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 property 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
Staff: 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 any space of the sport the place reliable considerations exist. Merely put, he doesn’t have a weak level. He excels as a size of the ice participant, making important contributions on each ends.
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 via contact, spin off defenders and preserve play are qualities that may translate nicely to the NHL. Even with out the puck, he stays a scoring risk as a consequence of his capacity to seek out open areas, retains his stick away from defenders and releases the puck rapidly. — Doerrie
Staff 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 report meant the Sharks had a variety of areas that wanted to be addressed. Amongst them: top-six ahead assist. Enter Celebrini.
Whereas the likelihood exists that Celebrini might return to BU for his sophomore 12 months, he might step proper in to the Sharks’ lineup. Since 2005, the forwards who had been chosen with the No. 1 choose performed the following season. It is a record that features Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid and final 12 months’s No. 1 choose, 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 choose in Will Smith, who’s leaving Boston School after one season after signing his entry-level contract with the Sharks. — Clark
Staff: 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 considered one of the 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 growth has led scouts to consider he might rapidly grow to be 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 as a consequence of his bodily attributes, wonderful skating capacity and excessive puck battle success charge. Constantly engaged and a play driver at each ends of the ice, he has the potential to shift momentum. Levshunov might grow to be a top-pairing defenseman who dictates play in transition and tilts the ice in his group’s favor. — Doerrie
Staff 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 Yr 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 completely 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 impressive 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 could possibly be their Victor Hedman. These dynastic Lightning groups had been constructed on offensive stars akin to Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, however they received Cups due to the efforts of Hedman on the again finish. This draft could possibly be seemed again on as a vital second of the Bedard period in Chicago. — Wyshynski
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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.
Staff: 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 tough 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 capacity to drive defenders into unhealthy spots and manipulate his method round them is terrifying. Not solely is he a risk in tight conditions, however he is additionally a risk in transition. The puck follows him across the ice, and he slices defensive protection with ease via wonderful 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 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. He is not 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 could be a little excessive for me, it’s straightforward to know why scouts consider Sennecke could possibly be a top-line participant. — Doerrie
Staff match: As soon as once more, Geese basic supervisor Pat Verbeek went in a little bit of an surprising course by taking Sennecke. The Geese had been in a little bit of a difficult 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 enjoying 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 will probably be a participant who provides the Geese another choice of their assault. — Clark
1:08
Beckett Sennecke has wonderful response to being drafted No. 3 by the Geese
Beckett Sennecke is chosen by the Anaheim Geese with the No. 3 choose within the 2024 NHL draft.
Staff: 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 velocity, 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 via contact in difficult areas of the ice. His bodily bundle and skating capacity make him a formidable opponent on the push and in puck battles. If he continues to develop his capacity to play via contact, he has the instruments to be a superb energy ahead on the NHL stage. His velocity 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 damage historical past is a priority, projections point out that Lindstrom might grow to be 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
Staff match: That is the primary Blue Jackets draft since 2012 that did not have Jarmo Kekalainen operating the desk. He was dismissed as basic 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 achievement is low and the expertise within the prospect pool is excessive.
It simply received greater. New GM Don Waddell, who took over the Blue Jackets after leaving the Carolina Hurricanes, had a variety of 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 choose 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 following 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
Staff: 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 entire bundle and is projected to be a top-six difference-maker within the NHL. His dynamic capacity to create offense combines an impressive launch, elite imaginative and prescient and elite puckhandling abilities, maybe one of the best 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 risk. He drives the center from the skin and persistently will get himself to the damaging 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
Staff 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 had been able to take a ahead final 12 months however handed on Matvei Michkov earlier than taking defenseman David Reinbacher. With Reinbacher being the choose final season, he added to a defensive setup that already included Kaiden Guhle, Logan Mailloux and Jayden Struble.
Concentrating on defensemen the previous few years created that opening to take a ahead for the second time in three years, having chosen Juraj Slafkovsky with the No. 1 choose 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 part of Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield as one other homegrown participant who’s trying to take the Habs again to prominence within the Japanese Convention. — Clark
1:07
Celine Dion declares Canadiens’ No. 5 choose in NHL draft
Celine Dion declares the Montreal Canadiens’ fifth general choose, Ivan Demidov.
Staff: 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 offensive instincts and deadly wrist shot make him a critical goal-scoring risk with and with out the puck. His puck ability steadily improved this season, and he grew to become a critical offensive risk. When he has possession, Iginla shows wonderful puckhandling, robust 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 displays the competitiveness his father Jarome was recognized for. Though he wants to enhance defensively, his mixture of skating, puck abilities, tenacity and taking pictures capacity ought to allow him to contribute persistently in a top-six position, with a ceiling of a top-line winger. — Doerrie
Staff match: When the Arizona Coyotes had been offered to Smith Leisure Group and relocated to Utah, their historical past did not include them. So that is the primary choose 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 all the time been his work in scouting and drafting. That is enabled Utah to have gamers akin to ahead Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther, who made an influence on the NHL stage, in addition to heart Conor Geekie, defenseman Maveric Lamoureux and KHL defensemen Dmitry Simashev and Daniil However.
Armstrong advised me that Utah would not really feel stress so as to add a “poster on the aspect of the sector” stage star for its first season in Salt Lake Metropolis, as a result of there is likely to be some within the group who might match that position. It may need one other in Tij Iginla. He is received the hockey legacy of his Corridor of Fame father and his personal high-end expertise. Iginla is a perfect choice given the membership’s 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.
Staff: 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 facility play from the purpose, however he must develop the flexibility to facilitate offense to benefit from his shot within the NHL. He manipulates defenders with wonderful fingers, fakes and sheer energy. The dearth 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 depart a mark. He will get caught puck-watching or stepping out of place to be bodily. He lacks the skating step to catch opponents after they beat him in these conditions, an space he must develop earlier than making the soar. — Doerrie
Staff match: Drafting Yakemchuk might 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 choose. 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 previous seven campaigns.
That stated, Yakemchuk provides it a younger defenseman who provides to a bunch 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 commerce him. Both method, they’re going to have choices, and getting Yakemchuk will now play a giant position in that dynamic. — Clark
Staff: 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, reads defensive constructions, slices via protection and is a nightmare to defend in one-on-one conditions. His capacity to control defenders together with his velocity 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 visitors.
As is the case with any participant of this ability set, he wants to select his spots slightly higher to enhance his offensive effectivity. The turnovers will not be going to fly on the NHL stage, and he’ll must develop his capacity to create offense when he isn’t in transition. The identical manipulation, stick ability 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 risk with a promising arsenal of releases and shot sorts. Provided that he understands learn how to put defenders in susceptible postures, it’s not a stretch to consider his offensive sport will proceed to enhance. I am undecided he is a middle within the NHL, however the dynamic twin risk must be an entertaining participant to look at for years. — Doerrie
Staff match: Coming into the draft, the narrative surrounding the Kraken was that they wanted to draft a defenseman. Particularly, 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 could possibly 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 supplied he scored 54 targets and 116 factors for the Spokane Chiefs final season. If the Kraken decide to maintain Catton at heart, he’ll be part of their backbone of the longer term that features Matty Beniers and Shane Wright. However there’s an opportunity he could possibly 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
Staff: 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-four offensive catalyst with an over 80% probability of enjoying 200-plus NHL video games.
Proper-handed offensive dynamos are uncommon and infrequently out there 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 top-of-the-line draft-eligible seasons in CHL historical past, which shouldn’t be missed. 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 is not as strong as some may choose, his skating and hockey sense equip him to defend successfully on the NHL stage. His offensive instincts are innate and kind the muse of his play-driving offense. Mix his offensive instincts with demonstrated capacity to maneuver pucks to harmful areas, create taking pictures alternatives and get pucks via, and Parekh presents an intriguing bundle. His ceiling is the very best amongst defensemen within the draft, confidently projecting him as an impactful top-four defenseman over a prolonged NHL profession. — Doerrie
Staff match: The choose wasn’t Tij Iginla and that is going to be a bummer for lots of Flames followers. However Zayne Parekh is a strong alternative and a participant 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 holding onto others (like reportedly, Nazem Kadri). They’ve some high quality younger gamers up entrance akin to 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 who 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 ability set of their pipeline, and this choose is a good one for Calgary. — Wyshynski
Staff: 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 important minutes for one of many KHL’s higher groups, a rarity at age 17, and this drastically enhances his projection. Whereas he is not anticipated to be dynamic within the NHL, his creating offensive abilities recommend he might grow to be a 35- to 40-point producer.
He skates very nicely, with good edgework and agility, which is clear in his defensive transitions and his motion alongside the offensive blue line. If he can add energy with out dropping mobility, he might grow to be a high-minute defenseman within the NHL, able to shutting down the opposition’s finest gamers.
His ground is greater than different high defensive prospects as a consequence of his confirmed capacity to achieve the KHL. Scouts are excessive on his skating capacity, physicality and transition protection. There are considerations about his capacity to learn the play and make good puck choices. He’ll want time to reinforce his capacity to facilitate breakouts, transition offense and skim stress. —Doerrie
Staff match: There was loads of hypothesis that the Devils would transfer this choose — it was actually in play within the hours main as much as the draft. However New Jersey stored it and added to the deepest a part of its prospect pool: the blue line.
Anton Silayev is a 6-7 mountain, a defensive defenseman who has great skating capacity and a incredible 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 finally Seamus Casey because the defensive foundations for years to come back. — Wyshynski
Staff: 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 without doubt one of the finest 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 probabilities.
Defensively, he maintains an excellent hole, matches opponent’s velocity 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 tasks 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 bother and make life extra sophisticated when an easier play exists. Within the defensive zone, he will get caught on the unsuitable aspect of gamers and makes questionable choices with the puck after he wins a battle. He is a strong athlete who will play within the NHL, however time will inform if he can develop his consciousness and reads to benefit from his abilities and grow to be a difference-maker. — Doerrie
Staff match: When the Sharks traded as much as No. 11 on Thursday, it got here with the expectation that they had been going to make use of that choose 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 by the point the Sharks picked at 11, as defensemen akin to Zeev Buium and Sam Dickinson had been nonetheless out there when it got here time for his or her second choose of the primary spherical. They selected Dickinson, who provides them a large defenseman who can’t solely serve in a top-pairing position however will also be on the controls of an influence play. An influence play that within the coming years could possibly be led by Celebrini, Smith, Dickinson and Eklund. — Clark
Staff: 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: The most effective defensemen in faculty hockey this season, Buium is confidently projected as a top-four defenseman within the NHL. He persistently stands out by becoming a member of the push, defending nicely in transition and excelling in man-to-man protection in his personal zone. He is an elite two-way defenseman on the faculty stage and is probably going probably the most environment friendly puck mover on this draft class. He reveals 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 wonderful 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 one in all Staff USA’s finest 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 could possibly be prepared for the NHL by the tip of the 2024-25 faculty season. — Doerrie
Staff match: GM Invoice Guerin received aggressive right here to pick out 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 trusted 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 influence participant and the very best defenseman the Wild have taken since Matt Dumba at seventh general in 2012. — Wyshynski
Staff: 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 capacity to drive play than many consider. He is a superb two-way participant, a uncommon feat for a really younger participant in a draft class. The mixture of manufacturing, growth 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 grow to be 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 during which they’re uncomfortable. His capacity to dictate the play is eye-opening, beating defenders clear together with his velocity whereas being a royal ache to cope with on the forecheck and backcheck. He’s in the midst of every little thing that occurs, exhibiting off a detail-oriented sport that features consciousness, shiftiness and ability that scouts love. — Doerrie
Staff match: Buying and selling right down to No. 13 earned some further 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 had 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 after they took Jay O’Brien, who they didn’t signal (and earned a compensatory choose this 12 months for it). Previous to that, It was 2017 after they took Nolan Patrick with the second choose and Morgan Frost at 27. Patrick was traded, whereas Frost stays with the membership. Luchanko provides the Flyers somebody who tasks as a two-way possibility who could possibly 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 choose for Flyers
Philadelphia native Michael Buffer declares that Jett Luchanko is headed to the Flyers.
Staff: 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 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 choices offensively. 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 capacity 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, length-of-the-ice participant who will probably 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 suits the mould of a Joel Eriksson Ek or Elias Lindholm sort of participant. — Doerrie
Staff match: The Sabres traded down this week, buying the Devils’ No. 42 general choose of their flip-flop with the Sharks. Helenius is a strong 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
Staff: 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 without doubt one of the most well-rounded gamers within the draft. The mix of grit, ability and in-tight scoring capacity has scouts believing he’s a Swiss Military knife on the NHL stage. There’s perception that he could possibly be one of the best two-way ahead within the draft not named Celebrini.
Defensively, he could also be one of the best ahead within the draft. He’s persistently in the fitting positions, makes wonderful reads in defensive transition and reads off his teammates nicely to help the puck. His capacity to retrieve pucks, win puck battles and place his physique in ways in which make it practically not possible 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. 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 ground is greater than practically each ahead outdoors of the highest 5. There’s little doubt he will probably be a middle-six energy ahead who will probably 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
Staff match: What’s this? The Purple Wings went into Europe and drafted a participant?
In all seriousness, Brandsegg-Nygard was regarded as a participant who might 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 it one other potential top-six winger. And given how the Wings are presently arrange with their ahead depth, Brandsegg-Nygard has an excellent probability to interrupt onto the scene within the close to future. — Clark
Staff: 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 underneath the microscope. He is aggressive, makes good puck choices and prompts within the play.
Shedding practically a full season of growth throughout probably the most essential years makes for a harder analysis and mannequin projection. Jiricek’s numbers are very risky, 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, robust puck retrieval abilities and physicality. He wants the skating, which clearly took a developmental hit when he tore an 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 capacity 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 inexperienced and misplaced practically a 12 months of growth to his damage. There’s a actual probability he turns into a second-pairing defenseman and an outdoor shot on the high pair. — Doerrie
Staff 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 alternative. He gained nice expertise enjoying within the Czech league, and as a right-shot defenseman he is a worthwhile 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 received some upside. — Wyshynski
Staff: 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 risk 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 seek out open area and arrive on the good 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 pictures 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 participant who can ignite an influence play. — Doerrie
Staff match: Utilizing their first-round picks to pick out top-six forwards they consider can present a way of offensive consistency going ahead has been the plan for the Caps the previous few years. The choice to take Parascak suits inside that dynamic. Parascak was one of some forwards who might have been picked at this spot.
When the time comes, he’ll be the newest prospect to come back via 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
Staff: 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 it, he’s a risk. He will get pucks via layers with accuracy and has wonderful fingers to complete performs on the internet entrance. There’s cause to consider his misleading launch will switch to the NHL stage, but when it doesn’t, his capacity 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 onerous hits to separate gamers from the puck. There is a noticeable edge to his sport that may 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 capacity to learn defensive protection will permit Boisvert to benefit from his NHL-ready shot and two-way sport. — Doerrie
Staff match: The idea was that the Blackhawks would go along with a ahead right here after taking Levshunov at second general. Boisvert provides an excellent 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
Staff: 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 tasks him to be a top-six ahead with a good probability at a top-line position. There are just a few 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 growth at Windfall School. He’s unlikely to be a two-way participant, and that is not his model. His model is flash, sprint and pizzazz — a participant with a real wow issue.
Connelly has a variety of maturing to do on and off the ice. The egocentric main and misconduct on the under-18 championship kick-started the collapse in opposition to Canada within the gold medal sport. Fairly a number of groups have designated him as “don’t draft” due the knowledge 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 unsuitable causes. — Doerrie
Staff match: There is a risk that the Golden Knights have reached the purpose that they may begin to incorporate prospects as they proceed to problem for the Stanley Cup. It is doable that drafting Connolly might work out one in all two methods for the Golden Knights. He could possibly be a participant who works his method into the lineup as a productive winger on a team-friendly deal to assist offset a few of their wage cap points. Or he could possibly 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
Staff: 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 one of the best pure scorer within the draft, although opinions about him differ broadly.
His spectacular objective totals with the nationwide group growth program are onerous to disregard, but he usually leaves scouts wanting extra. With one of the best shot within the draft, his projection suggests he might rating 35 to 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 will be mounted and skating will proceed to enhance, scoring instincts and the flexibility 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 pictures — 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
Staff match: Go away it to Lou Lamoriello to punch consensus within the face. Cole Eiserman is without doubt one of the finest goal-scorers within the draft, whose inventory had fallen as a consequence 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 train offense” mindset. — Wyshynski
Staff: 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 risk within the offensive zone and confirmed one of the vital promising growth 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 damaging areas of the ice higher than most gamers within the draft.
The deceptiveness of his shot and the array of pictures in his arsenal makes him equally harmful with and with out the puck. He can pull the puck and fireplace it via 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 up taking pictures lanes. If he can add a step to his tempo, he’ll be capable of benefit from the compromising positions he places defenders in.
There are various 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 onerous ability by enhancing his capacity 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 capacity to influence 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
Staff match: After taking Demidov at No. 5, the Canadiens used their second first-round choose 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 enjoying on the College of Michigan which has not too long ago developed a variety of facilities akin to Matty Beniers, Thomas Bordeleau and Brendan Brisson, amongst others. — Clark
Staff: 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
Staff match: Barry Trotz goes ahead first once more, after choosing 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 through the Stanley Cup Remaining.
He actually suits the Predators’ id underneath Trotz and head coach Andrew Brunette of compete stage up entrance. — Wyshynski
Staff: 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
Staff match: Solberg provides the Geese one other defensemen for the longer term in a farm system during 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 may look to maneuver one in all them sooner or later if it might assist them swing a deal to handle one other space of the roster. — Clark
Staff: 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 had been giving every draft-eligible a superlative or vibe, Beaudoin’s could be “gamer.” The mannequin is decrease on him than this rating, however the perception that he ought to grow to be a bottom-six participant that checks nicely, kills penalties and produce vitality to the lineup.
A giant, robust participant who could also be best on the wing on the NHL stage, Beaudoin reads the play nicely, will get into visitors, wins practically each puck battle and grinds opponents down. There isn’t any OHL participant who enjoys going into the nook with him — and quite a lot of got here out worse for put on. He is received the energy and need to be an impactful bodily participant within the NHL. If his skating continues to enhance, there’s cause to consider he has the next ceiling than present projections point out. Utah will want a extra affected person strategy with him, however added tempo might see him soar right into a third-line position as a participant coaches belief implicitly. — Doerrie
Staff 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 broadly anticipated that the Bruins had been going to pick out Beaudoin with the following choice.
Utah will get a robust heart who performs with bodily tenacity, a puck-swarming ahead that matches in nicely on the UHC depth chart. — Wyshynski
Staff: St. Andrews School (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
Staff match: Letourneau provides 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 School beginning in 2025, so the Bruins can maintain a detailed eye on his growth. Maybe probably 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 who’ve reached the NHL. — Clark
Staff: 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 model 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 doubtless would’ve been a top-10 choose 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 look at since you marvel how he’s as efficient as he’s together 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 cope with within the offensive zone. There are a variety 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 at present’s league that if it would not enhance, he could not be capable of sustain. Functionally massive and expert energy wingers are onerous to seek out these days, and Greentree is strictly that. If he does add a step or two to his sport, there is a good probability he is a top-six level producer on the NHL stage. — Doerrie
Staff match: The Kings picked up this choose 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 bunch of younger forwards with the Kings that features burgeoning star Quinton Byfield, Alex Laferriere and hopefully Alex Turcotte, who hasn’t developed as rapidly because the others. Most significantly, Liam Greentree wore No. 66 within the OHL and would mechanically grow to be our favourite participant if he had the audacity of carrying Mario Lemieux’s sacred digits within the NHL. — Wyshynski
Staff: 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
Staff 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 choose to take Mark Vanacker, a choice that provides to what they consider is a vivid future.
Vanacker provides the Blackhawks a winger they may probably see on the NHL stage in a number of years. 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
Staff: 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
Staff match: The Flames acquired this choose within the Elias Lindholm commerce with the Canucks. Lose a ahead, acquire a ahead. Gridin led the USHL in factors with 83 in 60 video games, giving the rebuilding-and-or-retooling Flames one other robust offensive winger.
One other Russian participant who was spotlighted on the Dan Milstein camp through the Stanley Cup Remaining, he has a giant body for an agile skater. He is College of Michigan-bound, and the Flames will gladly watch for his abilities to sharpen within the NCAA. — Wyshynski
Staff: 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 of 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 without doubt one of the few gamers who the mannequin predicts he has greater than an 80% probability of enjoying 200 NHL video games with lower than a ten% probability of turning into a star — true “protected” 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-release positions. He is a risk to attain from distance, will get pucks via defenders and may rating when he drives the web. He understands learn how to use contact to his benefit, wins puck battles, is in wonderful spots off the puck and by no means cheats defensively. These onerous abilities ought to simply translate right into a bottom-six position, and he is doubtless prepared for the AHL subsequent season.
Offensively, there have been flashes of excellent puck distribution and hockey sense. Nevertheless, he’s reliant on his taking pictures capacity and two-way play. If he can add a step to his skating, there’s reliable upside as an influence ahead who contributes 40 to 50 factors per season, enjoying 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 much more more likely to play significant video games. — Doerrie
Staff match: Regardless of who the Stars chosen at No. 29, the choose was going to be met with the expectation that they’d be the newest success story in Dallas’ prospect pipeline. So the actual fact they took Emil Hemming solely provides to the assumption that he could possibly be the following prospect who may be capable of contribute rapidly.
He had 11 targets and 18 factors in 13 video games whereas enjoying in opposition to under-20 competitors in Finland, whereas scoring seven targets and 11 factors in 40 factors in opposition to older competitors in Liiga, the very best stage of hockey within the nation. — Clark
Staff: 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: 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 enhance their sport.
Emery is a high transition defenseman, whose one-on-one defensive play stands out. He maintains wonderful posture, successfully makes use of his persist with information opponents, takes away passes and pokes pucks off opponent’s sticks. In transition, he maintains good hole management, would not permit 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 growth this season has me believing he’ll proceed to enhance and certain grow to be top-of-the-line defenders within the draft class.
Offensively, there’s not quite a bit there. That is not Emery’s calling card. That’s doubtless 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 typically regarding, as a scarcity of offense on the junior stage results in a much less assured statistical projection, his capacity to defend in all three zones, skate nicely and win bodily battles ought to make him a top-four defenseman within the NHL. — Doerrie
Staff match: There was a way forward of the draft that if the Rangers stored this choose, they had been going protection. They chose a strong one right here.
Emery is a right-handed shot who skates nicely and has a robust bodily sport with out chasing hits. He tasks to be a top-four defenseman. It isn’t tough to see Emery as a protégé for Rangers standout Okay’Andre Miller on the NHL stage, and part of that blue line with youthful Rangers like Miller and Braden Schneider. — Wyshynski
Staff: 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
Staff match: Buying and selling down created questions on what the Leafs would do with the second-to-last choose of the primary spherical. They answered by drafting defenseman 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 in opposition to the wage cap every year, so having a participant who might help within the close to future on an entry-level deal is a lift. — Clark
Staff: 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
Staff match: The Oilers acquired this choose 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 keen to mortgage a first-rounder in both 2025 or 2026 for 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 via the Hunter brothers system in London, that means he is prepped to be an NHL participant.
Edmonton CEO Jeff Jackson, operating the hockey operations present now that Ken Holland parted methods, has all the time been a fan of London GM Mark Hunter. Suppose we’ll learn the way massive that fandom is now that the Oilers want a basic supervisor. Keep tuned. — Wyshynski
Spherical 2
33. San Jose Sharks: Igor Chernyshov, LW, Dynamo Moscow (RUSSIA)
34. Carolina Hurricanes: Dominik Badinka, D, Malmo (SWEDEN)
35. Anaheim Geese: Lucas Pettersson, C, Modo Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
36. Columbus Blue Jackets: Charlie Elick, D, Brandon (WHL)
37. Winnipeg Jets: Alfons Freij, D, Vaxjo Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
38. Colorado Avalanche: Ilya Nabokov, G, Magnitogorsk (RUSSIA)
39. Ottawa Senators: Gabriel Eliasson, D, HV71 Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
40. Seattle Kraken: Julius Miettinen, C, Everett (WHL)
41. Calgary Flames: Andrew Basha, LW, Medication Hat (WHL)
42. Buffalo Sabres: Adam Kleber, D, Lincoln (USHL)
43. Washington Capitals: Cole Hutson, D, USNTDP (USHL)
44. Pittsburgh Penguins: Harrison Brunicke, D, Kamloops (WHL)
45. Minnesota Wild: Ryder Ritchie, RW, Prince Albert (WHL)
46. Pittsburgh Penguins: Tanner Howe, LW, Regina (WHL)
47. Detroit Purple Wings: Max Plante, LW, USNTDP (USHL)
48. St. Louis Blues: Colin Ralph, D, Shattuck-St. Mary’s (HIGH-MN)
49. New Jersey Devils: Mikhail Yegorov, G, Omaha (USHL)
50. Carolina Hurricanes: Nikita Artamonov, LW, Nizhny Novgorod (RUSSIA)
51. Philadelphia Flyers: Jack Berglund, C, Farjestad Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
52. Washington Capitals: Leon Muggli, D, Zug (SWISS)
53. San Jose Sharks: Leon Sahlin Wellenius, D, Vaxjo Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
54. New York Islanders: Jesse Pulkkinen, D, JYP (FINLAND)
55. Nashville Predators: Teddy Stiga, C, USNTDP (USHL)
56. St. Louis Blues: Lukas Fischer, D, Sarnia (OHL)
57. Los Angeles Kings: Carter George, G, Owen Sound (OHL)
58. Florida Panthers: Linus Eriksson, C, Djurgarden (SWEDEN)
59. Philadelphia Flyers: Spencer Gill, D, Rimouski (QMJHL)
60. Columbus Blue Jackets: Evan Gardner, G, Saskatoon (WHL)
61. New York Islanders: Kamil Bednarik, C, USNTDP (USHL)
62. Calgary Flames: Jacob Battaglia, RW, Kingston (OHL)
63. Seattle Kraken: Nathan Villeneuve, C, Sudbury (OHL)
64. Edmonton Oilers: Eemil Vinni, G, Jokipojat (FINLAND-2)
65. Utah Hockey Membership: Will Skahan, D, USNTDP (USHL)
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