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2024 NHL Draft

Capitals Prospect Cole Hutson Likely To Return To School

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Star Washington Capitals defense prospect Cole Hutson is leaning towards returning to Boston University for his sophomore season, per Jeff Marek of Daily Faceoff and sources available to ProHockeyRumors. Hutson won the Hockey East ’Rookie of the Year’ award this season, after leading all freshmen in scoring with 14 goals and 46 points in 37 games this season. Hutson’s BU Terriers lost the National Championship game to Western Michigan University this weekend. He had no points in the championship game.

This news will see Hutson look to right that wrong and carry Boston University back to a National bid next season. He’s defiantly a star prospect and already seems to have outperformed his second-round, 43rd-overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. Hutson has earned that acclaim on the back of a season filled with highlight-reel plays, using nifty head-fakes and quick cuts to dance defenders out of their skates and open clear lanes to the net. They’re the same traits that earned him first-round acclaim from many last season, after he scored 51 points in 51 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP).

Hutson is the younger brother of star Montreal Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson, who is making a valiant push for the NHL’s Calder Trophy and record for most points from a rookie defenseman this season. The two play an unmistakably similar style, each using elusive skating and flashy dekes to draw opponents in and beat them clean. Like Lane, Cole has struggled at times to translate his dominant impact to his play away from the puck – struggling to match physicality and clear opponents out of the danger areas in the defensive zone. But Lane has come along well in all regards over the course of his rookie season, and continues to shed many of the concerns surrounding his defensive game. Cole could go through the same arc soon – but first, like his older brother, he’ll return for a sophomore season at BU.

Hutson will be set up for a clear path towards star minutes with the Terriers next season. He became the third-straight Terrier to win Hockey East’s ’Rookie of the Year’ award this season – alongside brother Lane and star center Macklin Celebrini over the last two years. With a return for year two, Cole will get a chance to chase the Hockey East MVP title as well, stealing it away from rival Boston College after Ryan Leonard won the award this season. Should he continue his phenomenal scoring, he’ll be an early-season favorite for the Hobey Baker Award as well. That momentum and a return to the National Championship should go far in giving Hutson the momentum needed to make a strong impact on the Capitals lineup at the end of next season.

Kraken Sign Nathan Villeneuve To Entry-Level Contract

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The Seattle Kraken are formally bringing one of their higher-round selections from the 2024 NHL Draft to the organization. According to a team announcement, the Kraken have signed Nathan Villeneuve to a three-year entry-level contract.

Seattle selected Villeneuve with the 63rd overall pick of last summer’s draft. He had just concluded his sophomore campaign with the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves, scoring 23 goals and 27 assists in 50 games with a +10 rating.

This year has been a bit more of a mixed bag. He did improve his offensive output, scoring 34 goals and 70 points in 57 games, but he took far more penalties than at any point in his playing career. He finished the 2024-25 campaign with 120 PIMs, the third-highest of any player in the OHL.

Still, that primarily came from Villeneuve’s physicality and high pace of play. He’s an aggressive forechecker and was known as a pest by opponents during his major junior career. He’ll want to clean up many of those penalties should he have a future in the NHL, but he’s starting with an impressively high motor.

Villeneuve will likely finish the 2024-25 campaign playing on an amateur tryout agreement with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds. The Firebirds have already clinched a position in the 2025 Calder Cup playoffs and will look to qualify for the Calder Cup Final for a third consecutive year.

Prospect Notes: Kirsanov, Pinelli, Hage

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With the end of the season nearing, news surrounding some of the league’s top prospects is beginning to ramp up. The Los Angeles Kings are the focal point of the latest updates, after news that Russian defender Kirill Kirsanov could sign with the team at the end of the season, per Scott Coffman of Mayor’s Manor.

The Kings drafted Kirsanov in the third round of the 2021 NHL Draft, just months after his rookie season in Russia’s KHL came to a close. He tallied just three points in 29 games in his first pro year, but showed upside as a heavy and physical presence in the defensive end. Kirsanov continued to plant his feet in the KHL in the subsequent three seasons, routinely rivaling 25 games and a few points each year. He’s found a bit more stride with Novgorod Torpedo this season, with a career-high seven points in a career-high 34 KHL games – though his best impact remains close to his end boards. It will be the six-foot-two, 220-pound frame that Los Angeles looks forward to in signing the 22-year-old Russian, as they look to find the hefty compliment for impactful youngsters like Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence.

Other notes across the prospect world:

  • The Columbus Blue Jackets have assigned 2023 fourth-round draft pick Luca Pinelli to the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. Pinelli’s OHL season with the Ottawa 67s came to an end on Sunday. He closed the season with a team-leading 37 goals and 71 points in 52 games. That’s just narrowly ahead of his scoring pace last season, when he potted 48 goals and 82 points in 68 games. But Pinelli’s story tood tall this year, as he led a 67s roster that struggled to score when he was off the ice. Ottawa managed just 205 goals as a team, good for third-lowest in the OHL. Pinelli is a speedy puck-handler who pushes transition – and carries surprising heft and strength on the puck for his five-foot-nine frame. He’ll be an interesting prospect to watch in the pros, after scoring 252 points in 246 career games, and four seasons, in the OHL.
  • Top Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage has decided to return to the University of Michigan for his sophomore season, per Marco D’Amico of RG Media. Montreal drafted Hage 21st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, after he scored 33 goals and 75 points in 54 USHL games as the Chicago Steel’s top center. He followed that performance with 13 goals and 34 points in 33 games in Michigan’s top-role this year – good for second in scoring on the Wolverines behind 23-year-old junior T.J. Hughes’ 38 points. Hughes is viewed by many as a top college free agent this summer. His signing could open a clear path for Hage to become Michigan’s true star scorer next year. On top of many returnees on a young roster, Hage will be joined by 2025 NHL Draft prospects Cole McKinney and Aidan Park in 2025-26.

Avalanche Recall Nikita Prishchepov, Assign Chase Bradley

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The Colorado Avalanche have recalled forward Nikita Prishchepov to the NHL. It’s already Prishchepov’s fifth call-up of the season, with his last stint on the Avalanche roster ending on November 14th. In a corresponding move, Colorado has assigned forward Chase Bradley to the AHL, ending the first call-up of his NHL career after just three days.

Bradley stepped into the first two NHL games of his career on the short recall, but failed to record any notable stat changes while averaging just 5:35 in ice time. It’s Bradley’s first year of professional hockey, after spending the last three seasons climbing the University of Connecticut lineup. He recorded 51 points in 95 games with the Huskies, including 22 points in 31 games last season – good for second on the team in scoring behind Nashville Predators prospect Matthew Wood. While his NHL scoring is yet to come, Bradley has found a bit more production in the minors – posting three goals and four points through his first 17 AHL games.

Prishchepov is in a very similar spot, playing through his first year of professional hockey with a strong start in the minors – six points in 12 games – but so far no scoring through six NHL games. Prishchepov became the third player drafted in the 2024 NHL Draft – and the first selected outside of the top-15 picks – to make his NHL debut. Recording a point would make him just the second 2024 draftee to score, behind first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini.

Big Hype Prospects: Benak, Demidov, Barlow, Eliasson

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The hockey world has one final hurdle to get through before the hustle-and-bustle of the regular season – presently shrouded by the start of the college football and NFL seasons. To cut through that cloud, we’ll once again borrow the Big Hype Prospects series from MLB Trade Rumors and break down some of the prospects getting attention heading into the 2024-25 season.

Four Big Hype Prospects

F Adam Benak, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
2024 USHL Preseason: 6 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 TP

The USHL Pre-Season was bound to be headlined by Youngstown Phantoms tender Adam Benak – a starring Czech prospect and client of prolific NHL agent Allan Walsh. He brings a wealth of experience, most notably scoring eight points in eight games at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and 24 points in 26 games with the Czech U18 team through friendlies and tourney play.  But even knowing that precedent, his start in the USHL has been shocking. Benak got the primary assist on the first goal of Youngstown’s pre-season – and while it was his only point of game one, he managed five points (1 G, 4 A) in Youngstown’s second pre-season game. Granted it was against a Green Bay lineup clearly not at full strength, but Benak nonetheless played at a step above everyone else, showing power in his strides and confidence on the puck. He worked best with winger Jack Hextall – Youngstown’s starring tender from the 2008 birth year. Hextall is still adjusting to junior-level physicality, but thrived in the tempo and space that Benak was able to create. His next game will be Youngstown’s season opener on September 18th, but Benak’s ability to control possession shined through in his pre-season action. There’s no telling how high on 2025 Draft boards the undersized, but highly-skilled centerman could climb if he carries that momentum into the regular season.

F Ivan Demidov, SKA (KHL)
2024 KHL Regular Season: 2 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 TP

The start of the KHL season has brought the first look at Ivan Demidov, now the Montreal Canadiens’ newest top prospect. He’s served that title well, making SKA’s KHL roster with dominant pre-season performances, and – perhaps more impressively – admirably filling a third-line role through the year’s first two games. SKA has gained notoriety for how they’ve deploy their star teenagers over the last few years, though it seems Demidov is playing above that ire through the early going. There’s no denying Demidov’s prowess. He’s dominant on the puck, showing control at top speeds and using his body to defend possession while driving the net. He’ll be near the top of the shortlist when it comes to exciting prospects to follow this season – especially if he continues earning routine ice time in SKA’s lineup.

F Colby Barlow, OHL
2023 OHL Regular Season (Owen Sound): 50 GP, 40 G, 18 A, 58 TP

Early year speculation has Colby Barlow as near-certainly bound for a trade away from the Owen Sound Attack. Where he’s headed hasn’t yet come clear, but it seems the Winnipeg Jets first-round pick will have a chance to join a stronger roster after scoring six fewer goals and 15 fewer assists last season, compared to the 2022-23 season. He still managed a 40-goal season, speaking to his assured scoring and offering intriguing upside for the winners of Barlow’s trade sweepstakes. Pre-season trades led other top NHL prospects like Matthew Savoie and Conor Geekie to bountiful seasons last year, with both players turning pro this summer. Now, it could be the precedent to a big year for Barlow, hopefully providing momentum into his transition into Winnipeg’s pro flanks.

D Gabriel Eliasson, OHL
2023 J20 Nationell Regular Season: 36 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 TP

Gabriel Eliasson is hard to ignore. Literally – he’s 6-foot-7, 216-pounds. But he caught scouts attention for more than just his size – also flashing impressively fluid skating, strong puck control, and – above all else – an old-school style of headhunting. Eliasson seemed to study at the Jacob Trouba school of hitting-defensemen, earning a total of 200 penalty minutes through 65 total games last season, split between league and international play. He’s a high upside bet – with the size and control to play high levels, but lacking poise. Still, the Ottawa Senators were willing to gamble on Eliasson early, taking him 39th-overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. Now, reports claim that Eliasson is headed to the OHL, rather than making his expected move to the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and the Big Ten’s University of Michigan. Eliasson was selected by the Niagara IceDogs in the most recent CHL Import Draft, though additional info suggests he could be traded when Import trades open on September 25th. Fans will have to wait in anticipation for that move, though the thought of Eliasson in the OHL is certainly an interesting one. His reckless abandon would have been well-matched in Cedar Rapids, while the OHL could better encourage the fluid play-driving that makes his skillset so unique. While Eliasson may not be a star at the heights of his peers on this list, his unique frame and heavy hitting will make him an exciting name to follow – whether it be in the OHL or USHL.

Checking In On 2024 First-Round Picks

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Most of the players selected in the first round of the 2024 draft have signed their entry-level contracts, but very few will actually suit up for their NHL clubs or AHL affiliates in the fall. Here’s a look at where all 32 of this year’s first-round talents project to spend their time in their post-draft season.

1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini, F

Status: Signed 
Expected 2024-25 team: Sharks

Celebrini isn’t the only high-end pick to sign his entry-level contract coming out of college, but he is the only one who’s a sure bet to start the season on an NHL roster. The 18-year-old phenom will likely be given a shot to anchor the Sharks’ first line down the middle out of the gate. Seeing him on assignment to the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, this season would be a huge surprise.

2. Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov, D

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL)

When the Blackhawks drafted Levshunov earlier this summer, there was some uncertainty about whether he would turn pro following his freshman season at Michigan State University. It didn’t last long, though, as he signed his ELC with Chicago less than two weeks after being drafted. However, their signings of veterans T.J. Brodie and Alec Martinez in free agency muddy his path to a roster spot. Early-season injuries or an exceptional training camp could land Levshunov a nine-game trial with the Blackhawks but expect to see most of his action this season come in the minors.

3. Anaheim Ducks: Beckett Sennecke, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Sennecke is the first player here who’s ineligible for an AHL assignment this season because he was drafted out of the Canadian Hockey League. It’s either Anaheim or Oshawa for the surprise third-overall pick. It’ll end up being the latter, as he likely needs at least another full year of development time in juniors before he’s ready to compete for a roster spot.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cayden Lindstrom, F

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

Lindstrom isn’t signed yet, but he’s expected to do so next month. The pivot is still recovering from a herniated disc in his back that limited him to 32 games with the Tigers last season. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell already confirmed that barring an unforeseen development, Lindstrom will be loaned back to Medicine Hat for 2024-25, although a nine-game trial isn’t out of the question.

5. Montreal Canadiens: Ivan Demidov, F

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

There’s no real rush to sign Demidov. As a player drafted out of a Russian league, the Habs own his signing rights indefinitely. The dynamic winger spent the entirety of his draft year in his native country’s junior circuit, though, which would have been an unprecedented jump to NHL ice in 2024-25. As such, Demidov will play out the final season of his contract with SKA, which has already announced its season-opening roster with Demidov on it as compared to their junior or minor-league affiliate. All signs point to Demidov signing his ELC and arriving in Montreal at the end of the KHL season, potentially still with a few games left on the Habs’ 2024-25 schedule.

6. Utah Hockey Club: Tij Iginla, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

As one of the younger players in the class and a late riser, there’s little question about Utah returning its first-ever draft pick to juniors. Iginla will look to build on his 84-point season with Kelowna and will challenge more seriously for a roster spot with Utah in 2025-26.

7. Ottawa Senators: Carter Yakemchuk, D

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

Yakemchuk will return to the Hitmen for 2024-25, but unlike most other CHL-drafted players in this class, he only has to wait one year until he’s eligible to play in the AHL full-time. That’s due to his late September birthday, which made him one of the oldest players eligible for selection for the first time in 2024. The 6’3″ right-shot likely won’t have a lot to prove in juniors after this season, either. After all, he led all WHL defenders in goals last year with 30.

8. Seattle Kraken: Berkly Catton, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Seattle selected Catton out of their own backyard. The skilled center still needs to improve his all-around game before looking for NHL ice with the Kraken. His raucous 116-point campaign with Spokane last year could earn him some outside consideration for a nine-game trial, but all signs point to him being loaned out to Eastern Washington for 2024-25.

9. Calgary Flames: Zayne Parekh, D

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Parekh likely needs a bit more seasoning in Saginaw to round out his defensive game before he’s ready for the pros. But the dynamic right-shot defender has little left to prove after being named the CHL’s Defenseman of the Year last season, and he should be expected on the Flames’ opening-night roster in 2025-26.

10. New Jersey Devils: Anton Silayev, D

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

All of what can be said about Demidov applies to Silayev, except his much larger defensive counterpart is much more of a project development-wise. Accordingly, the hulking defender is under contract for two more years with Torpedo, and he’s fully expected to play that out before signing his ELC with Jersey as soon as 2026. He’ll feature heavily on Nizhny Novgorod’s blue line again after spending all of his draft year’s regular season in the big leagues.

11. San Jose Sharks: Sam Dickinson, D

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: London Knights (OHL)

Dickinson is a decently well-rounded package already and likely isn’t too far away from NHL ice. But throwing him to the wolves on the Sharks’ paper-thin blue line would be a major mistake for his development, and it’s not an outcome that appears to be under consideration. He’ll return to the powerhouse Knights, where he had 70 points in 68 games last year.

12. Minnesota Wild: Zeev Buium, D

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: University of Denver (NCAA/NCHC)

Buium will be returning to Denver for his sophomore season, but it’s likely to be his final before arriving in Minnesota (or AHL Iowa) in 2025. The cerebral yet skilled two-way defender was a nominee for the Hobey Baker as a freshman and exploded for 50 points in 42 games from the blue line as Denver won the national championship.

13. Philadelphia Flyers: Jett Luchanko, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Guelph Storm (OHL)

Another late birthday from the class, expect Luchanko to take his full two years of runway left in the OHL. The Flyers don’t risk losing him after getting his ELC taken care of already this summer. He’ll play a starring role with the Storm in the coming weeks.

14. Buffalo Sabres: Konsta Helenius, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Rochester Americans (AHL)

Normally, players drafted out of European leagues must be offered back to their overseas clubs before their NHL team attempts to send them to the minors early on in their development. But that provision is lifted for first-round picks, and expect the Sabres to take advantage of it with Helenius. The versatile forward has one of the highest floors of any prospect in this draft class and excelled in a professional environment last season, posting 36 points in 51 games for Jukurit in Finland’s Liiga. He’ll look to lock down top-six minutes with the Sabres’ affiliate in Rochester early on, but NHL games this season aren’t out of the question.

15. Detroit Red Wings: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Skellefteå AIK (SHL)

The highest-drafted Norwegian in league history has been playing in neighboring Sweden since 2021, and that’s where he’ll likely remain for 2024-25. Brandsegg-Nygård said after signing his entry-level contract last month that there hasn’t been a decision made on where he’ll play this season. While he’ll attend Red Wings training camp, he’s listed on Skellefteå’s roster in a few places and will likely head back to Scandinavia after being cut. He spent last season in Sweden’s second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan, posting 18 points in 41 games with Mora IK.

16. St. Louis Blues: Adam Jiříček, D

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Jiříček and the Blues had myriad playing options for 2024-25. It appears they’ve settled on the easiest level of competition as he looks to get his feet back under him following an injury-plagued draft year. While he was eligible for assignment to their AHL affiliate in Springfield or back to his professional club in Czechia, HC Plzeň, he’s expected to slide down to junior hockey after being selected by the Bulldogs in the CHL Import Draft one year ago.

17. Washington Capitals: Terik Parascak, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Parascak was a quick riser on draft boards this year, and his 6’0″ frame, combined with his well-rounded offensive skill set, makes him an intriguing pickup by Washington. His defensive awareness isn’t ready for the pros yet, though, and he wouldn’t have been eligible for an AHL assignment anyway. Back to Prince George, he goes.

18. Chicago Blackhawks: Sacha Boisvert, F

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: University of North Dakota (NCAA/NCHC)

Boisvert looks to be a solid middle-six pivot for the Hawks down the line, but he’s a few years away. The Quebec native spent last year in juniors with the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks and will begin his collegiate career at North Dakota this fall. He’ll likely stick with the Fighting Hawks for at least two or three years before turning pro with Chicago.

19. Vegas Golden Knights: Trevor Connelly, F

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Providence College (NCAA/Hockey East)

Rinse and repeat most of the last paragraph for Connelly, although the high-tempo winger is nearly the polar opposite of Boisvert’s play style. But like Boisvert, he’ll be making the jump from the USHL to the NCAA this fall and isn’t expected to be one-and-done in college.

20. New York Islanders: Cole Eiserman, F

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Boston University (NCAA/Hockey East)

Eiserman will enter his freshman year at BU after displaying his electric goal-scoring ability with the U.S. National Development Team Program. Criticisms of his game as one-dimensional are valid, though, and his adjustment to older and larger competition in the NCAA circuit will be something for Isles fans to keep tabs on. His superstar-level shooting accuracy makes it plausible that he’ll turn pro following his freshman year, though.

21. Montreal Canadiens: Michael Hage, F

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: University of Michigan (NCAA/Big 10)

Hage wraps up the string of USHL/NTDP-to-NCAA jumps here. The two-way, playmaking pivot will play an important role for the Wolverines in his freshman year, with last year’s three leading scorers all signing NHL contracts this summer. Like Boisvert and Connelly, though, Hage is likely looking at multiple seasons of NCAA play before signing his ELC.

22. Nashville Predators: Yegor Surin, F

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)

Surin is signed for two more seasons with Lokomotiv, so the earliest the Preds will likely be able to sign him is 2026. A true throwback power forward, the 6’1″ Russian will look to make the jump to consistent KHL minutes after spending most of last season with Yaroslavl’s junior team, where he had 52 points and 108 PIMs in 42 games.

23. Anaheim Ducks: Stian Solberg, D

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Färjestad BK (SHL)

Solberg would have been Norway’s new draft record-holder if not for Brandsegg-Nygård. Like his countryman, he’ll likely be loaned out to Sweden this season but to a rival club in Färjestad. It’s a bigger jump for the defender, though, who’s yet to play professionally outside of a weak Norwegian league.

24. Utah Hockey Club: Cole Beaudoin, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Barrie Colts (OHL)

Beaudoin is one of the more projectable picks in this first round, and Utah’s new fanbase can be reasonably confident he’ll pan out as a steady bottom-six fixture down the middle. But they’ll likely have to wait two seasons to see him, as a pair of season-opening loans back to Barrie likely await him this year and next.

25. Boston Bruins: Dean Letourneau, F

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Boston College (NCAA/Hockey East)

Figuratively and literally, Letourneau is the biggest project in this class. The center already checks in at 6’7″ and 214 lbs, but the sniper has only seen low-level competition in the Canadian high school system. However, that will change this fall as he looks to bring his pro-ready frame to the NCAA.

26. Los Angeles Kings: Liam Greentree, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Greentree will return to the Spitfires in a few weeks, although he’ll get an extended look at the Kings’ camp, in all likelihood. His Jan. 1 birthday means he’s just hours short of being eligible to jump to the AHL for 2025-26, so he could be facing two more years in Windsor if he can’t crack the NHL roster in a year’s time. The physical, playmaking winger served as Windsor’s captain last season and led the fledgling club in scoring by a wide margin with 90 points in 64 games.

27. Chicago Blackhawks: Marek Vanacker, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Vanacker was the last of the Hawks’ three first-rounders this year and the second to sign his ELC after Levshunov. The high-IQ winger will return to Brantford to hone his skills for at least another season, likely two.

28. Calgary Flames: Matvei Gridin, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)

Gridin has had an unconventional summer. Initially expected to make the jump from the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks to the University of Michigan, he instead opted to sign his ELC with the Flames and forego his collegiate eligibility. That doesn’t mean he’ll be turning pro, however. The QMJHL’s Val-d’Or Foreurs made him the first overall pick in this year’s CHL Import Draft, but the club is expected to trade him to Shawinigan before the season starts, reports Pierre-Olivier Poulin of Le Citoyen. Gridin, who posted 83 points in 60 games last season with Muskegon, will see his entry-level deal slide at least one year with his projected loan to the Cataractes.

29. Dallas Stars: Emil Hemming, F

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Barrie Colts (OHL)

Hemming will also arrive in the CHL for the first time in his post-draft season. The Finnish winger spent last season at home with Liiga’s TPS, where he recorded 11 points in 40 games. He’ll look to torch some easier competition in Barrie, who managed to snag him at 15th overall in this year’s CHL Import Draft amid doubts that he’d come to North America right away.

30. New York Rangers: EJ Emery, D

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: University of North Dakota (NCAA/NCHC)

Emery projects as a solid, smooth-skating stay-at-home defender who can log heavy minutes, especially on the penalty kill. But he’ll need a few years in college to hone his craft, so Rangers fans should expect to see him stick with North Dakota for a while – potentially a full four years – before he turns pro.

31. Toronto Maple Leafs: Ben Danford, D

Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Also a mobile stay-at-home defender, the Leafs will loan Danford back to juniors for the next two seasons, in all likelihood, before he can join the Leafs or AHL Marlies in 2026-27.

32. Edmonton Oilers: Sam O’Reilly, F

Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: London Knights (OHL)

O’Reilly is still waiting to put pen to paper on a deal with the Oilers, who traded back into the first round to select him. The 6’1″ pivot will remain with the Knights, where he had 56 points in 68 games last season en route to a league championship.

Carter Yakemchuk Signs Entry-Level Deal With Senators

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The Senators have signed top 2024 draft choice Carter Yakemchuk to his three-year entry-level contract, the team announced today. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Yakemchuk, 18, was the second defenseman taken in the class, going to Ottawa at No. 7 after the Blackhawks selected Artyom Levshunov second overall. Given his early birthday (Sep. 29), Yakemchuk has already accumulated three seasons of junior hockey with the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen. Last season, he was named to the WHL’s Central Division First All-Star Team and led all defensemen in goals with 30. He added 41 assists for 71 points in 66 games, adding a whopping 120 PIMs and a -6 rating.

Seventh overall was a tad earlier than most expected the 6’3″, 203-lb right-shot defender to go. He checked in at No. 13 in TSN’s Bob McKenzie’s season-end polling of NHL scouts and was the sixth defenseman in his composite rankings. He went ahead of Zeev Buium (Wild, No. 12), Sam Dickinson (Sharks, No. 11), Zayne Parekh (Flames, No. 9), and Anton Silayev (Devils, No. 10), all of whom were consensus top-10 picks heading into draft day.

Yakemchuk will be a name to watch in training camp, but it’s likely that the Sens return him to the Hitmen for his final season of junior hockey. Doing so would slide the beginning of his ELC to 2025-26. Since he’s a 2005-born player, Yakemchuk will be eligible for a full-time AHL assignment the season after, whereas most Canadian Hockey League players have to return to their junior team for two seasons following their draft-eligible campaign. Regardless, he’ll be an RFA upon expiry.

Kings Sign Carter George To Entry-Level Contract

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The Kings have officially signed Carter George, announcing in a press release that the 18-year-old netminder has inked a three-year, entry-level contract with a cap hit of $875K.

The 57th overall pick of last month’s draft, George took the Ontario Hockey League by storm last season, taking home All-Rookie Team honors and winning the Bobby Smith Trophy for Scholastic Player of the Year. Suiting up as the starter for the Owen Sound Attack, George excelled in heavy workload, posting a .907 SV%, 3.30 GAA, four shutouts and a 23-21-6 record. His 56 appearances ranked third in the league and led all first-time draft-eligible OHL goalies.

George was the second-ranked North American goalie in the 2024 class by NHL Central Scouting, trailing Mikhail Yegorov of the United States Hockey League’s Omaha Lancers. Yegorov went to the Devils nine picks before George came off the board. Neither was the top goalie selected, though. That was overage Russia Ilya Nabokov, who went to the Avalanche at 38th overall after he guided the Kontinental Hockey League’s Metallurg Magnitogorsk to a league championship and won KHL Rookie of the Year honors.

George, a native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, is still a few years away from being NHL-ready. He’ll likely return to Owen Sound on loan from the Kings next season, sliding the beginning of his ELC to 2025-26. Since he’s signing his rookie deal at age 18, the Kings can do this for two years in a row, meaning his deal could take effect as late as 2026-27 and expire as late as 2028-29.

For now, though, George is just the fourth goalie under contract for the Kings next season, joining veterans Pheonix Copley, Darcy Kuemper and David Rittich. The Kings still need to figure out their netminding situation for AHL Ontario, which will be resolved when they come to terms with RFA Erik Portillo. At 18, George must be returned to his junior team and can’t suit up in the AHL on a full-time basis this season.

2024 NHL Draft Signing Tracker

at CDT | by 1 Comment

Just a few weeks out from the 2024 NHL Draft, plenty of picks have already signed their entry-level contracts, paving the way for them to make their North American professional debuts at some point over the next few seasons. Below, you can find which prospects have inked their rookie deals, with our full write-ups linked with the date they signed. For those who haven’t signed, we’ve listed the date on which their exclusive signing rights will expire if not inked to an ELC.

This post can be found anytime under the Flame menu on our mobile site and the “Pro Hockey Rumors Features” sidebar on desktop.

Last updated 8/6/24, 1:19 p.m.

Anaheim Ducks

1-3: RW Beckett Sennecke / Oshawa Generals (OHL) – SIGNED (July 5, 2024)
1-23: D Stian Solberg / Vålerenga (Norway) – SIGNED (July 5, 2024)
2-35: C Lucas Pettersson / MoDo Hockey J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
3-66: RW Maxim Massé / Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
3-68: C Ethan Procyszyn / North Bay Battalion (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
3-79: D Tarin Smith / Everett Silvertips (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-100: C Alexandre Blais / Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-182: RW Austin Burnevik / Madison Capitols (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
7-214: D Darels Uļjanskis / AIK J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028

Boston Bruins

1-25: C Dean Letourneau / St. Andrew’s College (U18 AAA) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
4-110: D Elliott Groenewold / Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
5-154: C Jonathan Morello / St. Michael’s Buzzers (OJHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
6-186: D Loke Johansson / AIK J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028

Buffalo Sabres

1-14: C Konsta Helenius / Jukurit (Liiga) – SIGNED (July 8, 2024)
2-42: D Adam Kleber / Lincoln Stars (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
3-71: RW Brodie Ziemer / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
4-108: D Luke Osburn / Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2030
4-123: D Simon-Pier Brunet / Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-172: D Patrick Geary / Michigan State (NCAA) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2027
7-204: RW Vasily Zelenov / RB Hockey Juniors (AlpsHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
7-219: G Ryerson Leenders / Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026

Calgary Flames

1-9: D Zayne Parekh / Saginaw Spirit (OHL) – SIGNED (July 5, 2024)
1-28: RW Matvei Gridin / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) – SIGNED (July 5, 2024)
2-41: LW Andrew Basha / Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
2-62: RW Jacob Battaglia / Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
3-74: D Henry Mews / Ottawa 67’s (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
3-84: G Kirill Zarubin / AKM Tula (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
4-106: RW Trevor Hoskin / Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
5-150: C Luke Misa / Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-170: C Hunter Laing / Prince George Cougars (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-177: D Eric Jamieson / Everett Silvertips (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026

Carolina Hurricanes

2-34: D Dominik Badinka / Malmö Redhawks (SHL) – SIGNED (July 14, 2024)
2-50: LW Nikita Artamonov / Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
3-69: D Noel Fransén / Färjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
4-124: D Alexander Siryatsky / Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
5-133: LW Oskar Vuollet / Skellefteå AIK J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
5-156: RW Justin Poirier / Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-168: D Timur Kol / Omskie Krylia (VHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
6-184: D Roman Shokhrin / Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
6-188: LW Fyodor Avramov / Kapitan Stupino (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
7-220: LW Andrei Krutov / Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely

Chicago Blackhawks

1-2: D Artyom Levshunov / Michigan State (NCAA) – SIGNED (July 6, 2024)
1-18: C Sacha Boisvert / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
1-27: LW Marek Vanacker / Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) – SIGNED (Aug. 5, 2024)
3-67: C John Mustard / Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
3-72: RW AJ Spellacy / Windsor Spitfires (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
3-92: RW Jack Pridham / West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
5-138: C Joel Svensson / Växjö Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
6-163: D Ty Henry / Erie Otters (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026

Colorado Avalanche

2-38: G Ilya Nabokov / Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
3-76: LW William Zellers / Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U Prep (USHS-Prep) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
4-121: C Jake Fisher / Fargo Force (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
5-132: G Louka Cloutier / Chicago Steel (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
5-137: G Ivan Yunin / Yastreby Omsk U18 (Russia U18) – signing rights held indefinitely
5-161: C Maxmilian Curran / Tri-City Americans (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-185: D Tory Pitner / Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
7-215: C Christian Humphreys / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
7-217: C Nikita Prishchepov / Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026

Columbus Blue Jackets

1-4: C Cayden Lindstrom / Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
2-36: D Charlie Elick / Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
2-60: G Evan Gardner / Saskatoon Blades (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
3-86: D Luca Marrelli / Oshawa Generals (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-101: D Tanner Henricks / Lincoln Stars (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
6-165: D Luke Ashton / Langley Rivermen (BCHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028

Dallas Stars

1-29: RW Emil Hemming / TPS (Liiga) – SIGNED (July 15, 2024)
5-158: D Niilopekka Muhonen / KalPa U20 (U20 SM-sarja) – must sign by June 1, 2028
7-222: C William Samuelsson / Södertälje SK J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028

Detroit Red Wings

1-15: RW Michael Brandsegg-Nygård / Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan) – SIGNED (July 11, 2024)
2-47: LW Max Plante / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
3-80: C Ondřej Becher / Prince George Cougars (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-126: G Landon Miller / Soo Greyhounds (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
5-144: D John Whipple / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
6-176: LW Charlie Forslund / Falu IF J18 (J18 Region) – must sign by June 1, 2028
7-203: LW Austin Baker / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
7-208: D Fisher Scott / Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028

Edmonton Oilers

1-32: RW Sam O’Reilly / London Knights (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
2-64: G Eemil Vinni / JoKP (Mestis) – must sign by June 1, 2028
5-160: LW Connor Clattenburg / Flint Firebirds (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-183: D Albin Sundin / Frölunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
6-192: C Dalyn Wakely / North Bay Battalion (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-196: C William Nicholl / London Knights (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-218: D Bauer Berry / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029

Florida Panthers 

2-58: C Linus Eriksson / Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan) – must sign by June 1, 2028
3-97: D Matvei Shuravin / Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
4-129: C Simon Zether / Rögle BK (SHL) – must sign by June 1, 2028
6-169: C Stepan Gorbunov / Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
6-193: LW Hunter St. Martin / Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-201: G Denis Gabdrakhmanov / Tyumenski Legion (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely

Los Angeles Kings

1-26: RW Liam Greentree / Windsor Spitfires (OHL) – SIGNED (July 20, 2024)
2-57: G Carter George / Owen Sound Attack (OHL) – SIGNED (July 25, 2024)
6-164: D Jared Woolley / London Knights (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-198: RW James Reeder / Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029

Minnesota Wild

1-12: D Zeev Buium / University of Denver (NCAA) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2027
2-45: RW Ryder Ritchie / Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-122: D Aron Kiviharju / HIFK (Liiga) – must sign by June 1, 2028
5-140: D Sebastian Soini / KOOVEE (Mestis) – must sign by June 1, 2028
5-142: G Chase Wutzke / Red Deer Rebels (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-174: D Stevie Leskovar / Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026

Montreal Canadiens

1-5: RW Ivan Demidov / SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
1-21: C Michael Hage / Chicago Steel (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
3-70: C Aatos Koivu / TPS U20 (U20 SM-sarja) – must sign by June 1, 2028
3-78: C Logan Sawyer / Brooks Bandits (BCHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
4-102: D Owen Protz / Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
5-130: RW Tyler Thorpe / Vancouver Giants (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
5-134: G Mikus Vecvanags / Tukums (Latvia2) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-166: C Ben Merrill / St. Sebastian’s School (USHS-Prep) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
7-210: RW Makar Khanin / Dynamo St. Petersburg (VHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
7-224: D Rasmus Bergqvist / Skellefteå AIK J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028

Nashville Predators

1-22: C Yegor Surin / Loko Yaroslavl (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
2-55: C Teddy Stiga / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
3-77: D Viggo Gustafsson / HV71 J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
3-87: RW Miguel Marques / Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
3-94: RW Hiroki Gojsic / Kelowna Rockets (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-99: G Jakub Milota / Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-127: LW Viktor Nörringer / Frölunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
7-213: C Erik Påhlsson / Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028

New Jersey Devils

1-10: D Anton Silayev / Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
2-49: G Mikhail Yegorov / Omaha Lancers (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
3-85: RW Kasper Pikkarainen / TPS U20 (U20 SM-sarja) – must sign by June 1, 2028
3-91: RW Herman Träff / HV71 J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
5-139: C Max Graham / Kelowna Rockets (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
5-146: G Veeti Louhivaara / JYP U20 (U20 SM-sarja) – must sign by June 1, 2028
6-171: C Matyáš Melovský / Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026

New York Islanders

1-20: LW Cole Eiserman / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
2-54: D Jesse Pulkkinen / JYP (Liiga) – SIGNED (July 15, 2024)
2-61: C Kamil Bednarik / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
4-115: G Dmitry Gamzin / Zvezda Moskva (VHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
5-147: G Marcus Gidlöf / Leksands IF J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
6-179: D Xavier Veilleux / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028

New York Rangers

1-30: D EJ Emery / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
4-119: C Raoul Boilard / Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
5-159: LW Nathan Aspinall / Flint Firebirds (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-191: LW Rico Gredig / HC Davos (NL) – must sign by June 1, 2028

Ottawa Senators

1-7: D Carter Yakemchuk / Calgary Hitmen (WHL) – SIGNED (Aug. 6, 2024)
2-39: D Gabriel Eliasson / HV71 J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
4-104: LW Lucas Ellinas / Kitchener Rangers (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-112: LW Javon Moore / Minnetonka High (USHS-MN) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
4-117: LW Blake Montgomery / Lincoln Stars (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
5-136: D Eerik Wallenius / HPK U18 (U18 SM-sarja) – must sign by June 1, 2028

Philadelphia Flyers

1-13: C Jett Luchanko / Guelph Storm (OHL) – SIGNED (July 8, 2024)
2-51: C Jack Berglund / Färjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
2-59: D Spencer Gill / Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-107: C Heikki Ruohonen / Kiekko-Espoo U20 (U20 SM-sarja) – must sign by June 1, 2028
5-148: RW Noah Powell / Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
6-173: RW Ilya Pautov / Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
7-205: D Austin Moline / Shattuck St. Mary’s U18 Prep (USHS-Prep) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029

Pittsburgh Penguins

2-44: D Harrison Brunicke / Kamloops Blazers (WHL) – SIGNED (July 18, 2024)
2-46: LW Tanner Howe / Regina Pats (WHL) – SIGNED (July 10, 2024)
4-111: D Chase Pietila / Michigan Tech (NCAA) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2027
6-175: D Joona Väisänen / Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-207: C Mac Swanson / Fargo Force (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
7-223: D Finn Harding / Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026

San Jose Sharks

1-1: C Macklin Celebrini / Boston University (NCAA) – SIGNED (July 6, 2024)
1-11: D Sam Dickinson / London Knights (OHL) – SIGNED (July 10, 2024)
2-33: LW Igor Chernyshov / Dynamo Moskva (KHL) – SIGNED (Aug. 1, 2024)
2-53: D Leo Sahlin Wallenius / Växjö Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
3-82: RW Carson Wetsch / Calgary Hitmen (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-116: G Christian Kirsch / Zug U20 (U20-Elit) – must sign by June 1, 2028
5-131: D Colton Roberts / Vancouver Giants (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
5-143: D Nate Misskey / Victoria Royals (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-194: G Yaroslav Korostelyov / SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely

Seattle Kraken

1-8: C Berkly Catton / Spokane Chiefs (WHL) – SIGNED (July 5, 2024)
2-40: C Julius Miettinen / Everett Silvertips (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
2-63: C Nathan Villeneuve / Sudbury Wolves (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
3-73: D Alexis Bernier / Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
3-88: G Kim Saarinen / HPK U20 (U20 SM-sarja) – SIGNED (July 14, 2024)
4-105: C Ollie Josephson / Red Deer Rebels (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
5-141: LW Clarke Caswell / Swift Current Broncos (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-202: D Jakub Fibigr / Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026

St. Louis Blues

1-16: D Adam Jiříček / HC Plzeň (Czechia) – SIGNED (July 2, 2024)
2-48: D Colin Ralph / Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U Prep (USHS-Prep) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
2-56: D Lukas Fischer / Sarnia Sting (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
3-81: LW Ondrej Kos / KOOVEE (Mestis) – must sign by June 1, 2028
3-95: C Adam Jecho / Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-113: C Tomas Mrsic / Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
5-145: D William McIsaac / Spokane Chiefs (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-209: C Antoine Dorion / Québec Remparts (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-211: C Matvei Korotky / SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely

Tampa Bay Lightning

4-118: D Jan Goličič / Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-128: RW Hagen Burrows / Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
5-149: C Joona Saarelainen / KalPa U20 (U20 SM-sarja) – must sign by June 1, 2028
6-181: C Kaden Pitre / Flint Firebirds (OHL) –  must sign by June 1, 2026
7-195: LW Joe Connor / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
7-199: LW Noah Steen / Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan) – must sign by June 1, 2028
7-206: G Harrison Meneghin / Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026

Toronto Maple Leafs

1-31: D Ben Danford / Oshawa Generals (OHL) – SIGNED (Aug. 2, 2024)
4-120: D Victor Johansson / Leksands IF J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
5-151: C Miroslav Holinka / HC Oceláři Třinec U20 (Czechia U20) – must sign by June 1, 2028
5-152: LW Alexander Plesovskikh / Mamonty Yugry (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
5-157: G Timofei Obvintsev / Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
7-200: D Matthew Leahy / Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
7-216: LW Sam McCue / Owen Sound Attack (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-225: D Nathan Mayes / Spokane Chiefs (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026

Utah Hockey Club

1-6: C Tij Iginla / Kelowna Rockets (WHL) – SIGNED (July 11, 2024)
1-24: C Cole Beaudoin / Barrie Colts (OHL) – SIGNED (July 22, 2024)
2-65: D Will Skahan / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
3-89: D Tomas Lavoie / Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
3-96: D Veeti Väisänen / KooKoo (Liiga) – must sign by June 1, 2028
4-98: D Gregor Biber / Rögle BK J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
4-103: C Gabe Smith / Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
5-135: C Owen Allard / Soo Greyhounds (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
5-153: D Aleš Čech / BK Mladá Boleslav (Czechia) – must sign by June 1, 2028
6-167: C Vojtěch Hradec / BK Mladá Boleslav (Czechia) – must sign by June 1, 2028
6-190: D Ludvig Lafton / Färjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028

Vancouver Canucks

3-93: RW Melvin Fernström / Örebro HK J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
4-125: C Riley Patterson / Barrie Colts (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-162: RW Anthony Romani / North Bay Battalion (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
6-189: D Parker Alcos / Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-221: D Basile Sansonnens / Gottéron U20 (U20-Elit) – must sign by June 1, 2028

Vegas Golden Knights 

1-19: LW Trevor Connelly / Tri-City Storm (USHL) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
3-83: G Pavel Moysevich / SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (VHL) – signing rights held indefinitely
6-180: LW Trent Swick / Kitchener Rangers (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
7-197: C Lucas Van Vliet / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028

Washington Capitals

1-17: RW Terik Parascak / Prince George Cougars (WHL) – SIGNED (July 5, 2024)
2-43: D Cole Hutson / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2028
2-52: D Leon Muggli / EV Zug (NL) – SIGNED (July 10, 2024)
3-75: LW Ilya Protas / Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) – SIGNED (July 6, 2024)
3-90: LW Ēriks Mateiko / Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
4-114: G Nicholas Kempf / U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP) – must sign by Aug. 15, 2029
6-178: C Petr Sikora / HC Oceláři Třinec U20 (Czechia U20) – must sign by June 1, 2028
7-212: C Miroslav Šatan / HC Slovan Bratislava U20 (Slovakia U20) – must sign by June 1, 2028

Winnipeg Jets

2-37: D Alfons Freij / Växjö Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell) – must sign by June 1, 2028
4-109: LW Kevin He / Niagara IceDogs (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026
5-155: C Markus Loponen / Kärpät U20 (U20 SM-sarja) – must sign by June 1, 2028
6-187: C Kieron Walton / Sudbury Wolves (OHL) – must sign by June 1, 2026

Kraken Sign Kim Saarinen To Entry-Level Contract

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

The Seattle Kraken have signed goaltender Kim Saarinen to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal will carry an NHL annual average value of $975K. Saarinen notably becomes the first goaltender from the 2024 NHL Draft to sign his first NHL contract. He was the eighth goalie off the board when Seattle took him with the 88th overall pick.

Saarinen spent his draft season bouncing around HPK’s system in Finland. He spent the bulk of the year with their U20 club, where he posted 14 wins and a .917 save percentage across 23 appearances. He carried that production into spot starts at the U18 level – with eight wins and a .945 in nine appearances. It also carried into his first two games in the Liiga, Finland’s highest league, where Saarinen saved 50 out of 55 shots en route to one win and a .909 save percentage.

Saarinen is a distinctly responsible goaltender, excelling at never pushing the bounds of his positioning and always staying square to shooters. He uses his size to take up the net and follows pucks to his pads. With that said, Saarinen is still missing the fine tunings of a true top-flight goaltender, notably needing to improve his aggression and agility in such a big frame. He’ll get plenty of chance to hone those talents now on an NHL deal, joining a goalie room that’s already seen strong development out of Niklas Kokko. The pair will serve as Seattle’s top goaltending prospects moving forward, vying for roles over Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord.

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