B/R's Final 2024 NHL Mock Draft
The 2024 NHL draft will be held at the Sphere in Las Vegas, with the first round on Friday, while Rounds 2-7 will be held on Saturday.
Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com reported that this draft is expected to be the last where representatives from all 32 teams will be on the draft floor. He indicated the event will be decentralized starting in 2025, with most teams' brass staying in their home markets to have greater access to their personnel in real time.
The San Jose Sharks won the first overall pick in the draft lottery on May 7, and they're expected to select center Macklin Celebrini.
The Boston University product won the 2024 Hobey Baker Memorial Award and is considered the top North American prospect in this year's class by NHL Central Scouting.
San Jose is among six teams with two picks in the first round of this year's draft. The others include the Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers. Whether they retain their extra picks or trade them could provide some intrigue to the opening round.
The following is our final mock draft for the first round of the 2024 NHL draft based on each team's needs as indicated by Daily Faceoff's Steve Ellis and The Athletic's NHL farm system rankings. Prospect info is via Elite Prospects.
Prospect evaluation via NHL Central Scouting, TSN's Craig Button and Brianne Spiker, The Athletic's Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman, Sportsnet's Jason Bukala, and The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari.
1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini
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As noted, the San Jose Sharks are expected to select Celebrini with the first overall pick.
He is the consensus No. 1 pick among all prospect evaluators of this year's draft class. The 6'0, 197-pounder is ranked No. 1 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
Celebrini, 17, is the youngest player to win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the NCAA's top men's hockey player. The 6'0", 196-pounder was the Terriers' leading scorer with 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games, finishing third among all NCAA scorers this season.
Pronman believes Celebrini checks every box in a top prospect while Wheeler expects he'll become a frontline, star-level center. Bukala called him a relentless competitor with high-end skill.
Ellis believes the Sharks' biggest need is defensive depth, but they won't squander an opportunity to select a potential superstar forward like Celebrini.
They also have promising Will Smith in their system. He and Celebrini could give the Sharks a potentially lethal one-two punch at center in a few years.
2. Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov
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We had Chicago using this pick to select promising Russian winger Ivan Demidov in our previous mock drafts, but their biggest need is for a top-four defenseman.
Chicago chose budding superstar center Connor Bedard first overall in the 2023 draft. This time, it could address that blue-line need by selecting Artyom Levshunov from Michigan State University.
Born in Belarus, the 18-year-old is ranked No. 2 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. At 6'2" and 209 pounds, he already has big league size. Pronman indicated he was the best defenseman in the Big Ten this season, praising his skating and puck-handling skills.
Bukala believes Levshunov's defensive play remains a work in progress but doesn't consider it an area of weakness.
Given time, he could become the cornerstone of a rebuilding Chicago blue-line corps.
3. Anaheim Ducks: Zayne Parekh
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The Anaheim Ducks could use defensive depth, especially after trading Jamie Drysdale to Philadelphia for winger Cutter Gauthier. So, Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) could prove enticing.
The Ducks have promising left-shot defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger on their roster, but Tristan Luneau is the only right-shot blueliner among their top-10 prospects. Parekh could help them balance that out.
A talented puck-moving defenseman, the 6'0", 181-pounder is ranked fifth among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He led the Spirit and all OHL rearguards with 96 points in 63 games. He also had five points in as many games helping his club win the 2024 Memorial Cup for the first time in franchise history.
Button has Perekh at No. 5 among his prospects list for 202s. Bukala compared him to Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, and Wheeler praised his offensive talents and ability to draw penalties.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Ivan Demidov
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We had Chicago taking Ivan Demidov in our previous mock drafts. However, if it takes Artyom Levshunov and the Anaheim Ducks select Zayne Parekh, the 18-year-old right wing from SKA St. Peterburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) could fall into the Columbus Blue Jackets' hands.
They need depth at left wing, but the opportunity to grab a promising young right winger like Demidov could prove irresistible. Despite missing 24 games with an injury, he led SKA St. Petersburg's junior team with 60 points and 28 points in 17 playoff games.
Listed as 5'11 and 181 pounds by NHL Central Scouting, he sits second among its rankings of international skaters. He played four games in the KHL last season and is under contract with SKA St. Peterburg for 2024-25.
Bukala considers Demidov to be an elite offensive talent, while Ferrari is impressed by the young Russian's playmaking ability. Wheeler praised his puck skills and work ethic on and off the ice.
5. Montreal Canadiens: Cayden Lindstrom
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For the fifth straight year, the Montreal Canadiens have a top-five pick. Well-stocked with promising defensemen, they have Owen Beck as the only center among their top-10 prospects.
With this pick, the Canadiens could choose Cayden Lindstrom of the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Despite missing most of 2023-24 with a back injury, the 6'3", 213-pound center is ranked No. 3 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
Ferrari likes his combination of size, speed and skill that every team seeks in a center. Wheeler calls him a prototypical power forward, and Bukala singled out his combination of power and finesse.
Lindstrom finished the 2023-24 season with 27 goals and 46 points in 32 games. While his back injury could be a matter of concern, he has the potential to become a solid power forward at the NHL level. His size and potential could make him too good for the Canadiens to pass up.
6. Utah Hockey Club: Carter Yakemchuk
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The former Arizona Coyotes have officially relocated to Utah. However, the need for a skilled right-shot defenseman within the prospect pool remains.
Carter Yakemchuk of the WHL's Calgary Hitmen could become the first player to be drafted by Utah. Listed at 6'3" and 202 pounds by NHL Central Scouting, he was 11th in their ranking of North American skaters.
Pronman believes Yakemchuk has game-breaking skill, praising his skating and bullet shot from the points, and Wheeler liked his confidence, instincts and skill. Bukala pointed out that he keeps opponents honest with his physical presence around the net.
Yakemchuk put up solid numbers this season with the Hitmen. He was second among their leading scorers with 71 points and fifth among WHL defensemen.
7. Ottawa Senators: Berkly Catton
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The Ottawa Senators need depth in right-shot defensemen on their roster and prospect pipeline. However, the best of those could be already gone by this point.
They could instead shift their focus to addressing their need for more high-quality centers in their prospect pool, especially given Josh Norris' injury history.
Berkly Catton of the WHL's Spokane Chiefs could help the Senators address that need. The 5'10", 175-pound center is listed by NHL Central Scouting at No. 8 among North American skaters.
Pronman considers Catton to be one of the best players in the WHL in 2023-24, calling him a well-rounded center and a high-end skater. Ferrari called him the best transition forward in this draft class, while Bukala praised his offensive skills and commitment to improving his defensive game.
Catton may be small, but he is highly skilled. His all-around abilities could make him a solid addition to the Senators down the road. He finished fourth this season among WHL scorers with 54 goals and 116 points in 68 games.
8. Seattle Kraken: Anton Silayev
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The Seattle Kraken's prospect pipeline is loaded with promising forwards such as Shane Wright and Jagger Firkus. However, they need a stud defenseman among their top-five prospects.
Anton Silayev of the KHL's Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod could fit the bill.
Rated as the top international skater by NHL Central Scouting, the 6'7", 211-pounder skates well for a big player. A left-shot blueliner, he had 11 points in 63 games with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod.
Wheeler noted that the 17-year-old played legitimate minutes for most of this season with one of the KHL's better clubs. Pronman believes he has the defensive skills to become a No. 1 NHL blueliner, and Bukala singled out his agility and ability to use his long reach to his advantage defensively.
Silyaev is under a KHL contract through 2025-26. That will provide him with sufficient opportunity to further improve his game against professional level talent. He could prove worth the wait for the Kraken.
9. Calgary Flames: Tij Iginla
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The Calgary Flames could use more defensive depth within their system.
However, the opportunity to select Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla, the son of legendary Flames captain Jarome Iginla, may prove too good to pass up.
NHL Central Scouting has the 6'0, 191-pounder ranked ninth among North American skaters. Button elevated the WHL forward to No. 4 on his list, calling him a difference-maker who makes players around him better. Ferrari called him one of the most hard-working and relentless players in this draft
Like his famous father, Iginla has a terrific scoring touch, leading the Rockets with 47 goals and sitting second with 84 points. A versatile forward, the 17-year-old can skate at center or left wing. He has a terrific shot and can make plays at high speed.
Iginla will likely spend at least another year with the WHL before he'll be ready to move up to the pro ranks. Given his potential, he could become a terrific asset for the Flames as they rebuild for the future.
10. New Jersey Devils: Zeev Buium
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The 2023-24 season was memorable for the University of Denver's Zeev Buium. He helped his team win the NCAA Frozen Four tournament and was part of Team USA's gold-medal roster at the 2024 World Junior Championship.
Buium could be just what the New Jersey Devils are looking for in this year's draft, provided they don't trade this pick. They're loaded with promising young forwards but need a skilled left-shot defenseman among their top prospects.
NHL Central Scouting has the 6'0, 186-pounder at No. 4 in its ranking of North American skaters. Button has him at No. 6 on his overall rankings. He led his University of Denver teammates with 39 assists and was second with 50 points.
Bukala praised Buium's skating and aggressiveness at both ends of the rink. Wheeler singled out his puck-handling while Pronman called him an intelligent player who can run a power play like a top NHL player.
11. Buffalo Sabres: Sam Dickinson
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The Buffalo Sabres lack a right-shot defenseman among their top-five prospects, but the opportunity to select a left-shot blueliner with the size and skills of Sam Dickinson of the OHL's London Knights could prove tempting for them.
Button has Dickinson at No. 8 on his overall list of this year's top prospects. NHL Central Scouting has the 6'3", 203-pound rearguard at No. 7 on its ranking of North American skaters.
Wheeler calls Dickinson a complete, projectable top-four defenseman with size, high-end skating and offensive skills, while Bukala noted that he logged a lot of minutes with the Knights this season, praising his hockey sense as well as his size and skill.
Dickinson's offensive skill were apparent in 2023-24. He was fifth on the Knights with 70 points in 68 games and fourth among OHL defensemen.
12. Philadelphia Flyers: Konsta Helenius
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The Philadelphia Flyers could use more depth at center and defense in their prospect pool. They could select a blueliner like Zeev Buium or Sam Dickinson if they're still available. Otherwise, they might address their center needs by choosing Konsta Helenius of Tappara in Finland's Liiga.
Ranked third among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting, the 5'11", 189-pounder had 36 points in 51 games with Liiga team Jukurit in 2023-24 and six points in as many playoff games.
He also netted seven points in five games skating for Finland at the IIHF U-18 World Junior Championship and played seven games in the Under-20 World Juniors.
Button ranked Helenius at No. 3 among his overall rankings, praising his confidence, skills and hockey smarts. Bukala singled out his speed and creativity while Wheeler praised his intelligence, confidence and ability to drive the play.
Helenius is under contract with Tappara for 2024-25. He'll benefit from another season in Liiga developing his skills, but he has the potential to become a top-line, two-way center.
13. Minnesota Wild: Beckett Sennecke
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A strong second-half performance with the OHL's Oshawa Generals powered Beckett Sennecke into third place among their leading scorers with 68 points in 63 regular-season games. He was also third among their postseason scoring leaders with 22 points.
He could be an enticing option for the Minnesota Wild. The 6'3" 182-pounder could address their need for a natural right winger among their top prospects.
NHL Central Scouting has Sennecke sitting 13th among North American skaters. Button has him at No. 12 on his overall list, calling the young winger a very talented, hard-driving players.
Pronman praised his skating and game-breaking skill, while Bukala singled out how the big winger uses his size to protect pucks and his reach to extend plays. He also noted he has a massive impact on the power play.
14. San Jose Sharks (via Pittsburgh Penguins): Adam Jiříček
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The San Jose Sharks received this pick as part of the return from sending Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins last August. With the first overall pick, we have them selecting Macklin Celebrini.
With this pick, the Sharks could decide to address their need for a potential top-four defenseman with a right-hand shot. Adam Jiříček of HC Škoda Plzeň in the Czechia Extraliga could be a tempting option for them if he's available.
The younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiříček, Adam had a promising start to 2023-24 until a knee injury during the IIHF World Junior Championship ended his season. Nevertheless, NHL Central Scouting ranked the 6'2", 167-pound blueliner at No. 4 among international skaters.
Ferrari remains bullish on Jiříček, believing the young rearguard should bounce back well. Pronman praised his skating and ability to use his big body well to compete for pucks, projecting him as a top-four NHL defender.
15. Detroit Red Wings: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård
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The Detroit Red Wings' prospect pool is ranked No. 2 by The Athletic but lacks a right winger. They could address this issue by selecting Michael Brandsegg-Nygård of Skellefteå AIK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
He had 18 points in 48 games skating with Mora IK in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenkan. The 6'1", 207-pound winger also had five points skating with Norway in the 2024 IIHF World Championship.
NHL Central Scouting has the 18-year-old at No. 5 among its ranking of international skaters. Button placed him 18th in his overall ranking, calling him an excellent skater who is smart and tenacious.
Bukala is impressed by Brandsegg-Nygård's strength, believing he can play at a pro pace. Ferrari noted that he plays with a maturity beyond his years.
16. St. Louis Blues: Cole Eiserman
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The St. Louis Blues could use a right-shot defenseman among their top-10 prospects, but they could be tempted to select left wing Cole Eisermann of the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP).
Eiserman slipped down NHL Central Scouting's list of North American skaters from eighth at midseason to 12th in its final ranking. Ferrari praised his goalscoring ability but noted the rest of his game remains a work in progress. Sporstnet's Jason Bukala indicated that his 200-foot game needs improvement.
The 6'0", 197-pounder possesses undeniable scoring skill. He has a booming shot and drives to the net searching for scoring chances. He led the U.S. National U-18 Team with 58 goals and is considered the best goalscorer in this draft class.
Eiserman may be considered a one-trick pony, but he could improve other aspects of his game as he matures. His goal-scoring ability alone could make him an intriguing option for the Blues.
17. Washington Capitals: Michael Hage
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Ranked 10th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Michael Hage could help the Washington Capitals address their need for depth at center in their prospect pool.
Skating for the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League, he finished fourth among USHL scorers with 75 points in 54 games.
Hage would fill the void in the Capitals' prospect pool following the promotion of Hendrix Lapierre to their main roster. The 6'1", 188-pound center could fit in well as this club continues to transition younger players into its lineup.
Wheeler praised Hage's size, skating, offensive abilities and work ethic. Bukala believes he must work on the defensive side of his game but singled out his skating and offensive skills.
Hage is committed to playing for the University of Michigan in 2024-25. Skating in the NCAA will help him hone his scoring and playmaking skills while improving his two-way game.
18. Chicago Blackhawks (from New York Islanders): Igor Chernyshov
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Chicago received this pick from the New York Islanders on May 24, sending the Islanders the first-round pick they received from the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Brandon Hagel trade in March 2022.
We have Chicago selecting defenseman Artyom Levshunov with the second overall pick. With this one, it could attempt to bolster its prospect depth at left wing by choosing Igor Chernyshov of KHL club Moscow Dynamo.
Ranked ninth among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Chernyshov is a big presence on left wing at 6'3" and 204 pounds. He had 13 goals and 28 points in 22 games with Dynamo's junior team in 2023-24, finishing sixth among their leading scorers.
He's under contract with Dynamo through next season.
Ferrari considers Chernyshov among the best complementary wingers in this draft class, praising his energy and creativity, while Pronman views him as a powerful winger who skates well and can beat opponents one-on-one.
19. Vegas Golden Knights: Trevor Connelly
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The Vegas Golden Knights have used their promising youngsters as trade bait to add established talent to their roster. That's left them with a depleted prospect pool that needs replenishing.
One option could be left winger Trevor Connelly. The 6'1", 160-pounder starred last season with the USHL's Tri-City Storm, becoming their leading scorer with 31 goals and 47 assists for 78 points.
He also has some personal baggage that could affect his placement in the draft. But the Golden Knights could be willing to take the risk if he's available at this stage. They won't have to rush his development as he's committed to Providence College in 2025-26.
NHL Central Scouting ranked Connelly at No. 6 among North American skaters. Bukala called him an elusive offensive talent always in motion. Wheeler noted he's a high-end talent with room to develop physically.
20. New York Islanders (via Chicago and Tampa Bay Lightning): Liam Greentree
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The New York Islanders acquired this pick from the Chicago Blackhawks in May in exchange for their first-round pick (18th overall) in this year's draft.
Chicago acquired this pick from the Tampa Bay Lightning as part of the return for Brandon Hagel in March 2022.
Liam Greentree of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires could be an intriguing option for the Islanders. A versatile forward who can play either wing, the 6'2", 207-pounder led his club with 36 goals and 54 assists for 90 points, finishing 12th among OHL scorers.
Bukala considers Greentree to have a power forward frame whose size makes him difficult to defend. Ferarri believes he needs to improve his speed but praised his playmaking, noting he was a high-scoring player on one of the OHL's worst teams in 2023-24.
The Islanders ranked 32nd in The Athletic's ranking of NHL prospect pipelines. Greentree can help them build their depth in promising youngsters within their system. His offensive skills could make him a suitable replacement for aging captain Anders Lee one day.
21. Los Angeles Kings: Jett Luchanko
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The Los Angeles Kings lack a scoring left winger among their top prospects. They could also look at other positions if no suitable left-wing options are available.
Jett Luchanko of the OHL's Guelph Storm could be a notable alternative.
The 5'11", 170-pounder can play center or wing. He was ranked 20th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, and Button has him at No. 20 on his overall ranking.
Luchanko led the Storm with 54 assists and 74 points in 2023-24. He also had seven points in as many games helping Canada win gold at the 2024 IIHF U-18 World Junior Championship.
Bukala noted that he can be used in all situations and plays with pace and detail. Wheeler singled out his athleticism, hockey instincts, speed and two-way ability.
22. Nashville Predators: Leo Sahlin Wallenius
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Ranked seventh among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Leo Sahlin Wallenius is a right-shot defenseman who could draw the interest of the Nashville Predators. They have just one blueliner with a right-hand shot in their prospect pool.
The 6'0", 180-pounder had 42 points in 43 games in 2023-24 with the SHL's Växjö Lakers J20 Nationell team in Sweden. He's a solid two-way rearguard who moves the puck well.
Pronman considers Sahlin-Wallenius to be one of the best skaters in this year's draft. Wheeler pointed out that he's a big-minute defender and a leader with good hockey instincts.
Sahlin Wallenius will be returning with the Växjö Lakers next season. Over time, he projects to become a top-four NHL defenseman.
23. Toronto Maple Leafs: Stian Solberg
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The Toronto Maple Leafs possess only four defensemen among their top-15 prospects. To address that issue, they could turn to Norway's Stian Solberg. The 18-year-old defenseman is joining Färjestad BK in the SHL for 2024-25.
Solberg played last season for Vålerenga in Norway's Eliteserien. The 6'2", 205-pounder collected 15 points in 42 regular-season games and nine points in 17 playoff contests. He also played well for Norway at the IIHF World Championships, with two goals and three points in seven games.
NHL Central Scouting ranked him 20th among international skaters, but his performance at the Worlds raised his profile. Wheeler calls him one of the most competitive players in this draft, and Bukala praised his hockey sense and understated offensive game.
Solberg will benefit from playing in a higher league against Swedish professionals next season. His size and skills could make him a solid second-pairing NHL defenseman one day.
24. Colorado Avalanche: Terik Parascak
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Terik Parascak enjoyed a 105-point performance in 2023-24 with the WHL's Prince George Cougars. He finished third among their leading scorers and eighth among the league leaders.
That performance could draw the attention of the Colorado Avalanche. They need a scoring right winger among their top prospects as they build up their depleted pipeline.
NHL Central Scouting has Parascak ranked 15th among North American skaters, and Button has the 6'0", 179-pounder sitting 13th on his overall ranking.
Bukala singled out his hockey sense and vision, and Wheeler noted his anticipation, wrist shot and one-timer.
25. Boston Bruins: E.J. Emery
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The Boston Bruins originally traded this pick to the Detroit Red Wings as part of the conditions of the Tyler Bertuzzi trade last season.
The Wings subsequently sent this pick to the Ottawa Senators as part of the conditions of last summer's Alex DeBrincat trade. The Bruins got it back as part of the return from the Senators in the Linus Ullmark trade.
With this selection, the Bruins could bolster their depth in right-shot prospect defensemen. E.J. Emery of the University of North Dakota could be an available option.
He had 16 points in 61 games in 2023-24 with the USNTDP U-18 team and six points in 27 games with their USHL Junior squad. NHL Central Scouting ranked him 39th among North American skaters, but Button has the 6'3", 183-pounder sitting 17th on his overall ranking.
Wheeler praised Emery's skating and athleticism, while Bukala singled out his size, pace and competitiveness.
26. Montreal Canadiens: Emil Hemming
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The Montreal Canadiens received this pick from the Winnipeg Jets as part of the return in the Feb. 2 Sean Monahan trade.
We have them selecting center Cayden Lindstrom with the fifth overall pick, and they could use this one to bolster their depth on the right wing.
Emil Hemming of TPS in Finland's Liiga could be on their radar. The 6'1", 205-pound right winger is ranked sixth among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
He had seven goals and 11 points in 40 games as a rookie with TPS in 2023-24. He also had 11 goals and 18 points in 13 games with their junior squad, and 10 points in 11 playoff contests.
Ferrari pointed out Hemming plays a heavy game, calling him an enthusiastic worker with or without the puck. Wheeler noted that he battled inconsistency at times but has shown real skill and upside.
27. Carolina Hurricanes: Sacha Boisvert
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Skating as a rookie with the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks, Sacha Boisvert finished second among their leading scorers with 36 goals and 68 points.
He may draw the interest of the Carolina Hurricanes as they could use depth at center among their prospects after trading Vasili Ponomarev to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Jake Guentzel trade on March 8.
NHL Central Scouting ranked Boisvert 16th among its North American skaters. Ferrari noted that the 6'2", 183-pound center can be inconsistent at times but when he's on his game he's a unique blend of power and skill.
Wheeler was impressed with his rookie campaign in the USHL, praising his quick, accurate shot and his instincts with and without the puck. Bukala pointed out the improvement in his skating, making him a consistent threat off the rush.
Boisvert is committed to the University of North Dakota for 2024-25. Spending time in the NCAA should improve his skills, helping him to become an NHL-worthy center.
28. Calgary Flames (via Vancouver Canucks): Dominik Badinka
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The Calgary Flames received this pick as part of the return from the Vancouver Canucks in the Elias Lindholm trade on Jan. 30.
We have them choosing forward Tij Iginla with the ninth overall pick in this round, so they could use this one to add another right-shot defenseman to their prospect pipeline.
Dominik Badinka of the SHL's Malmö Redhawks could be an option to address that need. The 6'3", 185-pound Czech blueliner was ranked 14th among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
Badinka had four points in 33 games with the Redhawks in 2023-24. He also had 13 points in 17 contests with their J20 Nationell squad.
Ferrari believes skating in the SHL improved Badinka's mobility, calling him a factor in all three zones. Pronman was impressed by his powerful stride and two-way game.
29. Dallas Stars: Ryder Ritchie
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The Dallas Stars could use a right wing among their top-10 prospects following Logan Stankoven's promotion.
Ryder Ritchie of the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders could be a worthwhile choice to address that need.
He missed two months due to injury in 2023-24. Nevertheless, he finished this season with 44 points in 47 games. NHL Central Scouting ranked him 19th among North American skaters.
Bukala cited Ritchie's competitiveness and his solid play in all three zones, noting he doesn't sacrifice defense to produce offense. Wheeler considers the 6'0", 177-pounder to be a crafted, talented winger with top-six upside.
Ritchie will be back with the Raiders for 2024-25. Wheeler believes a healthy season should make him a 90-100 point player. That kind of offensive potential could be tempting for the Stars.
30. New York Rangers: Nikita Artamonov
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Ranked 19th among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Nikita Artamonov made his full-time KHL debut in 2023-24 with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. He tallied a respectable 23 points in 54 games.
The New York Rangers could consider the 5'11", 187-pound Artamonov. They could use a right win among their top-10 prospects. The versatile Russian is a left-hand shot but can skate on either wing.
Ferrari observed that Artamonov is a high-motor player who pesters opponents and hunts pucks down. Pronman called him a forward with excellent hands, vision and hockey sense who makes a lot of creative plays.
Artamonov still has some rough edges to his game, but he'll have plenty of time to smooth those out and refine his game playing against KHL professionals as he's under contract through 2025-26.
31. Anaheim Ducks (via Edmonton Oilers): Teddy Stiga
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The Anaheim Ducks received this pick from the Edmonton Oilers as part of the return of the Adam Henrique trade in March.
We have them choosing defenseman Zayne Parekh with the third overall selection, but they could use this one to add a skilled left wing to their prospect pool.
Teddy Stiga could be a fit here for the Ducks. A versatile forward who can play center or left wing, the 5'10", 178-pounder rose from 72nd to 44th among NHL Central Scouting's ranking of North American skaters. He netted 36 goals and 79 points in 61 games in 2023-24 with the USNTDP U-18 team and 38 points in 27 games with the USHL Junior squad.
Bukala observed Stiga is stocky strong and plays with high-end pace and relentless competitiveness. Ferrari considers him to be among the most motivated, versatile and engaging players in this draft.
Stiga is committed to Boston College for 2024-25. The rebuilding Ducks can afford to wait as he develops his game in the NCAA ranks. Given his potential, he could become a top-six NHL forward.
32. Philadelphia Flyers (via Florida Panthers): Andrew Basha
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The Philadelphia Flyers received this pick from the Florida Panthers as part of the return in the Claude Giroux trade in March 2022.
We have them selecting center Konsta Helenius with the 12th pick in this round.
With this selection, the Panthers could consider adding a left winger to their prospect pool after trading Cutter Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks in January. One option could be Andrew Basha of the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers.
Basha finished third among the Tigers' leading scorers with 30 goals and 55 assists for 85 points. He slipped down NHL Central Scouting's list of North American skaters to No. 26. However, Wheeler pointed out that the 5'11", 187-pounder was dealing with a lower-body injury during the second half of the season.
Bukala called Basha a relentless competitor who's difficult to contain and leads by example, noting he can be used in a variety of roles. Ferrari considers him among the most entertaining players in this draft class when he's on his game.
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