Archives for June 2024

The 2024 NHL Draft is just days away, taking the NHL to the illustrious Vegas Sphere and connecting the hockey world to a highly anticipated 2006 age group. This year’s star talent has been hotly discussed as far back as the 2016 Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament, which paved the way for players like Michael Hage and Cole Eiserman to reach star acclaim.

They’ve since been joined by talent from across the world, building a class that fits nicely among a five-year streak of strong drafts – between 2023 and 2027. This year’s contribution to the zeitgeist comes in the form of a loaded defensive group that could drive a lot of highly skilled offensive talent outside of the top 10. That potential has sparked plenty of trade talk around this year’s top picks, building up to a draft that should have plenty to match the excitement of its host city.

2024 NHL Draft Mock First Round

1. San Jose Sharks – Macklin Celebrini (C) / Boston University (Hockey East, NCAA)

In a year full of debate, the first overall pick is as guaranteed as they come. Celebrini has been the unrivaled top prospect in this draft class for years now, as he’s torn up every stage of USA Hockey. One year after winning both the USHL ‘Rookie of the Year’ and ‘MVP’ awards, Celebrini became the youngest player to both be nominated for and win the NCAA’s Hobey Baker Trophy on the back of a dominant 32 goals and 64 points in just 38 games.

Celebrini is a dynamo in the middle lane. He’s one of the few players whose standout trait is how quickly he processes and responds to play. He’s hard to shut down and has built a career out of elevating the players around him.

After a year of historical performance in college, Celebrini has no stops between him and the NHL. Luckily, he’s plenty prepared for the spotlight – having spent part of his childhood around sports legends, including godfather Steve Nash and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr. It’s now Celebrini’s turn to chase a legendary career – as the frontman of a resurging San Jose Sharks.

Other Options: N/A

2. Chicago Blackhawks – Artyom Levshunov (RHD) / Michigan State University (Big Ten, NCAA)

It seems the debate has come down to two options – rounding out the defense with Artyom Levshunov or finding Bedard’s partner-in-crime with winger Ivan Demidov. The latter seems to have a camp of supporters in Chicago, but it’s the former who’s won the admiration of seemingly all of USA Hockey after absolutely thriving in an unexpected pre-season move from the USHL to Michigan State’s top defender role. 

Levshunov became the choice pick of popular head coach Adam Nightingale, lauded as his pick for the team’s top defender role ahead of the season. That’s exactly what Levshunov achieved in East Lansing, validating a slow start to the year with a standout role in the team’s second half.

Despite a late-summer swap to college, Levshunov was able to carve out more than 25 minutes a night entering the Big Ten playoffs, posting 35 points in 38 games along the way. It was a fantastic performance, with Levshunov showing off a great ability to work off his teammates with powerful skating, smart and aggressive position, and excelling at carrying the puck through the neutral zone with tempo.

He’s a transition specialist at his core, with admitted off-puck flaws that could make a transition to the pros bumpier than some hope for. But even with growing pains looming, Levshunov’s game is certainly strong enough, mature enough, and smart enough to challenge an NHL roster spot next season.

Other Options: Ivan Demidov (RW/C)

3. Anaheim Ducks – Cayden Lindstrom (C) / Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

A second-half injury derailed Cayden Lindstrom’s truly incredible draft season. He was among the most potent scorers in the league’s first half, posting 46 points through just 32 games – flexing effortless stickhandling, great heads-up play-creating, and a strong ability to create space off of the boards and in the high slot. Lindstrom also boasts one of the most built-out frames of any forwards in the class.

It seems that the latter point will be what excites Anaheim, who has also been connected to big-frame defenders like Levshunov, Anton Silayev, and Sam Dickinson. Continuing to build out a defense corps rife with star prospects would be a dream for Anaheim but with trade rumors surrounding Trevor Zegras – it’s hard to think the team will pass on a player who possesses very similar traits to what’s made Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish, the star prospects Anaheim is deciding to build around – so prolific.

To boot, the Ducks have a serious knack for drafting out of the CHL. Seriously, only six of their last 25 picks were selected from outside of Canada. While Levshunov falling past second overall could tempt the Ducks, their opting for one of Canada’s most popular forwards feels like the right call.

Other Options: Anton Silayev (LHD), Beckett Sennecke (RW), Tij Iginla (LW)

4. Columbus Blue Jackets – Anton Silayev (LHD) / Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL, Russia)

The Columbus Blue Jackets have quickly become hard to predict, overturning both their general manager and head coach in the last month. That sudden shift could push them in all sorts of directions on draft day, though Columbus has been among the top teams on the proclaimed unicorn of the draft: Russian defenseman Anton Silayev.

It’s certainly clear to see what the Blue Jackets see in the 6’7” defenseman, who boasts skating and stickhandling as smoothly as any of his peers. Silayev is a simply imposing presence, excelling at corralling the puck up his stick and commanding transition up the ice, showing a strong instinct for when and how to dip into the offensive zone.

Silayev’s frame and play-driving abilities make him an exciting prospect, though he’s certainly unrefined. That may be enough to dissuade a Blue Jackets team that already has plenty of left defense. Should it be, they’ll be top candidates for an exciting forward pick – with Don Waddell potentially getting a chance to take his choice of Cayden Lindstrom, Ivan Demidov, Beckett Sennecke, or Tij Iginla.

Other Options: Ivan Demidov (RW/C), Beckett Sennecke (RW), Tij Iginla (LW)

5. Montreal Canadiens – Ivan Demidov (RW/C) / SKA St. Petersburg (MHL, Russia)

The Montreal Canadiens seemed to make a franchise-defining decision in their choice of David Reinbacher over Matvei Michkov with the 2023 fifth-overall selection. Neither player has pulled ahead of the other just yet, though Montreal could have a quick chance to have their cake and eat it too – once again facing the chance to take a star Russian prospect in Ivan Demidov.

Demidov hasn’t accomplished nearly as much as Michkov on the KHL or international stages, but his skill is readily apparent. He attacks defenders head-on, with a mix of great offensive awareness and truly elite puckhandling, making it easy for him to beat defenders and work out of tight spots.

His talents seem cut from a different cloth, though his biggest drawback is his lack of a true test – spending all year in the MHL, Russia’s U21 league. He’s so far played in just six KHL games, failing to score in any of the appearances. Ideal development would have him in a prominent KHL role next season, though it seems there’s no way for NHL teams to guarantee that.

Demidov is among the most talented players in this test, though far from the most proven. In taking him, Montreal would be taking a major swing on the upside, albeit one cushioned by their possession of a second first-round pick. Should Montreal shy away from Demidov, they’ll have no lack of secondary options – with rumored interest in defenders Sam Dickinson and Zeev Buium, as well as power forward Beckett Sennecke.

Other Options: Sam Dickinson (LHD), Zeev Buium (LHD), Beckett Sennecke (RW/C)

6. Utah Hockey Club – Zeev Buium (LHD) / University of Denver (NCDC, NCAA)

While J.J. Moser has settled into a routine NHL role, and Sean Durzi certainly vindicated his summer acquisition, the ‘Hockey Club’ is still lacking a truly elite defenseman to go with the many star prospects they’ve gathered on offense. Utah seems fully prepared to rectify that issue with pick six, expressing interest in each of the top defensemen in the draft class.

But of the list, there’s none closer than Zeev Buium. Literally – Buium spent the season pursuing a National Championship with the University of Denver, even closer to Salt Lake City than the Hockey Club’s old stomping grounds in Phoenix.

That will no doubt support his case for an early selection, as will his fantastic 11 goals and 50 points in 42 games this season. Buium thrives at moving the puck through the neutral zone, establishing possessions in the offensive end with confidence, and excels at creating openings while walking the blue line.

His game blossomed with David Carle’s Pioneers, giving Buium plenty of momentum heading into the draft. That should be enough to convince Utah, though Silayev, Zayne Parekh, and Sam Dickinson could each fill important roles.

Other Options: Zayne Parekh (RHD), Anton Silayev (LHD), Sam Dickinson (LHD)

7. Ottawa Senators – Zayne Parekh (RHD) / Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

The Ottawa Senators are in a very similar spot to Utah, stuck looking for a final piece on their blue line after not finding a perfect match with trade acquisition Jakob Chychrun. But unlike Utah, the Senators will have to draft with handedness in mind – with Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot filling the meaningful minutes on the left side.

That all sets them up as the perfect contender for Saginaw’s Zayne Parekh, the reigning OHL ‘Defenseman of the Year’ after scoring 33 goals and 96 points in 66 games, most of any OHL defender.

Parekh’s skill is quickly apparent. He possesses some of the best stickhandling in the class and blends it with very agile skating in all directions.

Those traits give Parekh the tools to beat any of his peers one-on-one, and his quick processing helps him find teammates with sharp passing, but his overall off-puck energy can certainly seem lacking at times. Parekh represents one of many top prospects with boundless upside this year, with Scott Wheeler of The Athletic speaking to the mindset that could make Parekh special.

Even with a golden toolset, Parekh’s game still needs refining, though the sky will be the limit and then some if he’s as determined as he’s claimed.

Other Options: Tij Iginla (LW), Carter Yakemchuk (RHD), Beckett Sennecke (RW)

8. Seattle Kraken – Sam Dickinson (LHD) / London Knights (OHL)

Sam Dickinson was a close runner-up to Zayne Parekh’s OHL ‘D of the Year’ crown, emerging as a star prospect for the London Knights even despite playing second fiddle to a top pair of Isaiah George and Oliver Bonk. Dickinson fought his way into top-line minutes and consistent power-play ice time over the year, playing upwards of 40 minutes a night as London paved through the Memorial Cup.

He continuously rose to the bell, recording a dazzling 70 points in 68 games – a mark that led the London defense, even ahead of Bonk, last year’s 22nd-overall selection. He excels at using his frame and physicality to shut down plays and gain possession quickly, seeing lanes clearly and not hesitating to take chances for his own.

More importantly, Dickinson is popular. He’s been a top prospect for much of his teen years, largely thanks to how quickly he adjusted to his hefty frame.

Seattle has found a way to always land the popular players, boasting a loaded prospect featuring Shane Wright, Jagger Firkus, Carson Rehkopf, Caden Price, and Ty Nelson… and that’s just their CHL names. That trait has helped them quickly build a well-rounded depth chart, though Dickinson’s spot of left defense would give them a star prospect in their shallowest position.

It’s hard to think the Kraken could turn down a chance at adding more CHL acclaim – though they may be more allured by the legendary Iginla family.

Other Options: Tij Iginla (LW), Konsta Helenius (C), Ivan Demidov (RW/C)

9. Calgary Flames – Tij Iginla (LW) / Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

The potential of an Iginla returning to Calgary is undoubtedly romantic. But there’s merit to the pick.

Iginla made his mark as one of the WHL’s most effective scorers this season, potting 47 goals and 84 points in 64 games with Kelowna. He simply couldn’t be left alone in the slot, showing clear control over the high slot and tops of the circles, and showed his prowess lower in the zone with his international play.

And while his style is certainly a bit more immature than his peers, his August 1st birthday lucks him with a bit more time to develop. That, combined with how ready he seems for the next step, should set Tij up for an exciting professional career.

The Flames have the flexibility in their prospect pool to go in any direction and can’t pass up a feel-good story for the fans.

Other Options: Zayne Parekh (RHD), Beckett Sennecke (RW), Konsta Helenius (C)

10. New Jersey Devils – Beckett Sennecke (RW) / Oshawa Generals (OHL)

The New Jersey Devils have been incredibly vocal about shopping this pick around in the name of adding more impactful lineup pieces. But that eagerness could be dwindling after the team spent a 2025 first-round pick to acquire former Vezina Trophy runner-up Jacob Markstrom.

This selection is, hopefully, the last time New Jersey will pick in the top 10 for quite a while, and it’d be a shame to squander the chance at adding one more top prospect to their future Stanley Cup charge. In the name of finding impact, the Devils land Beckett Sennecke here.

Sennecke is the year’s notable late-bloomer, breaking into top-of-the-draft conversation on the back of a powerful drive through the OHL playoffs. He’s always down-and-ready, reacting to play quickly and possessing the skating and hands needed to work out of tight spots.

The Devils have plenty of undersized star power but are in desperate need of more grit and size near the top of the lineup. They’ll hope to get that with the skilled and strong Sennecke.

Other Options: Konsta Helenius (C), Berkly Catton (LW), Carter Yakemchuk (RHD)

11. Buffalo Sabres – Konsta Helenius (C) / Tappara (Liiga, Finland)

Konsta Helenius has been a standout prospect since he was young, earning North American attention with Finland’s U16 team in 2022 and vindicating it with strong performances on every stage. Helenius is among the most potent forwards in this class, coming off 36 points in 51 games in Finland’s Liiga, though he’s been admittedly looked over as NHL teams favor big-frame defensemen over sub-6’0” forwards.

Helenius earns his dues on the back of smart, patient, and abundantly effective playmaking and thus earns a spot with a Sabres team full of creative offensive styles. Like the Devils, Buffalo has been vocal about shopping around their first-round pick. That could move them away from this spot, though Helenius – and dangler Berkly Catton – offer exciting reasons to go to the podium.

Other Options: Berkly Catton (LW), Carter Yakemchuk (RHD), Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (LW/C)

12. Philadelphia Flyers – Carter Yakemchuk (RHD) / Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

The Philadelphia Flyers will be a team to watch on draft day after placing plenty of irons in the fire during and after general manager Daniel Briere’s recent press conference on the draft. In the clearing of smoke around Briere’s comments and other rumors around the Flyers came three notable takeaways: the Flyers could be set for a trade with the Senators, that trade could involve the seventh-overall pick, and Philadelphia is a fan of the year’s top right-defensemen, Parekh and Yakemchuk.

Well, in a mock with no trades, they’ll have to settle for the latter – getting the powerful, abrasive, and surprisingly nifty skillset of Carter Yakemchuk, who championed the Calgary Hitmen’s offense from the dropback role, posting 30 goals, 71 points, and 120 penalty minutes along the way. 

Other Options: Cole Eiserman (LW), Berkly Catton (LW), Trevor Connelly (LW/C)

13. Minnesota Wild – Cole Eiserman (LW) / USA U-18 (NTDP)

Cole Eiserman may hold the chip for the most interesting prospect of the year. He’s been a superstar in the hockey world since he was young, setting ablaze every league he’s in and holding the goal-scoring record for both Shattuck St. Mary’s and the USNTDP.

And yet, Eiserman isn’t earning the unrelinquished praise his accolades would suggest. Scouts are instead worried that goal scoring may be all he’s good at, showing major lapses off of the puck or when play isn’t moving through him.

Those concerns certainly don’t diminish what Eiserman has accomplished – though whoever drafts him will need to be prepared for his development. Through rumors and fan optimism, it’s been Minnesota that’s emerged as a favorite to hone Eiserman’s craft.

The Wild could use an offensive boost in whatever way they can find it and certainly had success with the last NTDP left-winger they picked. Right-shot defender Carter Yakemchuk would also serve as a nice fit with the Wild – though with him off the board and Minnesota amid a sea of forwards, they’ll be tied to Eiserman.

Other Options: Carter Yakemchuk (RHD), Berkly Catton (LW)

14. San Jose Sharks (via PIT) – Berkly Catton (LW) / Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

In a year with plenty of players to be excited about, there are always the inevitable forgotten few. Berkly Catton takes on the trope of ‘undersized but overskilled winger’ this year – though he wears it as good as any prospect.

Catton is the real deal, becoming just the third U18 skater since 2000 to break 110 points in the WHL, alongside Connor Bedard and (interestingly) Nic Petan. He is a dazzling puck handler and sees a path to scoring chances from any position. The Sharks have shown no hesitation in drafting smaller-frame players as long as the skill holds true.

In a year where they have plenty of picks to go around, it’d be hard for San Jose to pass up a chance to flank star Celebrini with like company.

Other Options: Carter Yakemchuk (RHD), Igor Chernyshov (LW), Liam Greentree (LW)

15. Detroit Red Wings – Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (LW/C) / Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden)

The Detroit Red Wings have shown no hesitation in drafting top talents from hockey’s smaller countries, setting them up as a great candidate to end the slide of Norwegian forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. He emerged as a top prospect on the back of an ability to infuse offense into the relatively slow HockeyAllsvenskan.

Brandsegg-Nygard scored the most of any draft-year player in the league since 2018 while showing a base of intelligence and fundamentals that make him impactful in all three zones. The Red Wings could use an influx of reliable middle-six talent – the exact role Brandsegg-Nygard seems destined to thrive.

Other Options: Liam Greentree (LW), Trevor Connelly (LW/C), Stian Solberg (LHD)

16. St. Louis Blues – Liam Greentree (LW) / Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

The St. Louis Blues are entering a second straight draft with nine selections – and will want to replicate the hot start they got with the 10th-overall pick last year, selecting Dalibor Dvorsky, who has since scored 45 goals and 88 points in the OHL. Watching Dvorsky would’ve provided plenty of viewings of Liam Greentree, who actually scored more of the pair with 90 points.

He plays a swift, power-forward style with a knack for controlling possession through the neutral zone in a style St. Louis enjoys. The Blues are looking to strike while the iron is hot once again – and Greentree’s stout frame and cerebral scoring is a fine way to start.

Other Options: Trevor Connelly (LW), Stian Solberg (LHD), Adam Jiricek (RHD)

17. Washington Capitals – Trevor Connelly (LW/C) / Tri-City Storm (USHL)

The Washington Capitals have been lacking a certain energy as franchise legends Alexander Ovechkin and Nikita Backstrom have begun slowing down. And while they could go in many different directions with this pick, they’re getting the best energy available in Trevor Connelly, who dominated the USHL with his ability to make plays at full speed.

He’s a burly, gritty forward who sees the ice well and leans into aggression, though that same energy leaves him prone to being burned. Honing his aggression and adjusting to pro pace will be the focus of Connelly’s development, and his upside is sky-high should he find an extra gear.

That could be exciting enough for the Capitals to bite on with a mid-first, though Igor Chernyshov and Liam Greentree – if available – offer more robust projectability should the Capitals want to hedge their bets.

Other Options: Igor Chernyshov (LW), Liam Greentree (LW), Adam Jiricek (RHD) 

18. Chicago Blackhawks (via NYI)- Igor Chernyshov (LW) / Dynamo Moskva (KHL, Russia)

The Chicago Blackhawks made a confusingly early swap of first-round picks with the Islanders nearly a month ago, moving their second pick of day one up two spots. That could suggest they have their sights trained on someone specific – potentially a player they don’t want to be stolen by Vegas or New York – though it’s hard to think who that could be, especially with so much speculation surrounding second-overall.

While they could go in many directions, it’s hard to think the Hawks won’t want to leave the first round with a strong option on forward and defense. To that spirit, they land the incredibly projectable Igor Chernyshov – who’s sacrificed flashy upside for hardened fundamentals and already expressed interest in playing in the AHL next season.

For a team full of high-upside prospects, Chernyshov offers a chance to hedge your bets, playing an all-three-zones style that should garner a solid middle-six role.

Other Options: Sacha Boisvert (C), EJ Emery (RHD), Emil Hemming (LW) 

19. Vegas Golden Knights – Michael Hage (C) / Chicago Steel (USHL)

The Vegas Golden Knights have become a bit unfamiliar with first-round picks, making just four in the last six years and since trading away three. The only top pick Vegas has clung onto is the highly-skilled Brendan Brisson, who earns his keep with shifty puckhandling through the neutral zone and creative drives to the net.

Well, those are the exact traits that made Hage one of Canada’s premier prospects in this draft class – before serious injury and personal loss derailed his junior career last season. Hage showed incredible resilience through it all and once again emerged as a top prospect in the year’s second half.

He’s an upside buy, to be sure, but he boasts all the skills needed to thrive with Bruce Cassidy’s Golden Knights. 

Other Options: Emil Hemming (LW), Cole Beaudoin (LW), EJ Emery (RHD)

20. New York Islanders (via TBL) – Emil Hemming (LW) / TPS (Liiga, Finland)

Emil Hemming stamped his spot as one of the draft’s most projectable and impactful talents this season – showing a great ability to play in his hefty frame, with great physicality and a killer shot. The build has earned him a lot of NHL popularity and now earns him a spot with the New York Islanders built around similar styles.

The Islanders have shown no hesitation in drafting top European prospects who they think will translate – and Hemming appears much more ready for the spotlight than players like Aatu Raty or Ruslan Iskhakov. Though the Islanders’ prospect pool is in need of help at every position, leaving the team plenty of directions they could go with their top-20 pick.

Other Options: Sacha Boisvert (C), Adam Jiricek (RHD), Cole Beaudoin (LW)

21. Los Angeles Kings – Sacha Boisvert (C) / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

Sacha Boisvert is among the draft’s most physical presences, standing at an imposing 6’2” and 180lbs while using every bit of it to power to drive the net hard and fight for space in the low slot. He’s as close to a prototypical power forward as this class offers – a trait that will certainly entice a Kings team who just learned their lesson by leaning too far into skill-over-heft.

Boisvert has been a popular draft name all year long and now finds a SoCal home that should welcome his heavy-hitting style.

Other Options: Adam Jiricek (RHD), Emil Hemming (LW), Cole Beaudoin (LW)

22. Nashville Predators – Adam Jiricek (RHD) / HC Plzeň (Czechia Extraliga)

Adam Jiricek has maintained plenty of draft excitement, even despite missing the entire second half of the season with a lower-body injury that he’s still not cleared from and a slow start to the year. But teams can’t ignore the lure Jiricek threw with his fantastic Hlinka Gretzky Cup last season, followed by a strong U17 season, leading some NHL scouts to tell The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler that Jiricek is still challenging the year’s top five defensemen.

The Predators are looking for their next home run swing in the draft and could feel they’re buying cheap on a defender whose family already has NHL precedent.

Other Options: EJ Emery (RHD), Ryder Ritchie (LW), Julius Miettinen (LW)

23. Toronto Maple Leafs – EJ Emery (RHD) / USA U-18 (NTDP)

EJ Emery is a physical specimen. He’s gained notoriety at the NTDP for how hard he works in the gym – a mindset he inherited from his pro-football veteran father, Eric – and vindicated his off-ice work with a record-setting performance at this year’s NHL Combine.

Some scouts worry about how Emery’s athleticism translates to the ice. He has yet to find his offensive touch, though his long reach and strength make him a fantastic shut-down defender.

The Emery family has been connected to Toronto for many years and should be set for an easy move from Michigan as the Leafs look to bolster their defense, with a specific priority on adding size.

Other Options: Cole Beaudoin (LW), Jett Luchanko (LW/C), Stian Solberg (LHD)

24. Colorado Avalanche – Jesse Pulkkinen (LHD) / JYP (Liiga, Finland)

Jesse Pulkkinen is this year’s top re-entry prospect, having been looked over in last year’s draft but reigniting interest with strong international play this year. Pulkkinen is a heavy, well-rounded defenseman with strong puckhandling and plenty of aggression.

He filled a consistent role in the Liiga for most of the season, intercut by appearances in Finland’s U20 league and the Mestis. And while he never found too strong of a scoring touch – surpassing 10 points in just the U20 league, where he tallied 28 in 18 games – Pulkkinen showed a strong ability to keep opponents outside of the slots and shutdown transition at the blue line.

He’s seemingly pro-made and could be bound for the NHL in just a few years. For an Avalanche team that may soon need to replace Josh Manson, Pulkkinen’s projectability is enough to overlook his age.

Other Options: Julius Miettinen (LW), Cole Beaudoin (LW), Stian Solberg (LHD)

25. Boston Bruins (via OTT) – Cole Beaudoin (LW/C) / Barrie Colts (OHL)

The Boston Bruins acquired this pick from the Ottawa Senators on the same day that this mock released, though the swap doesn’t change our 25th selection, with the Bruins likely also looking for brute and projectability after not making a first-round pick in either of the last two drafts.

That’s what they’ll get in the rough-and-tumble Cole Beaudoin, a combine standout who’s shown an impressive ability to shut down opponents and take quick advantage of scoring opportunities all season long.

He’s already physically built out and projects as a special teams x-factor, though his ultimate ceiling might not be too high. Still, that floor-buy could be exactly what Ottawa is looking for.

Other Options: Ryder Ritchie (LW), Stian Solberg (LHD), Julius Miettinen (LW/C)

26. Montreal Canadiens (via WPG) – Ryder Ritchie (LW) / Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Ryder Ritchie is this year’s ‘Swiss Army Knife’ prospect, showing the lateral agility, heads-up skating, and quick instincts needed to make an impact in any play. That drive can leave him subject to making the first play instead of the right play a bit too often, but his ability to shut down play and work with his teammates could make Ritchie a great utility tool down the lineup.

Montreal already has plenty of top-end talent – and even added to it with Demidov at fifth overall – giving them plenty of room to take the safe option with their second pick.

Other Options: Cole Beaudoin (LW), Jett Luchanko (LW/C), Adam Jiricek (RHD)

27. Carolina Hurricanes – Jett Luchanko (LW/C) / Guelph Storm (OHL)

The Carolina Hurricanes will be entering the draft under new management, with rookie general manager Eric Tulsky replacing Don Waddell after a five-year tenure in the GM chair. That shouldn’t remove Carolina’s patented drafting, though, with the team still being connected to some of the class’ most unique and hard-working prospects.

That includes Jett Luchanko, whose work ethic on the ice drove him to NHL attention. He knows how to make a play in any situation and doesn’t struggle much with physicality, thanks to a built-out frame.

Luchanko doesn’t project as a dynamo scorer but should offer down-the-lineup value that’ll prove invaluable as Carolina tries to build a franchise.

Other Options: Dominik Badinka (RHD), Stian Solberg (LHD), Adam Jiricek (RHD)

28. Calgary Flames (via VAN) – Stian Solberg (LHD) / Vålerenga (EliteHockey Ligaen, Norway)

Stian Solberg has stood as Europe’s biggest riser this season, breaking out with an incredibly high-energy and heavy-hitting season in Norway’s top league. He vindicates the strong play with great international performances, including three points in seven World Championship games.

Solberg has handled a pro role all year long and is set for an even tougher test with the SHL’s Färjestad BK next season. That should be an exciting test of his development – and could help the Flames patch the hole left by Noah Hanifin.

Other Options: Julius Miettinen (LW/C), Nikita Artamonov (LW/C), Ryder Ritchie (LW)

29. Dallas Stars – Julius Miettinen (LW/C) / Everett Silvertips (WHL)

There has been talk of NHL interest in Julius Miettinen all season long, with teams enticed by how effortlessly he’s taken to playmaking in his 6’3”, 201lbs frame. Miettinen moves through the neutral zone well and knows how to play the puck off his teammates, though he can fail to inspire much when attacking defenders head-on.

Dallas is among the first teams that come to mind when discussing powerful Finnish prospects and confident CHL selections – making Miettinen a perfect fit.

Other Options: Ben Danford (LHD), Ryder Ritchie (LW), Jett Luchanko (LW/C)

30. New York Rangers – Dean Letourneau (C) / St. Andrew’s College (CAHS, Canada)

Many have described Dean Letourneau as this year’s unicorn prospect, though the sentiment seems more rooted in his 6’7” height than his on-ice skills. Letourneau spent the season in Canada’s U18 league, thriving to the tune of 61 goals and 127 points in 56 games – dominating the high slot with great puck protection and a killer shot.

With this pick, Letourneau would not only become the first Canadian high schooler since 1989 to be drafted straight into the NHL but the highest selected of any of the seven players to achieve the feat. Those facts make him a hesitant selection, though the Rangers are among the best candidates to overlook it on the back of just how much recent success they’ve had with their giant prospects.

Other Options: Julius Miettinen (LW), Dominik Badinka (RHD)

31/32. Anaheim Ducks (via EDM) – Sam O’Reilly (C/RW) / London Knights (OHL)

The Ducks have had their sights fully trained on the CHL for the last three drafts and will be happy to learn how many Canadians are available on the fringe of this year’s first round. That includes rangy defender Ben Danford and hefty winger Maxim Massé, though the Ducks seem more cut out for true two-way centerman Sam O’Reilly.

O’Reilly has added more and more speed to his game as the year has gone on, blending well with a great hockey IQ to make him as stout of a defensive forward as anyone in this class. The Ducks will hope to round out the top of their offensive depth chart with this year’s first round, with the reliable O’Reilly matching the flashy Lindstrom well.

Other Options: Ben Danford (LHD), Maxim Massé (RW), Linus Eriksson (LW)

31/32. Philadelphia Flyers (via FLA) – Nikita Artamonov (LW/C) / Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL, Russia)

As mentioned, the Flyers are a wildcard team this year. They could go in many different directions and have been tied to many different names, though after landing a defenseman with their first pick of the day, they’ll have a bit more room to take Russian winger Nikita Artamonov, who’s shown great fundamentals in all three zones and a finishing ability among the best in the class – though he’s struggled to use his top traits on the back of a relatively low-energy game.

The Flyers will hope they can rejuvenate that energy by pulling Artamonov to North America quickly.

Other Options: Charlie Elick (RHD), Maxim Massé (RW), Andrew Basha (LW/C)

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Network.