2024 NHL mock draft roundup: San Jose locked in with top prospect Macklin Celebrini
With the Stanley Cup playoffs beginning, 16 fanbases can turn their attention in earnest to the offseason, including the 2024 NHL Draft. The draft is two months away - and there's still the NHL Draft Lottery to get through - but there's plenty of time to discuss how the first round could look.
The San Jose Sharks have the best chance to get the first overall pick at 25.5% overall. The two other teams with double-digit percentages are the Chicago Blackhawks (13.5%) and the Anaheim Ducks (11.5%). Using the current lottery chances, here's how Bleacher Report's Jake Rill, Lines.com's Bill Placzek, and Bleacher Nation's Tab Bamford think the lottery picks will play out:
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1. San Jose Sharks
Bleacher Report: Macklin Celebrini, F, Boston University
Lines.com: Macklin Celebrini, F, Boston University
Bleacher Nation: Macklin Celebrini, F, Boston University
Consensus at No. 1 overall with one of the best players in college hockey. Celebrini's considered in a tier by himself thanks to his puck skills and power play potential. He's young (turns 18 weeks before the draft) but has the makings to be a two-way center in the league.
Bamford: "The Sharks have used all five of their first-round picks since the 2020 draft on forwards, but that shouldn’t keep them from making the obvious choice here."
Rill: "It didn't take more than one college season for him to cement his status as the top prospect in the 2024 NHL draft class. He could become a big building block for a struggling franchise later this summer. That's why the lottery will be so important. Whichever team ends up at No. 1 will get the opportunity to add Celebrini."
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Bleacher Report: Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA-1946
Lines.com: Cole Eiserman, LW, USNTDP Juniors
Bleacher Nation: Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA-1946
Some differences at No. 2 with Chicago. Demidov could be the top non-college player drafted this year thanks to his puck skills and competitiveness. Eiserman, by contrast, is a strong skater and a high-end scorer.
Rill: "The 18-year-old [Demidov] is a 5'11", left-handed winger who has one of the best skill sets among the prospects in this year's class. In 30 games during the MHL season, he recorded 60 points on 23 goals and 37 assists. Then in the playoffs, he had 10 goals and 15 assists in 13 games."
Placzek: "A tad under six foot, but almost at 200 lbs., [Eiserman] may be the purest goal scorers in junior hockey. A killer on the power play man advantage where he jumps off the half wall his stick cocked and loaded and will shoot the on-coming pass so well that at times the goaltender has no chance."
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3. Anaheim Ducks
Bleacher Report: Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State University
Lines.com: Cayden Lindstrom, F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Bleacher Nation: Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State University
Differences again at No. 3. Levshunov is considered a top prospect in this year's draft thanks to his puck handling and passing. His athleticism makes up for lapses on defense. Lindstrom dealt with injury but is a big presence on offense. He could get moved to the wing at the pro level.
Rill: "As long as Levshunov gets taken before the No. 8 pick, he'll become the highest-drafted player to come out of Belarus. He's a bit older than some of the top prospects in the 2024 class (he'll turn 19 in October), but that could help him get to the NHL in less time."
Placzek: "[Lindstrom] has found a balance this season using his patience and creativity to create separation, using his teammates effectively and using his strength each and size to force his way to middle ice or to the net. Some team will take him early, as he projects as a special player who engages defensively, transports the puck really well, wins puck battles, and displays one heck of a shot."
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
Bleacher Report: Cayden Lindstrom, F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Lines.com: Zayne Parekh, D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Bleacher Nation: Sam Dickinson, D, London Knights (OHL)
The first pick to see three different prospects heading to Columbus. Parekh was one of the best defensemen in the Ontario Hockey League this year thanks to his standout shot and hockey sense that opens up opportunities on offense. Dickinson's a standout skater with a high motor and a strong slap shot.
Placzek: "[Parekh] is a defender who has almost instantaneous direction changing ability, as he fluidly moves around the sheet with high end puck handling skills and is really intuitive in where he chooses to send it. A highly deceptive puck carrier who will who will first elude forecheckers with tight spin moves and then make a lateral jump cut at full speed and is one from pressure."
Bamford: "[The Blue Jackets] have plenty of young players up front and on the back end. Some believe Dickinson will be the best defenseman in this draft class. The Jackets need that more than anything else. Take the no-brainer, especially if it’s relatively safe for a new GM."
5. Montreal Canadiens
Bleacher Report: Sam Dickinson, D, London Knights (OHL)
Lines.com: Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State University
Bleacher Nation: Berkly Catton, F, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Two familiar prospects in Dickinson and Levshunov here. Catton, the new player here, is considered one of the best players in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and a well-rounded player. His skating, passing, and puck handling stands out as transferable skills at the NHL level.
Placzek: "[Levshunov] has enough positive attributes to put him firmly in the discussion as the best prospect at his position for the 2024 Draft, and the one closest to NHL ready. He projects as a top four defender with the upside to be more."
Bamford: "Catton is a stud and appears to be a lock to go in the top ten overall. But how high will he climb? I absolutely love the idea of Catton learning the pro game from Martin St. Louis at some point, adding another dynamic forward to their stable."
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6. Utah (TBD)
Bleacher Report: Anton Silayev, D, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Lines.com: Zeev Buium, D, University of Denver
Bleacher Nation: Zayne Parekh, D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
This pick involves the Arizona Coyotes franchise that is set to relocate ahead of the 2024-25 season. Silayev is one of the top defensemen in the draft with imposing size (6-foot-7) and physical play style. He won't give much on offense but more than make up for it on defense. Buium is the opposite. He finished the college hockey season as one of the top scorers at his position and excels as a passer and puck handler.
Placzek: "Good size and puck handling skills and a crisp laser. Fluid skater with a long stride. Concentrates on taking care of business in his end, but when he decided stop take off, he has good acceleration and carries through the neutral zone looking for plays."
Bamford: "Parehk is an offensive threat with the puck on the blue line and his performance has elevated him into the conversation for even the top five overall. Arizona has a nice collection of forwards already in their NHL room and coming, so going defense here makes a lot of sense. There might be some consideration for Anton Silayev here, but I think the new ownership will want a player who might make it to the NHL faster."
7. Ottawa Senators
Bleacher Report: Cole Eiserman, LW, USNTDP Juniors
Lines.com: Sam Dickinson, D, London Knights (OHL)
Bleacher Nation: Anton Silayev, D, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Familiar prospects across the board here for Ottawa, who struggled this season, especially on the power play. They're also without a head coach for next season after interim coach Jacques Martin took over mid-season.
Placzek: "A big horse defender with a large toolbox and a confident cool style and the ability to be dominate on both ends of the sheet. Has a big time shot and looks like a future power play quarterback."
Bamford: "Silayev is signed thru the 2025-26 season in Russia, which makes some sense here, too, considering how young the Senators are right now. They need to improve ASAP because they keep promising their fans it’s going to turn a corner. Silayev is an enormous prospect who is the top-ranked International Skater in the final rankings from NHL Central Scouting."
8. Calgary Flames
Bleacher Report: Carter Yakemchuk, D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Lines.com: Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA-1946
Bleacher Nation: Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
A new prospect enters the rankings with Yakemchuk. One of the top players in the WHL, Yakemchuk impresses with his shot power and competitiveness. Iginla, the son of former Flames right winger Jarome Iginla, became a top prospect in the WHL this season thanks to his great shot. He can also beat defenders one-on-one thanks to his standout puck skills.
Placzek: "Under six foot Russian winger with good pace and strong creativity and makes plays using his feet and his ability to thread pucks with precision to teammates. Although he doesn't use his outside edges, relying on his inside edges which widens his stride far more than you want it to be. This will be a problem in the NHL where attackers are closely covered and must cut back a lot to gain separation."
Bamford: "I don’t think I’m alone in kinda hoping Tij gets to wear the same Flames sweater as his dad, Jarome, did for years... This would be the feel-good story of the draft if it can happen."
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9. Seattle Kraken
Bleacher Report: Berkly Catton, F, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Lines.com: Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Bleacher Nation: Cayden Lindstrom, F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Catton slides to Seattle at No. 9 overall in Bleacher Report's mock draft as does Lindstrom in Bleacher Nation's mock. It's less of a drop for Iginla to go here.
Placzek: "Jarome's son arrives as a Centre-forward virtually guaranteed a first round selection because of his high floor as scoring prospect and his Swiss army knife abilities and his improved development. Not faster, or the most skilled but a high paced factor on most of his shifts."
Bamford: "Lindstrom’s recent rankings from analysts have him as a viable top-four option in this draft... He’s a big body center who plays a strong game all over the ice. Seattle is looking to continue building from within and he would be a really nice compliment for Matty Beniers eventually as a top-six center."
10. New Jersey Devils
Bleacher Report: Zayne Parekh, D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Lines.com: Carter Yakemchuk, D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Bleacher Nation: Zeev Buium, D, University of Denver
All three prospects here could bring reinforcements on offense. Yakemchuk could contribute quickly with a lot of upside as a rookie while the other two could be future stars for New Jersey.
Placzek: "He is electric and there seems to be a magnet that pulls him straight to the opposing net at all times he is has the puck on his stick. He is the closest thing this draft has to a gunslinger, and is in the running for the backliner who generates the most offense this season. He has elite offensive instincts that his skating, puck skills, and a lethal point shot allow him to make the most of."
Bamford: "Buium’s stock has continued to skyrocket as he put up great numbers as a freshman at Denver and looked terrific for the US at the World Junior Championship. He, like Celebrini, skated in the Frozen Four; Buium won the championship, however. Buium is a defensively responsible player who also had a great offensive season. The Devils are a huge wild card for me this summer because they were such a disappointment this season."
11. Buffalo Sabres
Bleacher Report: Adam Jiricek, D, HC Plzen (Czech Extraliga)
Lines.com: Anton Silayev, D, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Bleacher Nation: Cole Eiserman, LW, USNTDP Juniors
Two prospects fall to Buffalo in these mock drafts. Silayev's a developmental prospect with the potential to be a force defensively. Eiserman's scoring potential could lift one of the worst power play teams in the league. Jiricek's a big body skater who can move the puck efficiently.
Placzek: "The unicorn of the 2024 draft class is a giant defenseman who doesn't look at all uncomfortable on his blades or in his movements, hits, and ability to mount offensive flurries using his hands and speed... He is only starting to scratch the surface of a his potential as a future NHLer. The chance to draft a kid who can be Chara-like will be be on the minds of NHL scouting staffs."
Bamford: "Eiserman’s stock appears to be falling right now, though he’s still considered one of the better pure scorers in this draft class. And I think the Buffalo Sabres, who have most of their blue line locked-up long term already (and they’re all still young) could see his ability to put the puck in the net as a need filler. He’ll probably play at least one year of college hockey, but the Sabres get a sniper here."
12. Minnesota Wild
Bleacher Report: Zeev Buium, D, University of Denver
Lines.com: Berkly Catton, F, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Bleacher Nation: Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Minnesota scoops up Buium and Catton in two of these mock drafts. Greentree didn't win much with Windsor this year but put the team on his back to grind out 18 victories. His size and shot power overcome his below-average skate speed.
Placzek: "He leaves very little doubt that his offensive skills will translate at the pro level. The vision and creativity of his passes screams the chance he may be a first line NHL centre, but his size tempers that idea but most will be comfortable projecting him as a second lien centre."
Bamford: "Minnesota underwhelmed this season and find themselves in the lottery. They have some really good young pieces on their NHL roster already and will look to add to the stockpile of assets. Greentree is a power forward who would be the best player available for me at this point in our mock draft."
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13. Philadelphia Flyers
Bleacher Report: Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Lines.com: Konsta Helenius, C/RW, Jukurit (Finland)
Bleacher Nation: Konsta Helenius, C/RW, Jukurit (Finland)
Iginla falls to Philadelphia in Bleacher Report's mock draft. Helenius is a near-consensus pick for the Flyers after a standout performance for Finland's U20 team. His playmaking projects well on the power play and is good enough on the skates to create space on offense.
Placzek: "Currently entrenched at centre, he has good hockey senses, quick hands, feet, good pace, and quite a dangle. A good playmaker who is shifty laterally and dangerous as a puck carrier on zone entires. Does good work behind the net and on the half board during the power play."
Bamford: "The Flyers are continuing their rebuild and need to add talent. After trading Cutter Gauthier to Anaheim, there’s a need for young forward(s) in the pipeline. Helenius is no longer the top-ranked International Skater in the final rankings from NHL Central Scouting, but he’s still a good, versatile forward who would fit what they’re trying to do in Philly."
14. San Jose Sharks (via Pittsburgh Penguins)
Bleacher Report: Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Lines.com: Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Bleacher Nation: Carter Yakemchuk, D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Unless Pittsburgh wins the lottery and moves inside the top 10, this pick will go to San Jose. The Sharks took the top player on the board in all three mock drafts and bolster their roster again here. Greentree's size, skill and competitiveness pairs with Celebrini on one hand. Yakemchuk's similarly competitive with an impressive shot.
Placzek: "Currently entrenched at centre, he has good hockey senses, quick hands, feet, good pace, and quite a dangle. A good playmaker who is shifty laterally and dangerous as a puck carrier on zone entires. Does good work behind the net and on the half board during the power play."
Bamford: "The Flyers are continuing their rebuild and need to add talent. After trading Cutter Gauthier to Anaheim, there’s a need for young forward(s) in the pipeline. Helenius is no longer the top-ranked International Skater in the final rankings from NHL Central Scouting, but he’s still a good, versatile forward who would fit what they’re trying to do in Philly."
15. Detroit Red Wings
Bleacher Report: Adam Jecho, F, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Lines.com: Trevor Connelly, LW, Tri-City (USHL)
Bleacher Nation: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW, Mora IK (Sweden)
A trio of new prospects at No. 15 here. Jecho's impressive size and powerful shot is a plus despite his less-than-stellar skate speed. Connelly's dynamic on offense as one of the top players in the USHL thanks to his speed. There are character concerns for him, though. Brandsegg-Nygård is an all-around prospect who plays hard with a great shot and puck skills.
Placzek: "He is probably the most skilled player in the USHL. Has good touch and hands and is always driving play. Has explosive game breaker ability to separate from defenders or drive through defenders to get to the front of the net. Displays superb edge work in his skating where he quickly changes direction while accelerating out of his cuts at top speed."
Bamford: "Brandsegg-Nygård is the kind of prospect who helps the job security of the GM who drafts him. He’s a responsible forward who plays a full, 200-foot game with good size. This feels like the perfect player for Steve Yzerman to add to compliment his veteran lineup at some point as a potential eventual replacement for David Perron."
16. St. Louis Blues
Bleacher Report: Beckett Sennecke, F, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Lines.com: Sacha Boisvert, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Bleacher Nation: Adam Jiricek, D, HC Plzen (Czech Extraliga)
Jiricek drops to St. Louis in one mock draft but the others have new prospects again. Sennecke's creativity with the puck sets him apart but he doesn't have the goal production to match it. His skate speed is a positive, too. Boisvert's shot is impressive and has the skills with the puck to beat defenders one-on-one.
Placzek: "Lanky long striding centre with breakaway ability, puck skills, and NHL shot. This smooth long strider can accelerate quickly and pull away from opponents in open ice and displays elusive quickness in tight spaces due to his good balance and agility. Can rip shots off the rush, and is excellent at finding rebounds in front."
Bamford: "The Blues need help all over the place, but they primarily need to rebuild their blue line. Jiricek is the next defenseman on the board here, but he also happens to play a good game and has decent size. His season was cut short by an injury suffered at the World Junior Championship but he’s a solid prospect for the Blues to add."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NHL mock drafts: Sharks nab Celebrini, more top picks
