Introduction:
The 2024 NHL Draft is fast approaching, and the San Jose Sharks have secured the first overall pick, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks at number two. With the draft order now determined, NHL writers have come together to create a mock draft of the first 16 picks. This article provides a detailed analysis of the projected picks, taking into account each team’s needs and potential player selections.
San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University
The San Jose Sharks have finally won a draft lottery, landing the coveted first overall pick. They are set to select Macklin Celebrini, a highly talented center from Boston University. Celebrini, a native of North Vancouver, has already made his mark by winning the Hobey Baker Award. With his exceptional two-way skills and high-end talent, Celebrini is expected to be a game-changer for the Sharks. This pick gives the team hope for a brighter future after a disappointing season.
Chicago Blackhawks: Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
The Chicago Blackhawks hold the second overall pick and have their sights set on Ivan Demidov, a promising Russian forward from SKA St. Petersburg Jr. Although they also considered defenseman Artyom Levshunov, the Blackhawks are confident that Demidov will make the leap to North America after next season. Pairing Demidov with Connor Bedard could create an exciting combination for the team.
Anaheim Ducks: Artyom Levshunov, RHD, Michigan State
The Anaheim Ducks, who already have a wealth of young talent in their organization, have the third pick in the draft. They opt for Artyom Levshunov, an impressive 18-year-old Belarusian defenseman from Michigan State. Levshunov has demonstrated great size and skill during his freshman season in college hockey. His strong two-way game and right-handed shot make him an ideal addition to the Ducks’ blue line.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)
The Columbus Blue Jackets face a tough decision at number four, with several top prospects already off the board. In the end, they choose Cayden Lindstrom, a skilled center from the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL. Lindstrom’s style of play and desired size and skating ability make him an attractive option for the Blue Jackets. Pairing him with Adam Fantilli would create a formidable one-two punch down the middle.
Calgary Flames: Daniil Buium, D, Denver University
The Calgary Flames had an opportunity to trade into the top five but ultimately chose to stay put at number five. With their pick, they select Daniil Buium, a talented defenseman from Denver University. Buium’s impressive freshman season in college hockey showcased his high-end skill set and ability to contribute offensively. His addition to the Flames’ roster would help address their need for a game-breaking defenseman.
Utah: Anton Silayev, LHD, Torpedo (RUSSIA)
Utah, formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes, continues their trend of selecting Russian players by choosing Anton Silayev with the sixth pick. Silayev, a towering 6-foot-7 defenseman, made history by recording the most points ever for a U18 skater in Russia’s top league. While some argue for a pure puck-moving defenseman, adding Silayev to their young core on the back end provides Utah with a formidable defensive presence.
Ottawa Senators: Zane Parekh, RHD, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
The Ottawa Senators, who possess one of the weakest prospect pools in the NHL, are in desperate need of skill and upside. With the seventh pick, they select Zane Parekh, a right-handed defenseman from the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL. Parekh’s tremendous skill set and offensive abilities, as evidenced by his 33-goal, 96-point campaign, make him an ideal choice for the Senators. His dynamic capabilities in the offensive zone will be a valuable asset for the team in the future.
Seattle Kraken: Sam Dickinson, LHD, London Knights (OHL)
The Seattle Kraken, despite building a strong prospect pool, have yet to secure a premium defenseman. With the eighth pick, they finally address this need by selecting Sam Dickinson from the London Knights in the OHL. Dickinson is considered the best defenseman available at this point in the draft and has the potential to become a top-four cornerstone for the Kraken.
Montreal Canadiens: Tij Iginla, F, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
The Montreal Canadiens find themselves in a difficult position with both their top targets off the board by the fourth pick. In a surprising move, they decide to trade down to the ninth spot with the Calgary Flames. This trade allows them to acquire an additional first-round pick and still select their preferred forward, Tij Iginla from the Kelowna Rockets. Iginla is a playoff-style forward who is expected to contribute to the Canadiens’ top-six in the near future.
New Jersey Devils: Berkly Catton, C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
The New Jersey Devils have a talented young team and are not in desperate need of a specific position. With the tenth pick, they have a variety of good options available to them. They choose Berkly Catton, a center from the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL. Despite his smaller stature, Catton possesses strong skating and offensive abilities. His impressive numbers in his draft year surpass those of recent high picks from the WHL, indicating his potential as a high-impact forward.
Buffalo Sabres: Cole Eiserman, W, USNTDP
The Buffalo Sabres have the opportunity to trade their pick for immediate help on their NHL roster. However, they choose to stay put and select Cole Eiserman, a winger from the USNTDP. Eiserman’s goal-scoring talent is too enticing for the Sabres to pass up, even though his overall game needs improvement. With his potential as a top-line NHL winger, Eiserman is worth the gamble for Buffalo.
Philadelphia Flyers: Carter Yakemchuk, D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
The Philadelphia Flyers already have promising young defensemen in their system but lack size and physicality. With the twelfth pick, they address this need by selecting Carter Yakemchuk from the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL. Yakemchuk’s imposing size and heavy right-handed shot make him an appealing addition to the Flyers’ defensive core.
Minnesota Wild: Adam Jiricek, D, Plzen (CZECHIA)
The Minnesota Wild have some tough decisions to make with their blue-line prospect pool. With the thirteenth pick, they choose Adam Jiricek, a defenseman from Plzen in the Czech Republic. Jiricek’s size and two-way game make him a strong option for the Wild as they continue to evaluate their defensive prospects.
San Jose Sharks: Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
The San Jose Sharks continue to bolster their forward prospect pool by selecting Beckett Sennecke, a skilled right wing from the Oshawa Generals in the OHL. Sennecke’s excellent performance in the OHL playoffs showcases his scoring ability and playmaking skills. With other talented prospects in their pipeline, the Sharks are building a strong group of forwards for the future.
Detroit Red Wings: Konsta Helenius, C, Jukurit (Finland)
The Detroit Red Wings have focused on selecting centers with their top picks in recent drafts. With the fifteenth pick, they choose Konsta Helenius, a center from Jukurit in Finland. Helenius’ impressive production in Finland’s Liiga demonstrates his offensive capabilities, although his size may be a concern. The Red Wings are willing to overlook this and bet on Helenius’ intelligence and scoring ability.
St. Louis Blues: Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Mora (SWEDEN-2)
The St. Louis Blues aim to stay competitive while retooling their team. With the sixteenth pick, they select Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, a right wing from Mora in Sweden’s second division. Brandsegg-Nygard possesses the type of player profile that fits the Blues’ style, with good hockey sense, high competitiveness, and smart decision-making abilities.
Conclusion:
With the 2024 NHL Draft approaching, teams are preparing to make their selections and add promising young talent to their organizations. The mock draft provides insight into the potential choices teams may make based on their needs and available prospects. While the actual draft day outcomes may differ, this analysis offers a glimpse into the thought process behind each pick and the potential impact these players could have in the NHL.