL and would mechanically change into our favourite participant if he had the audacity of carrying Mario Lemieux’s sacred digits within the NHL. — Wyshynski
Workforce: Brantford (OHL) | Rank: HM
DOB: 04/12/06 | Ht: 6-0.5 | Wt: 174 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 68 | G: 36 | A: 46 | P: 82
Workforce match: It merely wasn’t sufficient to draft Levshunov and Boisvert within the first spherical. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson traded as much as get the twenty seventh decide to get Mark Vanacker, a call that provides to what they imagine is a vivid future.
Vanacker offers the Blackhawks a winger they might probably see on the NHL stage in a couple of years time. Whereas their rebuild begins and ends with Bedard, getting Vanacker means the Blackhawks have used seven first-round picks to draft forwards since 2020. — Clark
Workforce: Muskegon (USHL) | Rank: HM
DOB: 03/01/06 | Ht: 6-1.25 | Wt: 182 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 60 | G: 38 | A: 45 | P: 83
Workforce match: The Flames acquired this decide within the Elias Lindholm commerce with the Canucks. Lose a ahead, acquire a ahead. Gridin led the USHL in factors with 83 factors in 60 video games, giving the rebuilding-and-or-retooling Flames one other sturdy offensive winger.
One other Russian participant who was spotlighted on the Dan Milstein camp in the course of the Stanley Cup Remaining, he has a giant body for an agile skater. He is College of Michigan-bound, and the Flames will gladly anticipate his abilities to sharpen within the NCAA. — Wyshynski
Workforce: TPS (FINLAND) | Rank: 25
DOB: 06/27/06 | Ht: 6-0.75 | Wt: 201 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 40 | G: 7 | A: 4 | P: 11
Scouting notes: Hemming is a enjoyable matter of dialogue amongst scouts. He is thought-about to have a really excessive ground and decrease offensive ceiling. The mannequin sees him becoming in fairly nicely as a third-line ahead who can contribute offensively. Hemming is among the few gamers by which the mannequin predicts he has greater than an 80% probability of taking part in 200 NHL video games with lower than a ten% probability of turning into a star — true “secure” vibes.
He is a robust two-way participant with a top quality launch that borders on being a separating ability. He can shoot off each legs, off stability and in lots of catch and launch positions. He is a menace to attain from distance, will get pucks by defenders and might rating when he drives the web. He understands learn how to use contact to his benefit, wins puck battles, is in glorious spots off the puck and by no means cheats defensively. These exhausting abilities ought to simply translate right into a bottom-six position, and he is probably prepared for the AHL subsequent season.
Offensively, there have been flashes of fine puck distribution and hockey sense. Nevertheless, he’s reliant on his capturing means and two-way play. If he can add a step to his skating, there’s reliable upside as an influence ahead who contributes 40-50 factors per season, taking part in on a high penalty-killing unit and secondary power-play unit. The ceiling is not as excessive as that of different gamers, however he’s way more prone to play significant video games. — Doerrie
Workforce match: Regardless of who the Stars chosen at No. 29, the decide was going to be met with the expectation that they might be the newest success story in Dallas’ prospect pipeline. So the actual fact they took Emil Hemming solely provides to the idea that he may very well be the subsequent prospect who would possibly have the ability to contribute shortly.
He had 11 targets and 18 factors in 13 video games whereas taking part in towards under-20 competitors in Finland, whereas scoring seven targets and 11 factors in 40 factors towards older competitors in Liiga, the very best stage of hockey within the nation. — Clark
Workforce: USA U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: 28
DOB: 03/30/06 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 185 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 53 | G: 0 | A: 11 | P: 11
Scouting notes: EJ Emery has the makings of an impactful defenseman who can anchor a second pairing. Emery is an ideal complementary piece to an elite offensive defenseman who wants a dependable accomplice to reinforce their sport.
Emery is a high transition defenseman, whose one-on-one defensive play stands out. He maintains glorious posture, successfully makes use of his keep on with information opponents, take away passes and poke pucks off opponent’s sticks. In transition, he maintains good hole management, would not enable attackers to beat him to the skin and forces them to relinquish the puck. When the sport wants a chilled presence, the opponent’s finest gamers stored off the scoresheet and a top quality defensive play, Emery is that participant. From that perspective, he’s a coach’s dream. His defensive improvement this season has me believing he’ll proceed to enhance and certain change into among the best defenders within the draft class.
Offensively, there’s not quite a bit there. That is not Emery’s calling card. That’s probably why the mannequin would not challenge him to be greater than a second-pairing defenseman. He makes easy breakout passes and would not get caught up ice. Whereas that’s usually regarding, as a scarcity of offense on the junior stage results in a much less assured statistical projection, his means to defend in all three zones, skate nicely, and win bodily battles ought to make him a top-four defenseman within the NHL. — Doerrie
Workforce match: There was a way forward of the draft that if the Rangers stored this decide, they have been going protection. They chose a stable one right here.
EJ Emery is a right-handed shot who skates nicely and has a robust bodily sport with out chasing hits. He initiatives to be a top-four defenseman. It is not troublesome to see Emery as a protégé for Rangers standout Ok’Andre Miller on the NHL stage, and part of that blue line with youthful Rangers like Miller and Braden Schneider. — Wyshynski
Workforce: Oshawa (OHL) | Rank: HM
DOB: 02/06/06 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 188 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 64 | G: 1 | A: 32 | P: 33
Workforce match: Buying and selling down created questions on what the Leafs would do with the second-to-last decide of the primary spherical. They answered by drafting defenseman Ben Danford.
He gives them with a participant who might assist strengthen the blue line within the Leafs’ farm system. As a group pushing for titles, the Leafs are up towards the wage cap annually, so having a participant who might help within the close to future on an entry-level deal is a lift. — Clark
Workforce: London (OHL) | Rank: HM
DOB: 03/30/06 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 178 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 68 | G: 20 | A: 36 | P: 56
Workforce match: The Oilers acquired this decide from the Flyers, who acquired it from the Panthers within the Claude Giroux commerce, so it is good to see Edmonton lastly take one thing that belonged to Florida.
Edmonton was prepared to mortgage a first-rounder in both 2025 or 2026 for Sam O’Reilly, who earned his stripes as an incredible defender however had 56 factors in 68 video games for the London Knights final season. And that is actually the important thing right here: O’Reilly went by the Hunter brothers system in London, which means he is prepped to be an NHL participant.
Edmonton CEO Jeff Jackson, working the hockey operations present now that Ken Holland parted methods, has at all times been a fan of London GM Mark Hunter. Suppose we’ll learn how huge that fandom is now that the Oilers want a normal supervisor. Keep tuned. — Wyshynski
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