The 2024 NHL draft is full. From the primary spherical all the best way to choose No. 225 in Spherical 7, this web page is your house 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: Spherical 1 response
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 is no such thing as a space of the sport the place respectable issues 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 by way of contact, spin off defenders and preserve play are qualities that can translate effectively to the NHL. Even with out the puck, he stays a scoring menace resulting from his potential 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 file meant the Sharks had numerous areas that wanted to be addressed. Amongst them: top-six ahead assist. Enter Celebrini.
Whereas the chance exists that Celebrini may return to BU for his sophomore 12 months, he may step proper in to the Sharks’ lineup. Since 2005, the forwards who had been chosen with the No. 1 decide performed the following 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 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 thought to be the most effective defender within the draft class, impressing scouts in lots of areas. A right-shot defenseman, he imposes himself bodily and dictates offensive play. His speedy growth has led scouts to imagine he may rapidly turn out to be 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 large upside resulting from his bodily attributes, glorious skating potential and excessive puck battle success fee. Constantly engaged and a play driver at each ends of the ice, he has the potential to shift momentum. Levshunov may turn out 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 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 solely contingent on the gamers with whom they encompass him. To that finish, Levshunov is a large addition, actually and figuratively.
The Blackhawks have some intriguing younger defenseman of their system, however not sufficient of them. Kevin Korchinski performed 76 video games as a rookie final season and has some upside. Wyatt Kaiser 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 large blueliner who could possibly be their Victor Hedman. These dynastic Lightning groups had been constructed on offensive stars equivalent to Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, however they received Cups because of 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
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.
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 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 potential to pressure defenders into dangerous spots and manipulate his method 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 way of 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 successful pucks again. For lack of a greater phrase, he is a gamer. If he desires 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 may be a little excessive for me, it’s straightforward to know why scouts imagine Sennecke could possibly be a top-line participant. — Doerrie
Staff match: As soon as once more, Geese normal supervisor Pat Verbeek went in a little bit of an surprising path by taking Sennecke. The Geese had been in a little bit of a tough scenario when it got here to including to their rebuild. Not that they could not have used extra forwards, however they have already got fairly a little bit of youth with Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. The identical holds true with defensemen after all, with Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov taking part in as rookies final season and one other defenseman, Olen Zellweger, getting 9 factors in 26 video games with the Geese after spending nearly all 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 measurement because the 6-foot-2 Sennecke might be a participant who offers the Geese another choice of their assault. — Clark
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 decide within the 2024 NHL draft.
Staff: 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 velocity, measurement and ability, making him a dominant pressure on the junior stage. He successfully makes use of his body to guard the puck, wins battles and performs by way of contact in difficult areas of the ice. His bodily bundle and skating potential make him a formidable opponent on the frenzy and in puck battles. If he continues to develop his potential to play by way of 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 alters gears to create area.
With out the puck, he reads off his linemates effectively 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 possibilities or maintain the puck to arrange performs within the offensive zone. Though his damage historical past is a priority, projections point out that Lindstrom may turn out to be a second-line heart with the potential to attain 70 factors over an extended interval. He might take longer to develop, however a participant along 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 normal supervisor earlier this season, creating a gap for one of many NHL’s most fascinating jobs. Columbus is a spot the place the bar for achievement is low and the expertise within the prospect pool is excessive.
It simply acquired increased. New GM Don Waddell, who took over the Blue Jackets after leaving the Carolina Hurricanes, had numerous 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 getting into his fourth NHL season; and the massive physique and booming shot of defenseman David Jiricek as the following technology 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 potential to create offense combines an impressive launch, elite imaginative and prescient and elite puckhandling abilities, maybe the most effective on this draft class. He is greater and extra bodily mature than initially thought, which drew consideration on the Florida showcase. Able to driving play offensively, Demidov persistently took over video games within the playoffs, incomes the MVP award.
He ranks within the high 5% for capturing and passing metrics and is a transition menace. He drives the center from the surface 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
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 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 part of Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield as one other homegrown participant who’s seeking to take the Habs again to prominence within the Jap Convention. — Clark
Celine Dion declares Canadiens’ No. 5 decide in NHL draft
Celine Dion declares the Montreal Canadiens’ fifth general decide, 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 severe goal-scoring menace 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, robust safety and a launch that surprises goaltenders. He has a singular understanding of methods 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 identified for. Though he wants to enhance defensively, his mixture of skating, puck abilities, tenacity and capturing potential ought to allow him to contribute persistently in a top-six function, 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 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 equivalent to 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 does not really feel stress so as to add a “poster on the facet of the world” stage star for its first season in Salt Lake Metropolis, as a result of there is perhaps some within the group who may match that function. It might need one other in Tij Iginla. He is acquired 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 ultimately assist promote hockey to a brand new fan base. — Wyshynski
Tij Iginla’s NHL draft profile
Check out the highlights that make Tij Iginla a compelling NHL draft prospect.
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 fantastic puck distribution. He dictates the facility play from the purpose, however he must develop the power to facilitate offense to reap the benefits of his shot within the NHL. He manipulates defenders with glorious arms, 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 once they beat him in these conditions, an space he must develop earlier than making the soar. — Doerrie
Staff match: Drafting Yakemchuk may show to be an intriguing transfer for a number of causes. The primary is that this was the primary time in two years the Senators used a first-round decide. It is a bit of a weird dynamic for a franchise that is been attempting to shed the title of rebuild and transition right into a playoff group, solely to overlook the postseason for the previous seven campaigns.
That mentioned, Yakemchuk offers 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 may both signal a brand new deal or the Sens may commerce him. Both method, they will have choices, and getting Yakemchuk will now play an enormous function 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 kind of “get you out of your seats” gamers. He is dynamic with the puck, reads defensive buildings, slices by way of protection and is a nightmare to defend in one-on-one conditions. His potential to control defenders along with his velocity and ability is pure brilliance. He is one of the 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 choose his spots a little bit higher to enhance his offensive effectivity. The turnovers should not going to fly on the NHL stage, and he’ll have to develop his potential 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 likelihood he hits his ceiling of a top-six, level producer.
He is already a twin menace with a promising arsenal of releases and shot sorts. Provided that he understands methods to put defenders in weak postures, it isn’t a stretch to imagine his offensive recreation will proceed to enhance. I am undecided he is a middle within the NHL, however the dynamic twin menace must be an entertaining participant to observe for years. — Doerrie
Staff match: Coming into the draft, the narrative surrounding the Kraken was that they wanted to draft a defenseman. Specifically, a puck mover who may 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 choose to maintain Catton at heart, he’ll be part of their backbone of the long run 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 may sometime play alongside Beniers on one of many Kraken’s high two strains 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% likelihood of taking part in 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 probably the greatest 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 recreation improved all through the OHL season, and whereas it is not as sturdy 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 potential to maneuver pucks to harmful areas, create capturing alternatives and get pucks by way of, and Parekh presents an intriguing bundle. His ceiling is the very best amongst defensemen within the draft, confidently projecting him as an impactful top-four defenseman over a prolonged NHL profession. — Doerrie
Staff 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 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 equivalent to winger Matt Coronato, who performed 35 video games within the NHL; heart Connor Zary, who had a powerful rookie season with 34 factors in 63 video games; and an enormous 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 along with his ability set of their pipeline, and this decide is a superb 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 tremendously enhances his projection. Whereas he is not anticipated to be dynamic within the NHL, his growing offensive abilities counsel he may turn out to be a 35- to 40-point producer.
He skates very effectively, 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 may turn out to be a high-minute defenseman within the NHL, able to shutting down the opposition’s greatest gamers.
His flooring is increased than different high defensive prospects resulting from his confirmed potential to achieve the KHL. Scouts are excessive on his skating potential, physicality and transition protection. There are issues about his potential to learn the play and make good puck choices. He’ll want time to reinforce his potential to facilitate breakouts, transition offense and browse stress. —Doerrie
Staff 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 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 large skating potential and a implausible attain. They moved 24-year-old Kevin Bahl, who’s 6-6, for goalie Jacob Markstrom. Silayev greater than suits in as an eventual substitute. He joins Calder Trophy finalist Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec and ultimately Seamus Casey because the defensive foundations for years to return. — Wyshynski
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 greatest all-around skating defensemen within the draft, and it’s significantly evident in transition. Offensively, he carries the puck with ease, evades defenders, cuts to the center and creates scoring possibilities.
Defensively, he maintains 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 likelihood 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 bother and make life extra sophisticated when an easier play exists. Within the defensive zone, he will get caught on the fallacious facet of gamers and makes questionable choices with the puck after he wins a battle. He is a stable athlete who will play within the NHL, however time will inform if he can develop his consciousness and reads to reap the benefits of his abilities and turn out 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 decide to get a defenseman, particularly contemplating they already had Celebrini, along with forwards equivalent 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 equivalent to Zeev Buium and Sam Dickinson had been nonetheless out there when it got here time for his or her second decide of the primary spherical. They selected Dickinson, who offers them a large defenseman who cannot solely serve in a top-pairing function however may 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: Top-of-the-line 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 frenzy, defending effectively 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 glorious edgework to keep away from getting overwhelmed in tight conditions. His puck abilities, mixed with varied 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 greatest 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 could possibly be prepared for the NHL by the top of the 2024-25 faculty season. — Doerrie
Staff match: GM Invoice Guerin acquired aggressive right here to pick Zeev Buium, and rightfully so. Buium has a excessive hockey IQ and will be somebody that may run an NHL energy play, main all NCAA defenseman in factors final season (50). Denver trusted him massive time in successful 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 affect 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 function. Given the offensive instincts and talents he has proven this season, Luchanko has a greater potential 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, 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 turn out 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 by which they’re uncomfortable. His potential to dictate the play is eye-opening, beating defenders clear along with his velocity whereas being a royal ache to cope with on the forecheck and backcheck. He’s in the course of all the things that occurs, exhibiting off a detail-oriented recreation that features consciousness, shiftiness and ability that scouts love. — Doerrie
Staff 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 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 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 tasks as a two-way possibility who could possibly be anchoring one of many strains of a rebuild that took a major step ahead in 2023-24. — Clark
Legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer calls thirteenth decide 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 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 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 potential 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 might be impactful on either side of the puck on the NHL stage. Scouts see some Mikael Backlund in him, which is excessive reward for the younger Finn.
A second-line heart/high penalty killer who can drive play at even energy is one thing each contender wants. That’s Helenius. If his offense develops, there’s an opportunity he suits the mildew of a Joel Eriksson Ek or Elias Lindholm kind of participant. — Doerrie
Staff match: The Sabres traded down this week, buying the Devils’ No. 42 general decide of their flip-flop with the Sharks. Helenius is a stable two-way heart who joins a depth chart that features Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, Peyton Krebs, Matthew Savoie, Jiri Kulich and Noah Ostlund.
Clearly, a few of them may shift to the wing, however the backside line is that the Sabres have a ton of expertise on the best way up entrance, to associate 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 potential has scouts believing he’s a Swiss Military knife on the NHL stage. There’s perception that he could possibly be the most effective two-way ahead within the draft not named Celebrini.
Defensively, he could also be the most effective ahead within the draft. He’s persistently in the proper positions, makes glorious reads in defensive transition and reads off his teammates effectively to assist the puck. His potential to retrieve pucks, win puck battles and place his physique in ways in which make it practically inconceivable 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 test 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 online. If there’s a weak point in his defensive recreation, I’ve but to seek out it.
The disadvantage with Brandsegg-Nygard is that he is not dynamic. His ceiling is not as excessive as different gamers, however his flooring is increased than practically each ahead outdoors of the highest 5. There’s little doubt he might be a middle-six energy ahead who might be deployed to close down opponent’s greatest gamers and end offensive alternatives in tight. As one scout put it, “He is not the man you construct round, however actually the kind of participant that each contender desires in the course 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 considered a participant who may have gone on this vary, so it wasn’t just like the Purple Wings reached.
Detroit has used two of its most up-to-date first-round picks to get facilities. It is simply that Brandsegg-Nygard offers it one other potential top-six winger. And given how the Wings are presently arrange with their ahead depth, Brandsegg-Nygard has an excellent likelihood 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 recreation to be put below 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 isn’t 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 reap the benefits of his different abilities. His stride lacks the explosive and aggressive attributes to enrich the remainder of his recreation and can hinder his potential to make the most of different abilities if he cannot hold 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 likelihood 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 selection. He gained nice expertise taking part in within the Czech league, and as a right-shot defenseman he is a helpful commodity.
Jiricek may not have the ceiling of his brother, David, who went sixth general to the Blue Jackets in 2022, however he is actually acquired 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 paying homage 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 does not have the bodily bundle of Robertson, however his manufacturing is a lot better. Parascak has all of the capabilities to be a twin menace on the NHL stage if his skating improves.
Parascak’s instincts on and off the puck are high-end. He understands defensive schemes and methods to penetrate them, however his skating holds him again from driving play. That is evident in transition, the place he lacks the tempo to assault the center and depends on his instincts to seek out open 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 lots of photographs in his arsenal. If he can add energy and extra energy to his skating, there’s a actual likelihood 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 top-six forwards they imagine 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 may have been picked at this spot.
When the time comes, he’ll be the most recent prospect to return by way of 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 menace. He will get pucks by way of layers with accuracy and has glorious arms to complete performs on the internet entrance. There’s motive to imagine his misleading launch will switch to the NHL stage, but when it doesn’t, his potential to complete performs in tight will certainly make him worthy of consideration.
With out the puck, Boisvert continues to be impactful. He tracks again effectively, disrupts transition play and delivers onerous hits to separate gamers from the puck. There is a noticeable edge to his recreation that can solely enhance as he will get stronger. His skating posture is off steadiness, and he lacks the explosiveness required to create more room offensively. An improved skating stride with extra energy and higher potential to learn defensive protection will permit Boisvert to reap the benefits of his NHL-ready shot and two-way recreation. — Doerrie
Staff match: The idea was that the Blackhawks would go together with a ahead right here after taking Levshunov at second general. Boisvert affords an amazing distinction to the best way Connor Bedard performs at heart — a two-way recreation 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 likelihood at a top-line function. There are only some gamers with higher offensive attributes than Connelly, and they’ll 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 type. His type is flash, sprint and pizzazz — a participant with a real wow issue.
Connelly has quite a lot 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 recreation. 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 fallacious causes. — Doerrie
Staff 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 attainable that drafting Connolly may 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 the most effective pure scorer within the draft, although opinions about him range broadly.
His spectacular aim totals with the nationwide group growth program are onerous to disregard, but he typically leaves scouts wanting extra. With the most effective shot within the draft, his projection suggests he may 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 recreation. Whereas habits will be fastened 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 plain if developed with endurance. The mannequin is assured he’ll produce on the NHL stage in a top-six function. Eiserman has the expertise to be an even-strength scorer, power-play asset and most significantly, a difference-maker. — Doerrie
Staff match: Depart it to Lou Lamoriello to punch consensus within the face. Cole Eiserman is without doubt one of the greatest goal-scorers within the draft, whose inventory had fallen resulting from criticisms of his defensive recreation. The Islanders actually wanted an infusion of high-end offensive expertise of their prospect pool. Eiserman is the embodiment of the “you’ll be able to’t educate 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 menace within the offensive zone and confirmed one of the 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 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 way of defenders as simply as he receives the puck and releases in a single movement. A heady participant, Hage understands methods to manipulate defenders and open up capturing lanes. If he can add a step to his tempo, he’ll be capable of reap the benefits of the compromising positions he places defenders in.
There are various components of Hage’s recreation that scouts love outdoors of his bodily items. He wins puck battles, will get to the online entrance and makes his teammates higher. He’ll develop onerous ability by enhancing his potential to take contact and use it to his benefit. The main points of his recreation are a powerful level. He helps the puck effectively, and his potential 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 likelihood at hitting his second-line ceiling. — Doerrie
Staff 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 may give them a two-way heart for the long run.
Hypothetically talking, the Canadiens may not be in any rush, as they’re arrange with Nick Suzuki and Alex Newhook down the center for at the very least three extra years. Hage will spend subsequent season taking part in on the College of Michigan which has just lately developed numerous facilities equivalent 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 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 Closing.
He actually suits the Predators’ id below 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 offers the Geese one other defensemen for the long run 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.
Briefly order, the Geese may probably have 5 homegrown defensemen, or they might look to maneuver one in all them sooner or later if it might probably 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 can be “gamer.” The mannequin is decrease on him than this rating, however the perception that he ought to turn out to be a bottom-six participant that checks effectively, kills penalties and convey power to the lineup.
A giant, robust participant who could also be handiest on the wing on the NHL stage, Beaudoin reads the play effectively, will get into visitors, wins practically 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 acquired the energy and need to be an impactful bodily participant within the NHL. If his skating continues to enhance, there may be motive to imagine he has the next ceiling than present projections point out. Utah will want a extra affected person method with him, however added tempo may see him soar right into a third-line function 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 Beaudoin with the following choice.
Utah will get a powerful heart who performs with bodily tenacity, a puck-swarming ahead that matches in effectively 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 offers the Bruins excessive measurement down the center. The actual fact he scored greater than 60 targets and 127 factors proves there may be offensive upside, too.
He’ll attend Boston School beginning in 2025, so the Bruins can hold an in depth 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 course of the ice, sees the ice very effectively, is an adept playmaker and a throwback construct within the type of an influence ahead. He ranks extremely throughout the board from his bodily recreation to his hockey sense to his high-end playmaking. He lacks in a very powerful, but most simply improvable, space: skating. Had been Greentree a median or barely above common skater, he doubtless would’ve been a top-10 decide as a result of he is that good within the different areas of his recreation.
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 all around 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 recreation. His puckhandling, imaginative and prescient and shot make him an issue to cope with within the offensive zone. There are quite a lot 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 immediately’s league that if it does not enhance, he might 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 recreation, there is a good likelihood he is a top-six level producer on the NHL stage. — Doerrie
Staff match: The Kings picked up this decide when Montreal traded as much as No. 21 to pick heart Michael Hage. Greentree was captain of the Windsor Spitfires, and has an enormous physique and a wise offensive recreation.
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 robotically turn out to be our favourite participant if he had the audacity of sporting 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 decide to take Mark Vanacker, a choice 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 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 decide 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 in the course of the Stanley Cup Closing, he has an enormous body for an agile skater. He is College of Michigan-bound, and the Flames will gladly look ahead to 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 debate amongst scouts. He is thought of to have a really excessive flooring and decrease offensive ceiling. The mannequin sees him becoming in fairly effectively 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% likelihood of taking part in 200 NHL video games with lower than a ten% likelihood of turning into a star — true “secure” vibes.
He is a powerful two-way participant with a top quality launch that borders on being a separating ability. He can shoot off each legs, off steadiness and in lots of catch-and-release positions. He is a menace to attain from distance, will get pucks by way of defenders and might rating when he drives the online. He understands methods to use contact to his benefit, wins puck battles, is in glorious spots off the puck and by no means cheats defensively. These onerous abilities ought to simply translate right into a bottom-six function, 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 capturing potential and two-way play. If he can add a step to his skating, there may be respectable upside as an influence ahead who contributes 40 to 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 much more prone to play significant video games. — Doerrie
Staff match: Irrespective of who the Stars chosen at No. 29, the decide was going to be met with the expectation that they might be the most recent success story in Dallas’ prospect pipeline. So the very fact they took Emil Hemming solely provides to the idea that he could possibly be the following prospect who would possibly be capable of contribute rapidly.
He had 11 targets and 18 factors in 13 video games whereas taking part in 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 recreation.
Emery is a high transition defenseman, whose one-on-one defensive play stands out. He maintains glorious 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, does not permit attackers to beat him to the surface and forces them to relinquish the puck. When the sport wants a relaxing presence, the opponent’s greatest 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 turn out to be probably the greatest defenders within the draft class.
Offensively, there may be not quite a bit there. That is not Emery’s calling card. That’s doubtless why the mannequin does not undertaking him to be greater than a second-pairing defenseman. He makes easy breakout passes and does not get caught up ice. Whereas that’s typically regarding, as an absence of offense on the junior stage results in a much less assured statistical projection, his potential to defend in all three zones, skate effectively 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 decide, they had been going protection. They chose a stable one right here.
Emery is a right-handed shot who skates effectively and has a powerful bodily recreation with out chasing hits. He tasks to be a top-four defenseman. It is not troublesome 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 decide of the primary spherical. They answered by drafting defenseman Danford.
He offers them with a participant who may 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 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 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 way of 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 at all times been a fan of London GM Mark Hunter. Suppose we’ll learn how massive that fandom is now that the Oilers want a normal 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, Drugs 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)
Spherical 3
66. Anaheim Geese: Maxim Masse, RW, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
67. Chicago Blackhawks: John Mustard, C, Waterloo (USHL)
68. Anaheim Geese: Ethan Procyszyn, C, North Bay (OHL)
69. Carolina Hurricanes: Noel Fransen, D, Farjestad Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
70. Montreal Canadiens: Aatos Koivu, C, TPS Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
71. Buffalo Sabres: Brodie Ziemer, RW, USNTDP (USHL)
72. Chicago Blackhawks: AJ Spellacy, RW, Windsor (OHL)
73. Seattle Kraken: Alexis Bernier, D, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)
74. Calgary Flames: Henry Mews, D, Ottawa (OHL)
75. Washington Capitals: Ilya Protas, LW, Des Moines (USHL)
76. Colorado Avalanche: William Zellers, LW, Shattuck-St. Mary’s (HIGH-MN)
77. Nashville Predators: Viggo Gustafsson, D, HV71 Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
78. Montreal Canadiens: Logan Sawyer, C, Brooks (BCHL)
79. Anaheim Geese: Tarin Smith, D, Everett (WHL)
80. Detroit Purple Wings: Ondrej Becher, C, Prince George (WHL)
81. St. Louis Blues: Ondrej Kos, LW, Ilves Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
82. San Jose Sharks: Carson Wetsch, RW, Calgary (WHL)
83. Vegas Golden Knights: Pavel Moysevich, G, SKA St. Petersburg (RUSSIA)
84. Calgary Flames: Kirill Zarubin, G, AKM Tula Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
85. New Jersey Devils: Kasper Pikkarainen, RW, TPS Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
86. Columbus Blue Jackets: Luca Marrelli, D, Oshawa (OHL)
87. Nashville Predators: Miguel Marques, RW, Lethbridge (WHL)
88. Seattle Kraken: Kim Saarinen, G, HPK Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
89. Utah Hockey Membership: Tomas Lavoie, D, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
90. Washington Capitals: Eriks Mateiko, LW, Saint John (QMJHL)
91. New Jersey Devils: Herman Traff, RW, HV71 Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
92. Chicago Blackhawks: Jack Pridham, RW, West Kelowna (BCHL)
93. Vancouver Canucks: Melvin Fernstrom, RW, Orebro Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
94. Nashville Predators: Hiroki Gojsic, RW, Kelowna (WHL)
95. St. Louis Blues: Adam Jecho, C, Edmonton (WHL)
96. Utah Hockey Membership: Veeti Vaisanen, D, Kookoo (FINLAND)
97. Florida Panthers: Matvei Shuravin, D, CSKA Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Spherical 4
98. Utah Hockey Membership: Gregor Biber, D, Rogel Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
99. Nashville Predators: Jakub Milota, G, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
100. Anaheim Geese: Alexandre Blais, C, Rimouski (QMJHL)
101. Columbus Blue Jackets: Tanner Henricks, D, Lincoln (USHL)
102. Montreal Canadiens: Owen Protz, D, Brantford (OHL)
103. Utah Hockey Membership: Gabe Smith, C, Moncton (QMJHL)
104. Ottawa Senators: Lucas Ellinas, LW, Kitchener (OHL)
105. Seattle Kraken: Oliver Josephson, C, Purple Deer (WHL)
106. Calgary Flames: Trevor Hoskin, RW, Cobourg (OJHL)
107. Philadelphia Flyers: Heikki Ruohonen, C, Okay-Espoo Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
108. Buffalo Sabres: Luke Osborn, D, Youngstown (USHL)
109. Winnipeg Jets: Kevin He, LW, Niagara (OHL)
110. Boston Bruins: Elliott Groenewold, D, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
111. Pittsburgh Penguins: Chase Pietila, D, Michigan Tech (CCHA)
112. Ottawa Senators: Javon Moore, LW, Minnetonka (HIGH-MN)
113. St. Louis Blues: Tomas Mrsic, C, Drugs Hat (WHL)
114. Washington Capitals: Nicholas Kempf, G, USNTDP (USHL)
115. New York Islanders: Dmitry Gamzin, G, Zvezda Moscow (RUSSIA-2)
116. San Jose Sharks: Christian Kirsch, G, Zug Jr. (SWISS-JR.)
117. Ottawa Senators: Blake Montgomery, LW, Lincoln (USHL)
118. Tampa Bay Lightning: Jan Golicic, D, Gatineau (QMJHL)
119. New York Rangers: Raoul Boilard, C, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)
120. Toronto Maple Leafs: Victor Johansson, D, Leksand Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
121. Colorado Avalanche: Jake Fisher, C, Fargo (USHL)
122. Minnesota Wild: Aron Kiviharju, D, HIFK (FINLAND)
123. Buffalo Sabres: Simon-Pier Brunet, D, Drummondville (QMJHL)
124. Carolina Hurricanes: Alexander Siyatsky, D, Magnitogorsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
125. Vancouver Canucks: Riley Patterson, C, Barrie (OHL)
126. Detroit Purple Wings: Landon Miller, G, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
127. Nashville Predators: Viktor Norringer, LW, Frolunda Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
128. Tampa Bay Lightning: Hagen Burrows, RW, Minnetonka (HIGH-MN)
129. Florida Panthers: Simon Zether, C, Rogle (SWEDEN)
Spherical 5
130. Montreal Canadiens: Tyler Thorpe, RW, Vancouver (WHL)
131. San Jose Sharks: Colton Roberts, D, Vancouver (WHL)
132. Colorado Avalanche: Louka Cloutier, G, Chicago (USHL)
133. Carolina Hurricanes: Oskar Vuollet, LW, Skelleftea Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
134. Montreal Canadiens: Mius Vecvanags, G, HS Riga (LATVIA)
135. Utah Hockey Membership: Owen Allard, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
136. Ottawa Senators: Eerik Wallenius, HPK Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
137. Colorado Avalanche: Ivan Yunin, G, Omsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
138. Chicago Blackhawks: Joel Svensson, C, Vaxjo Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
139. New Jersey Devils: Max Graham, C, Kelowna (WHL)
140. Minnesota Wild: Sebastian Soini, D, Ilves Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
141. Seattle Kraken: Clarke Caswell, LW, Swift Present (WHL)
142. Minnesota Wild: Chase Wutzke, G, Purple Deer (WHL)
143. San Jose Sharks: Nate Misskey, D, Victoria (WHL)
144. Detroit Purple Wings: John Whipple, D, USNTDP (USHL)
145. St. Louis Blues: William McIsaac, D, Spokane (WHL)
146. New Jersey Devils: Veeti Louhivaara, G, JYP Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
147. New York Islanders: Marcus Gidlof, G, Leksand Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
148. Philadelphia Flyers: Noah Powell, RW, Dubuque (USHL)
149. Tampa Bay Lightning: Joona Saarelainen, C, Kalpa Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
150. Calgary Flames: Luke Misa, C, Mississauga (OHL)
151. Toronto Maple Leafs: Miroslav Holinka, C, Trinec Jr. (CZECHIA-JR.)
152. Toronto Maple Leafs: Alexander Plesovskikh, LW, Khanty-Mansiysk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
153. Utah Hockey Membership: Ales Cech, D, Mlada Boleslav (CZECHIA)
154. Boston Bruins: Jonathan Morello, C, St. Michaels (OJHL)
155. Winnipeg Jets: Markus Loponen, C, Karpat Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
156. Carolina Hurricanes: Justin Poirier, RW, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)
157. Toronto Maple Leafs: Timofei Obvintsev, G, CSKA Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
158. Dallas Stars: Niilopekka Muhonen, D, Kalpa Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
159. New York Rangers: Nathan Aspinall, LW, Flint (OHL)
160. Edmonton Oilers: Connor Clattenburg, LW, Flint (OHL)
161. Colorado Avalanche: Maxmilian Curran, C, Tri-Metropolis (WHL)
Spherical 6
162. Vancouver Canucks: Anthony Romani, RW, North Bay (OHL)
163. Chicago Blackhawks: Ty Henry, D, Erie (OHL)
164. Los Angeles Kings: Jared Woolley, D, London (OHL)
165. Columbus Blue Jackets: Luke Ashton, D, Langley (BCHL)
166. Montreal Canadiens: Ben Merrill, C, St. Sebastian’s Faculty (HIGH-MA)
167. Utah Hockey Membership: Vojtech Hradec, C, Mlada Boleslav (CZECHIA)
168. Carolina Hurricanes: Timur Kol, D, Omsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
169. Florida Panthers: Stepan Gorbunov, C, Chelyabinsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
170. Calgary Flames: Hunter Laing, C, Prince George (WHL)
171. New Jersey Devils: Matyas Melovsky, C, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)
172. Buffalo Sabres: Patrick Geary, D, Michigan State (BIG10)
173. Philadelphia Flyers: Ilya Pautov, RW, CSKA Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
174. Minnesota Wild: Stevie Leskovar, D, Mississauga (OHL)
175. Pittsburgh Penguins: Joona Vaisanen, D, Dubuque (USHL)
176. Detroit Purple Wings: Charlie Forslund, LW, Falu IF (SWEDEN-3)
177. Calgary Flames: Eric Jamieson, D, Everett (WHL)
178. Washington Capitals: Petr Sikora, C, Trinec Jr. (CZECHIA-JR.)
179. New York Islanders: Xavier Veilleux, D, Muskegon (USHL)
180. Vegas Golden Knights: Trent Swick, LW, Kitchener (OHL)
181. Tampa Bay Lightning: Kaden Pitre, C, Flint (OHL)
182. Anaheim Geese: Austin Burnevik, RW, Madison (USHL)
183. Edmonton Oilers: Albin Sundin, D, Frolunda Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
184. Carolina Hurricanes: Roman Shokhrin, D, Loko-76 Yaroslavl (RUSSIA-JR.)
185. Colorado Avalanche: Tory Pitner, D, Youngstown (USHL)
186. Boston Bruins: Loke Johansson, D, AIK Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
187. Winnipeg Jets: Kieron Walton, C, Sudbury (OHL)
188. Carolina Hurricanes: Fyodor Avramov, LW, Stupino Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
189. Vancouver Canucks: Parker Alcos, D, Edmonton (WHL)
190. Utah Hockey Membership: Ludvig Lafton, D, Farjestad Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
191. New York Rangers: Rico Gredig, LW, Davos (SWISS)
192. Edmonton Oilers: Dalyn Wakely, C, North Bay (OHL)
193. Florida Panthers: Hunter St. Martin, LW, Drugs Hat (WHL)
Spherical 7
194. San Jose Sharks: Yaroslav Korostelyov, G, SKA St. Petersburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
195. Tampa Bay Lightning: Joe Connor, LW, Muskegon (USHL)
196. Edmonton Oilers: William Nicholl, C, London (OHL)
197. Vegas Golden Knights: Lucas Van Vliet, C, USNTDP (USHL)
198. Los Angeles Kings: James Reeder, RW, Dubuque (USHL)
199. Tampa Bay Lightning: Noah Steen, LW, Mora (SWEDEN-2)
200. Toronto Maple Leafs: Matt Lahey, D, Nanaimo (BCHL)
201. Florida Panthers: Denis Gabdrakhmanov, G, Tyumen Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
202. Seattle Kraken: Jakub Fibigr, D, Mississauga (OHL)
203. Detroit Purple Wings: Austin Baker, LW, USNTDP (USHL)
204. Buffalo Sabres: Vasily Zelenov, RW, RB Hockey Juniors (AUSTRIA-2)
205. Philadelphia Flyers: Austin Moline, D, Shattuck-St. Mary’s (HIGH-MN)
206. Tampa Bay Lightning: Harrison Meneghin, G, Lethbridge (WHL)
207. Pittsburgh Penguins: Mac Swanson, C, Fargo (USHL)
208. Detroit Purple Wings: Fisher Scott, D, Dubuque (USHL)
209. St. Louis Blues: Antoine Dorion, C, Quebec (QMJHL)
210. Montreal Canadiens: Makar Khanin, RW, Dynamo St. Petersburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
211. St. Louis Blues: Matvei Korotky, C, SKA St. Petersburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
212. Washington Capitals: Miroslav Devil, C, Bratislava Jr. (SLOVAKIA-JR.)
213. Nashville Predators: Erik Pahlsson, C, Dubuque (USHL)
214. Anaheim Geese: Darels Uljanskis, D, AIK Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
215. Colorado Avalanche: Christian Humphreys, C, USNTDP (USHL)
216. Toronto Maple Leafs: Sam McCue, LW, Owen Sound (OHL)
217. Colorado Avalanche: Nikita Prishchepov, C, Victoriaville (QMJHL)
218. Edmonton Oilers: Bauer Berry, D, Muskegon (USHL)
219. Buffalo Sabres: Ryerson Leenders, G, Mississauga (OHL)
220. Carolina Hurricanes: Andrey Krutov, LW, Nizhny Novgorod Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
221. Vancouver Canucks: Basile Sansonnens, D, Fribourg Jr. (SWISS-JR.)
222. Dallas Stars: William Samuelsson, C, Sodertalje Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
223. Pittsburgh Penguins: Finn Harding, D, Mississauga (OHL)
224. Montreal Canadiens: Rasmus Bergqvist, D, Skelleftea Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
225. Toronto Maple Leafs: Nathan Mayes, D, Spokane (WHL)