2024 NHL Mock Draft: Top Prospects on the Rise amid 1st-Round Predictions

The Stanley Cup was awarded on Monday night, when the Florida Panthers captured it for the first time in franchise history. They outlasted the Edmonton Oilers in a seven-game series, claiming the Cup on their home ice.

Now, it's already time to turn the page.

The 2024 NHL draft is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Sphere in Las Vegas, as each of the league's 32 teams will bolster their rosters for the future. The first round will take place Friday, followed by the final six rounds the next day.

With the draft nearly here, here's a mock for how the opening round could unfold. Then, we'll take a closer look at some prospects whose stock has been on the rise.

1st-round Mock Draft

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 17: A detailed view is seen of the NHL logo on a jersey in the New Jersey Devils locker room before the 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the New Jersey Devils at MetLife Stadium on February 17, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University

2. Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov, RHD, Michigan State University

3. Anaheim Ducks: Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg

4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat Tigers

5. Montreal Canadiens: Anton Silayev, LHD, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod

6. Utah Hockey Club: Zayne Parekh, RHD, Saginaw Spirit

7. Ottawa Senators: Sam Dickinson, LHD, London Knights

8. Seattle Kraken: Zeev Buium, LHD, University of Denver

9. Calgary Flames: Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa Generals

10. New Jersey Devils: Tij Iginla, C/LW, Kelowna Rockets

11. Buffalo Sabres: Berkly Catton, C, Spokane Chiefs

12. Philadelphia Flyers: Konsta Helenius, C, HIFK

13. Minnesota Wild: Carter Yakemchuk, RHD, Calgary Hitmen

14. San Jose Sharks (via Pittsburgh Penguins): Stian Solberg, LHD, Valerenga

15. Detroit Red Wings: Cole Eiserman, LW, U.S. NTDP

16. St. Louis Blues: Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Mora IK

17. Washington Capitals: Adam Jiricek, RHD, HC Plzen

18. Chicago Blackhawks (via New York Islanders): Michael Hage, C, Chicago Steel

19. Vegas Golden Knights: Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph Storm

20. New York Islanders (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Sacha Boisvert, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks

21. Los Angeles Kings: Trevor Connelly, LW, Tri-City Storm

22. Nashville Predators: Sam O'Reilly, C, London Knights

23. Toronto Maple Leafs: Igor Chernyshov, LW, Dynamo Moscow

24. Colorado Avalanche: Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor Spitfires

25. Ottawa Senators (via Boston Bruins): Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie Colts

26. Montreal Canadiens (via Winnipeg Jets): Dean Letourneau, C, St. Andrew's College

27. Carolina Hurricanes: Dominik Badinka, RHD, Malmo Redhawks

28. Calgary Flames (via Vancouver Canucks): Cole Hutson, LHD, U.S. NTDP

29. Dallas Stars: Ryder Ritchie, RW, Prince Albert Raiders

30. New York Rangers: Egor Surin, C, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl

31. Anaheim Ducks (via Edmonton Oilers): Charlie Elick, RHD, Brandon Wheat Kings

32. Philadelphia Flyers (via Florida Panthers): Adam Kleber, RHD, Lincoln Stars

Tij Iginla, C/LW, Kelowna Rockets

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MONCTON, CANADA - JANUARY 23: Tij Iginla #17 of Team White stick handle the puck during practice session of 2024 Kabota Top Prospects game at Avenir Centre on January 23, 2024 in Moncton, Canada. (Photo by Dale Preston/Getty Images)

Tij Iginla doesn't have to turn far for hockey advice. His dad, Jarome, is a Hall of Famer who played 20 years in the NHL, tallying 1,300 points (625 goals and 675 assists) over 1,554 games, most of which came during 16 seasons with the Calgary Flames.

Now, the younger Iginla is ready to begin his journey toward the NHL. The 17-year-old forward could be a top-10 draft pack, as he possesses a "well-rounded offensive package," as ESPN's Rachel Doerrie put it.

"A good skater with the agility to beat opponents in a straight line or change pace to catch defenders off balance, Iginla is a formidable presence in the offensive zone," Doerrie wrote.

Iginla had 47 goals and 37 assists in 64 games for Kelowna in the WHL this season. It wouldn't be surprising if he follows in his father's footsteps and has a memorable career once he gets to the NHL.

Trevor Connelly, LW, Tri-City Storm

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PLYMOUTH, MI - JANUARY 15: Trevor Connelly #16 of Team Blue skates with the puck during Chipotle All-American Game between Team Blue and Team White at USA Hockey Arena on January 15, 2024 in Plymouth, Michigan. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Trevor Connelly put up big offensive numbers while playing for the Tri-City Storm in the USHL this past season. The 18-year-old forward tallied 31 goals and 47 assists in 52 games, boosting his stock for the 2024 NHL draft in the process.

Dan Marr, the vice president of NHL Central Scouting," recently called Connelly the "full package" because of his skills, speed and on-ice IQ.

"He's got that get up and go, that drive and energy to his game," Marr told Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia. "He's one of these players that will be very good playing alongside pros."

It sounds like Connelly is the type of forward who may not need much development before he takes the ice for an NHL team. Because of that, it wouldn't be surprising to see him get taken quite early during Friday's opening round.

Charlie Elick, RHD, Brandon Wheat Kings

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MONCTON, CANADA - JANUARY 24:Charlie Elick #71 of Team Red skates for the puck in the corner during the first period of the 2024 Kubota CHL Top Prospects Game at Avenir Centre on January 24, 2024 in Moncton, Canada. (Photo by Dale Preston/Getty Images)

Charlie Elick isn't a defenseman who is likely to put up high point totals. The 18-year-old had four goals and 23 assists in 65 games for Brandon in the WHL this past season.

However, Elick can provide tremendous defense. And that's why he could be a first-round pick in this year's draft. Some NHL team is going to be intrigued by the potential he has to strengthen the blue line for seasons to come.

"He is unlikely to provide anything but positive defense, but the steady, mobile defender is likely to tilt the ice in his team's favor with his transition defense and devastating physicality," Doerrie wrote.

If teams sleep on Elick early, then he could be a steal for some franchise later on. His steadiness could become valuable for the long term.