2024 NHL draft stay updates: 7-round, 32-team decide tracker TERMAN WEBSITE

The 2024 NHL draft is happening on Friday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN and ESPN+) and Saturday (11:30 a.m. ET, ESPN+) at Sphere in Las Vegas.

From the primary spherical all the best way to select No. 225 in Spherical 7, this web page is your house for each choice, together with scouting notes from Rachel Doerrie, and workforce match evaluation for the 32 gamers taken within the first spherical from Ryan S. Clark and Greg Wyshynski.

Extra: Remaining mock
Prospect rankings
Profiles: Celebrini
Tij Iginla

Crew: Boston College (H-EAST) | Rank: 1
DOB: 06/13/06 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 190 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 38 | G: 32 | A: 32 | P: 64

Scouting notes: There is no such thing as a space of the sport the place authentic considerations exist. Merely put, he doesn’t have a weak level. He excels as a 200-foot participant, making important contributions on each ends of the ice.

Offensively, he navigates the center of the ice, disrupts defensive schemes and finds passing lanes that others can’t. His puck safety expertise, willingness to play by contact, spin off defenders and keep play are qualities that can translate nicely to the NHL. Even with out the puck, he stays a scoring risk because of his capability to search out open areas, hold his stick away from defenders and launch the puck rapidly. — Doerrie

Crew match: Rebuilds require cornerstone gamers. Celebrini seems to be simply that, contemplating this 12 months’s draft was generally known as “The Celebrini Draft.” Ending with the NHL’s worst file meant the Sharks had quite a few areas that wanted to be addressed. Amongst them: top-six ahead assist. Enter Celebrini.

Whereas the chance exists that Celebrini may return to BU for his sophomore 12 months, he might be step proper in to the Sharks’ lineup. Since 2005, the forwards who have been chosen with the No. 1 decide performed the following season. It is a checklist that features Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, and final 12 months’s No. 1 decide, Connor Bedard. Moreover, Celebrini now formally turns into the face of a promising rebuild that already had Thomas Bordeleau, William Eklund, Mario Ferraro, Quinten Musty and the workforce’s 2023 first-round decide in Will Smith, who’s leaving Boston School after one season having signed his entry-level contract with the Sharks. — Clark

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Crew: Michigan State (BIG10) | Rank: 3
DOB: 10/28/05 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 208 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 38 | G: 9 | A: 26 | P: 35

Scouting notes: The Belarusian is broadly thought to be the perfect defender within the draft class, impressing scouts in lots of areas. A right-shot defenseman, he imposes himself bodily and dictates offensive play. His speedy improvement has led scouts to imagine he may rapidly turn out to be an impactful two-way defenseman within the NHL. He excels at making good first passes, discovering taking pictures lanes and taking management of the sport from the blue line.

Although nonetheless uncooked defensively, he has super upside because of his bodily attributes, glorious skating capability and excessive puck battle success charge. Persistently engaged and a play driver at each ends of the ice, he has the potential to shift momentum. Levshunov may turn out to be a top-pairing defenseman who dictates play in transition and tilts the ice in his workforce’s favor. — Doerrie

Crew match: The Blackhawks discovered their subsequent foundational participant atop final 12 months’s draft in ahead Connor Bedard, who gained the Calder Trophy because the NHL’s Rookie of the Yr on Thursday. However additionally they needed to strip down their workforce to the foundations to get him. The period of the rebuild round Bedard is totally contingent on the gamers with whom they encompass him. To that finish, Levshunov is a large addition, actually and figuratively.

The Blackhawks have some intriguing younger defenseman of their system, however not sufficient of them. Kevin Korchinski performed 76 video games as a rookie final season and has some upside. Wyatt Kaiser break up time between the Blackhawks and AHL Rockford. Sam Rinzel, chosen twenty fifth total in 2022, had an excellent first season with the College of Minnesota. However what they’ve in Levshunov is, for lack of a greater label, “The Man.” The enormous blueliner who might be their Victor Hedman. These dynastic Lightning groups have been constructed on offensive stars corresponding to Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, however they gained Cups due to the efforts of Hedman on the again finish. This draft might be regarded again on as a vital second of the Bedard Period in Chicago. — Wyshynski

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Crew: Oshawa (OHL) | Rank: 13
DOB: 01/28/06 | Ht: 6-2.25 | Wt: 177 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 63 | G: 27 | A: 41 | P: 68

Scouting notes: Offensively, it’s tough to discover a weak spot. He’s a dual-threat menace within the offensive zone and dropped extra jaws in one-on-one play than another draft-eligible participant within the OHL this season. His capability to power defenders into unhealthy spots and manipulate his manner round them is terrifying. Not solely is he a risk in tight conditions, however he is additionally a risk in transition. The puck follows him across the ice, and he slices defensive protection with ease by glorious reads, decisive passing and a top quality shot.

Off the puck, he makes use of his consciousness to win pucks again. Because the season progressed, he grew to become a nightmare on the forecheck, routinely hemming gamers in and successful pucks again. For lack of a greater phrase, he is a gamer. If he needs the puck, he is greater than probably going to finish up with it on his stick. He is not an elite skater, however he will get to the place he must go, performs two steps forward of his friends and makes his teammates higher. There are groups which have him of their prime 5, and whereas that may be a little excessive for me, it’s simple to know why scouts imagine Sennecke might be a top-line participant. — Doerrie

Crew match: As soon as once more, Geese normal supervisor Pat Verbeek went in a little bit of an sudden path by taking Beckett Sennecke. The Geese have been in a little bit of a tough state of affairs when it got here to including to their rebuild. Not that they could not have used extra forwards, however they have already got fairly a little bit of youth with Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. The identical holds true with defensemen after all, with Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov enjoying as rookies final season and one other defenseman, Olen Zellweger, getting 9 factors in 26 video games with the Geese after spending nearly all of the 12 months within the AHL with the San Diego Gulls.

Now that they’ve added Sennecke, the Geese have one other top-six ahead with measurement because the 6-foot-2 Sennecke might be a participant who offers the Geese another choice of their assault. — Clark

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Crew: Medication Hat (WHL) | Rank: 4
DOB: 02/03/06 | Ht: 6-3.25 | Wt: 210 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 32 | G: 27 | A: 19 | P: 46

Scouting notes: Lindstrom combines velocity, measurement and talent, making him a dominant power on the junior degree. He successfully makes use of his body to guard the puck, win battles and play by contact in difficult areas of the ice. His bodily package deal and skating capability make him a formidable opponent on the push and in puck battles. If he continues to develop his capability to play by contact, he has the instruments to be a wonderful energy ahead on the NHL degree. His velocity in transition retains defensemen on their heels and he modifies gears to create area.

With out the puck, he reads off his linemates nicely and finds open pockets of area. As a flexible offensive participant, he is aware of when to make use of his physicality to create scoring probabilities or maintain the puck to arrange performs within the offensive zone. Though his harm historical past is a priority, projections point out that Lindstrom may turn out to be a second-line middle with the potential to attain 70 factors over a protracted interval. He might take longer to develop, however a participant together with his toolbox is intriguing to many groups. — Doerrie

Crew match: That is the primary Blue Jackets draft since 2012 that did not have Jarmo Kekalainen operating the desk. He was dismissed as normal supervisor earlier this season, creating a gap for one of many NHL’s most attention-grabbing jobs. Columbus is a spot the place the bar for achievement is low and the expertise within the prospect pool is excessive.

It simply bought increased. New GM Don Waddell, who took over the Blue Jackets after leaving the Carolina Hurricanes, had quite a few choices after the Geese shocked the draft by taking Beckett Sennecke third total. They fought some temptation and added Lindstrom. The Medication Hat middle joins middle Adam Fantilli, the third total decide in 2023 who had 27 factors in 49 video games this season; Kent Johnson, one other Michigan alum, who’s coming into his fourth NHL season; and the massive physique and booming shot of defenseman David Jiricek as the following technology of the Blue Jackets. With Cole Sillinger additionally up the center, the times of the Blue Jackets being the NHL’s donut — nothing within the center — seem over. — Wyshynski

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Crew: SKA St. Petersburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.) | Rank: 2
DOB: 12/10/05 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 181 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 30 | G: 23 | A: 37 | P: 60

Scouting notes: Offensively, he is the whole package deal and is projected to be a top-six difference-maker within the NHL. His dynamic capability to create offense combines an excellent launch, elite imaginative and prescient and elite puckhandling expertise, maybe the perfect on this draft class. He is larger and extra bodily mature than initially thought, which drew consideration on the Florida showcase. Able to driving play offensively, Demidov constantly took over video games within the playoffs, incomes the MVP award.

He ranks within the prime 5% for taking pictures and passing metrics and is a transition risk. He drives the center from the skin and constantly will get himself to the harmful scoring areas. As a flexible offensive participant, Demidov has the potential to be a 40-goal, 40-assist producer and is the one participant with a ceiling near Celebrini’s. — Doerrie

Crew match: Previous to the draft, it appeared that getting a ahead was going to be the transfer for the Canadiens. They usually fulfilled that in taking Demidov. They have been able to take a ahead final 12 months however handed on Matvei Michkov earlier than taking defenseman David Reinbacher. With Reinbacher being the decide final season, he added to a defensive setup that already included Kaiden Guhle, Logan Mailloux and Jayden Struble.

Concentrating on defensemen the previous few years created that opening to take a ahead for the second time in three years, having chosen Juraj Slafkovsky with the No. 1 decide in 2022. Now the Canadiens have one other top-six ahead in Demidov who in some unspecified time in the future will make the trek to North America. And when he does, he’ll be a part of Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield as one other homegrown participant that is seeking to take the Habs again to prominence within the Japanese Convention. — Clark

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Crew: Kelowna (WHL) | Rank: 7
DOB: 08/04/06 | Ht: 5-11.75 | Wt: 182 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 64 | G: 47 | A: 37 | P: 84

Scouting notes: His pure offensive instincts and deadly wrist shot make him a severe goal-scoring risk each with and with out the puck. His puck talent steadily improved this season, and he grew to become a severe offensive risk. When he has possession, Iginla shows glorious puckhandling, sturdy safety, and a launch that surprises goaltenders. He has a novel understanding of how you can mix aggressive physicality with elite talent, a harmful mixture.

With out the puck, he finds open areas, forechecks tenaciously and displays the competitiveness his father Jarome was recognized for. Though he wants to enhance his defensive play, his mixture of skating, puck expertise, tenacity and taking pictures capability ought to allow him to contribute constantly in a top-six position, with a ceiling of a top-line winger. — Doerrie

Crew match: When the Arizona Coyotes have been offered to Smith Leisure Group and relocated to Utah, their historical past did not include them. So that is the primary decide ever made by this franchise.

However their hockey operations workers was imported together with the gamers. That included GM Invoice Armstrong, whose calling card has all the time been his work in scouting and drafting. That is enabled Utah to have gamers like ahead Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther, who made an impression on the NHL degree; in addition to middle Conor Geekie, defenseman Maveric Lamoureux and KHL defensemen Dmitry Simashev and Daniil However.

Armstrong instructed me that Utah does not really feel stress so as to add a “poster on the facet of the sector” degree star for his or her first season in Salt Lake Metropolis, as a result of there could be some within the group that would match that position. They may have one other in Tij Iginla. He is bought the hockey legacy of his Corridor of Fame father and his personal high-end expertise. Iginla is a perfect choice given their wants on offense, and as somebody who can finally assist promote hockey to a brand new fan base. — Wyshynski

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Crew: Calgary (WHL) | Rank: 14
DOB: 09/29/05 | Ht: 6-2.75 | Wt: 201 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 66 | G: 30 | A: 41 | P: 71

Scouting notes: Yakemchuk is an offensive difference-maker on the junior degree and confirmed glimpses of fantastic puck distribution. He dictates the facility play from the purpose, however he’ll have to develop the flexibility to facilitate offence to make the most of his shot within the NHL. He manipulates defenders with glorious arms, fakes and sheer energy. The shortage of an explosive skating stride makes him simpler to defend than a extra elusive skater.

Defensively, he is a piece in progress. His skating mobility wants to enhance to be an efficient transition defender within the NHL. Scouts and executives love his imply streak, as he hits to depart a mark. He will get caught puck-watching or stepping out of place to be bodily. He lacks the skating step to catch opponents once they beat him in these conditions, an space he might want to develop earlier than making the leap. — Doerrie

Crew match: Drafting Yakemchuk may show to be an intriguing transfer for a number of causes. The primary is that this was the primary time in two years the Senators used a first-round decide. It’s kind of of a weird dynamic for a franchise that is been attempting to shed the title of rebuild and transition right into a playoff workforce, solely to overlook the postseason for the final seven campaigns.

That stated, Yakemchuk offers them a younger defenseman which provides to a gaggle that already has Thomas Chabot, Jakob Chychrun, Jake Sanderson and Jacob Bernard-Docker, amongst others. However that additionally comes with the understanding that Chychrun’s future with the membership is in query. He has a 12 months left on his contract earlier than hitting free company. He may both signal a brand new deal or the Sens may look to commerce him. Both manner, they’re going to have choices, and getting Yakemchuk will now play a giant position in that dynamic. — Clark

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Crew: Spokane (WHL) | Rank: 10
DOB: 01/14/06 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 170 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 68 | G: 54 | A: 62 | P: 116

Scouting notes: Catton is a kind of “get you out of your seats” gamers. He is dynamic with the puck, studying defensive buildings, slicing by protection and a nightmare to defend in one-on-one conditions. His capability to govern defenders together with his velocity and talent is pure brilliance. He is one of the vital harmful transition gamers within the draft, and even at 5-10, he is proven a capability to execute high-skill performs in visitors.

As is the case with any participant of this talent set, he wants to select his spots a bit higher to enhance his offensive effectivity. The turnovers usually are not going to fly on the NHL degree, and he’ll have to develop his capability to create offense when he is not in transition. The identical manipulation, stick talent and deception he makes use of on the push must be utilized in smaller areas. If he can take pucks off the wall and get to the center, there’s a higher probability he hits his ceiling of a top-six, level producer.

He is already a twin risk with a promising arsenal of releases and shot varieties. On condition that he understands how you can put defenders in weak postures, it isn’t a stretch to imagine his offensive recreation will proceed to enhance. I am undecided he is a middle within the NHL, however the dynamic twin risk needs to be an entertaining participant to look at for years. — Doerrie

Crew match: Getting into the draft, the narrative surrounding the Kraken was that they wanted to draft a defenseman. Specifically, a puck-mover who may assist facilitate possession for a workforce that is struggled to attain targets in two of their first three seasons. Though the argument might be had that they have already got that with Ryker Evans.

It nonetheless amounted to the Kraken needing prospects who can rating or create targets and it led to them selecting Berkly Catton. He addresses their scoring wants supplied he scored 54 targets and 116 factors for the Spokane Chiefs final season. If the Kraken decide to maintain Catton at middle, he would be a part of their backbone of the longer term that features Matty Beniers and Shane Wright. However there’s an opportunity he might be moved to the wing, with the expectation that he may sometime play alongside Beniers on one of many Kraken’s prime two traces and on their energy play. — Clark

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Crew: Saginaw (OHL) | Rank: 5
DOB: 02/15/06 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 179 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 66 | G: 33 | A: 63 | P: 96

Scouting notes: Parekh is the highest offensive defenseman within the draft, with out query. He has all of the makings of a game-breaker on the blue line. His statistics and mannequin projections stand out, surpassing each different defenseman besides Levshunov. He’s clearly within the prime tier, projected as a top-4 offensive catalyst with an over 80% probability of enjoying 200+ NHL video games.

Proper-handed offensive dynamos are uncommon and infrequently accessible by way of commerce. Parekh has all of the qualities of a top-notch power-play quarterback and even-strength play driver, able to scoring upward of 60 factors per season within the NHL. He had the most effective draft-eligible seasons in CHL historical past, which shouldn’t be neglected. His elite four-way mobility permits him to evade opponents and create area effortlessly.

His defensive recreation improved all through the OHL season, and whereas it is not as strong as some would possibly choose, his skating and hockey sense equip him to defend successfully on the NHL degree. His offensive instincts are innate and kind the muse of his play-driving offense. Mix his offensive instincts with demonstrated capability to maneuver pucks to harmful areas, create taking pictures alternatives and get pucks by, and Parekh presents an intriguing package deal. His ceiling is the best amongst defensemen within the draft, confidently projecting him as an impactful top-4 defenseman over a prolonged NHL profession. — Doerrie

Crew match: The decide wasn’t Tij Iginla and that is going to be a bummer for lots of Flames followers. However Zayne Parekh is a stable alternative and somebody who will definitely assist with Calgary’s rebuild … retool … no matter it’s that GM Craig Conroy is doing with this franchise, which is content material to ship out some veterans (Jacob Markstrom, Andrew Mangiapane) whereas maintain onto others (like, reportedly, Nazem Kadri). They’ve some high quality younger gamers up entrance like winger Matt Coronato, who performed 35 video games within the NHL; middle Connor Zary, who had a robust rookie season with 34 factors in 63 video games; and a giant ahead in Samuel Honzek.

Now they add Parekh, a participant that has electrifying offensive upside. Parekh is the primary defenseman the Flames chosen within the first spherical since Juuso Valimaki at No. 16 in 2017. They merely did not have a participant together with his skillset of their pipeline, and this picks an incredible one for Calgary. — Wyshynski

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Crew: Nizhny Novgorod (RUSSIA) | Rank: 8
DOB: 04/11/06 | Ht: 6-7 | Wt: 211 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 63 | G: 3 | A: 8 | P: 11

Scouting notes: At 6-7, this hulking defender performed important minutes for one of many KHL’s higher groups, a rarity at age 17, and this vastly enhances his projection. Whereas he is not anticipated to be dynamic within the NHL, his creating offensive expertise recommend he may turn out to be a 35- to 40-point producer.

He skates very nicely, with good edgework and agility, which is clear in his defensive transitions and his motion alongside the offensive blue line. If he can add energy with out dropping mobility, he may turn out to be a high-minute defenseman within the NHL, able to shutting down the opposition’s greatest gamers.

His ground is increased than different prime defensive prospects because of his confirmed capability to achieve the KHL. Scouts are excessive on his skating capability, physicality and transition protection. There are considerations about his capability to learn the play and make good puck choices. He’ll want time to reinforce his capability to facilitate breakouts, transition offense and browse stress. —Doerrie

Crew match: There was loads of hypothesis that the Devils would transfer this decide — it was actually in play within the hours main as much as the draft. However New Jersey saved the decide and added to the deepest a part of their prospect pool: the blue line.

Anton Silayev is a 6-7 mountain, a defensive defenseman who has super skating capability and a incredible attain. They moved 24-year-old Kevin Bahl, who’s 6-6, for goalie Jacob Markstrom. Silayev greater than matches in as an eventual substitute. He joins Calder Trophy finalist Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec and finally Seamus Casey because the defensive foundations for years to come back. — Wyshynski

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Crew: London (OHL) | Rank: 11
DOB: 06/07/06 | Ht: 6-2.5 | Wt: 199 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 68 | G: 18 | A: 52 | P: 70

Scouting notes: Dickinson is among the greatest all-around skating defensemen within the draft, and it’s significantly evident in transition. Offensively, he carries the puck with ease, evades defenders, cuts to the center and creates scoring probabilities.

Defensively, he maintains hole, matches opponent’s velocity and finishes his checks. His shot is above common, however he’s unlikely to overpower goalies on the NHL degree. His skating and defensive talents will carry him within the NHL. These are all attributes scouts and coaches love. It’s simple to see why the mannequin tasks him to be a top-four defender with a puncher’s probability of being a top-pairing man.

The large query with Dickinson is decision-making on either side of the puck. On the junior degree, he is so evasive and above his friends within the skating division, that it masks some consciousness points. On the push, he can skate himself into hassle and make life extra sophisticated when a less complicated play exists. Within the defensive zone, he will get caught on the improper facet of gamers and makes questionable choices with the puck after he wins a battle. He is a pure athlete who will play within the NHL, however time will inform if he can develop his consciousness and reads to make the most of his toolbox and turn out to be a distinction maker. — Doerrie

Crew match: When the Sharks traded as much as No. 11 on Thursday, it got here with the expectation that they have been going to make use of that decide to get a defenseman. Particularly contemplating they already had Celebrini, along with forwards corresponding to Bordeleau, Eklund, Musty and Smith. And that is not together with who they took in 2022, middle Filip Bystedt.

That perception solely intensified contemplating by the point the Sharks picked at 11, as defensemen corresponding to Zeev Buium and Sam Dickinson have been nonetheless accessible when it got here time for his or her second decide of the primary spherical. They selected Dickinson, who now offers them a large defenseman who can’t solely serve in a top-pairing position however may also be on the controls of an influence play. An influence play that within the coming years might be led by Celebrini, Smith, Dickinson and Eklund. — Clark

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Crew: Denver (NCHC) | Rank: 6
DOB: 12/07/05 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 183 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 42 | G: 11 | A: 39 | P: 50

Scouting notes: The most effective defensemen in faculty hockey this season, Buium is confidently projected as a top-4 defenseman within the NHL. He constantly stands out by becoming a member of the push, defending nicely in transition and excelling in man-to-man protection in his personal zone. He is an elite two-way defenseman on the faculty degree, and is probably going probably the most environment friendly puck mover on this draft class. He reveals elite hockey sense and appears to be two to 3 performs forward, permitting him to make performs that different gamers cannot.

Defensively, he maintains a decent hole, adapts to adjustments in tempo and makes use of glorious edgework to keep away from getting overwhelmed in tight conditions. His puck expertise, mixed with numerous head and shoulder fakes, allow him to create area and passing lanes. If there’s a higher one-on-one defenseman on this draft, I’ve but to see him.

Buium elevates his play as video games intensify and was considered one of Crew USA’s greatest gamers on the World Juniors as an underage participant, along with being a vital a part of the NCAA champion Denver blue line. With all of the qualities of a play-driving, momentum-shifting defenseman, Buium might be prepared for the NHL by the top of the 2024-25 faculty season. — Doerrie

Crew match: GM Invoice Guerin bought aggressive right here to pick out Zeev Buium, and rightfully so. Buium has a excessive hockey IQ and may be somebody that may run an NHL energy play, main all NCAA defenseman in factors final season (50). Denver relied on him massive time in successful the nationwide title this season — he performed 31 minutes towards Boston College within the semifinal and greater than 29 minutes towards Boston School for the title.

He is an impression participant and the best defenseman the Wild have taken since Matt Dumba at seventh total in 2012. — Wyshynski

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Crew: Guelph (OHL) | Rank: 26
DOB: 08/21/06 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 180 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 68 | G: 20 | A: 54 | P: 74

Scouting notes: Luchanko has all of the makings of a dream bottom-six position. Given the offensive instincts and skills he has proven this season, Luchanko has a greater capability to drive play than many imagine. He is a wonderful two-way participant, a uncommon feat for a really younger participant in a draft class. The mix of manufacturing, improvement and a later birthday give Luchanko a projection nearer to center six than backside six.

Luchanko was the primary beneficiary of Matthew Poitras’ transfer to the Bruins, permitting him to turn out to be the first driver on either side of the puck. His skating takes the tempo of the sport to a different degree, forcing his opponents to play at speeds by which they’re uncomfortable. His capability to dictate the play is eye-opening, beating defenders clear together with his velocity whereas being a royal ache to take care of on the forecheck and backcheck. He’s in the course of all the things that occurs, displaying off a detail-oriented recreation that features consciousness, shiftiness and talent that scouts love. — Doerrie

Crew match: Buying and selling all the way down to No. 13 earned some further draft capital. However additionally they landed a middle in Jett Luchanko that provides to a future that already contains Noah Cates, Joel Farabee, Tyson Foerster and Matvei Michkov. Even with that many forwards, the Flyers have been nonetheless in want of a middle. That made Luchanko or Konsta Helenius an choice.

The final time they drafted a middle within the first spherical was in 2018 once they took Jay O’Brien, who they didn’t signal (and earned a compensatory decide this 12 months for it). Previous to that, It was 2017 once they took Nolan Patrick with the second decide and Morgan Frost at 27. Patrick was traded, whereas Frost stays with the membership. Luchanko offers the Flyers somebody who tasks as a two-way choice who might be anchoring one of many traces of a rebuild that took a big step ahead in 2023-24. — Clark

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Crew: Jukurit (FINLAND) | Rank: 12
DOB: 05/11/06 | Ht: 5-10.75 | Wt: 180 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 51 | G: 14 | A: 22 | P: 36

Scouting notes: Helenius is great defensively, and his play is straight away projectable to the NHL. Offensively, he’s efficient, not flashy. He retrieves pucks, enters the zone with possession, creates area with efficient physique positioning, and depends on his elite hockey sense to make sound choices with the puck. The mix of his competitiveness, hockey sense and puck administration make him a extremely efficient and dependable participant in all three zones.

He lacks dynamic attributes that different gamers within the draft class possess, however he makes up for that his in his capability to be the engine of his line. He constantly drives play and confirmed flashes of offensive creativity, however Helenius doesn’t have a standout offensive attribute. He is a well-rounded, 200-foot participant who might be impactful on either side of the puck on the NHL degree. Scouts see some Mikael Backlund in him, which is excessive reward for the younger Finn.

A second-line middle/prime penalty killer who can drive play at even energy is one thing each contender wants. That’s Helenius. If his offense develops, there’s an opportunity he matches the mildew of a Joel Eriksson Ek or Elias Lindholm kind of participant. — Doerrie

Crew match: The Sabres traded down this week, buying the Devils’ No. 42 total decide of their flip-flop with the Sharks. Helenius is a stable two-way middle who joins a depth chart that features Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, Peyton Krebs, Matthew Savoie, Jiri Kulich and Noah Ostlund.

Clearly, a few of them may shift to the wing, however the backside line is that the Sabres have a ton of expertise on the best way up entrance, to associate with the foundational defensemen in Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Energy. — Wyshynski

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Crew: Mora (SWEDEN-2) | Rank: 19
DOB: 10/05/05 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 198 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 41 | G: 8 | A: 10 | P: 18

Scouting notes: The Norwegian ahead is among the most well-rounded gamers within the draft. The mix of grit, talent and in-tight scoring capability has scouts believing he’s a Swiss military knife on the NHL degree. There may be perception that he might be the perfect two-way ahead within the draft not named Celebrini.

Defensively, he could also be the perfect ahead within the draft. He’s constantly in the fitting positions, makes glorious reads in defensive transition and reads off his teammates nicely to assist the puck. His capability to retrieve pucks, win puck battles, and place his physique in ways in which make is almost unimaginable to knock him off the puck will solely enhance has he bodily matures and provides energy. He is unafraid to ship a board-shaking physique test to shift momentum, however doesn’t put himself out of place to take action. He separates opponents from the puck, drives ahead and makes use of his highly effective body to chop to the center or the online. In truth, if there’s a weak spot in his defensive recreation, I’ve but to search out it.

The downside with Brandsegg-Nygard is that he is not dynamic. His ceiling is not as excessive as different gamers’, however his ground is increased than practically each ahead exterior of the highest 5. There may be little doubt he might be a middle-six energy ahead who might be deployed to close down opponent’s greatest gamers and end offensive alternatives in tight. As one scout put it, “He is not the man you construct round, however actually the kind of participant that each contender needs in the course of their lineup.” — Doerrie

Crew match: What’s this? The Pink Wings went into Europe and drafted a participant?

In all seriousness, Brandsegg-Nygard was considered somebody who may have gone on this vary, so it wasn’t just like the Pink Wings reached.

Detroit has used two of its most up-to-date first-round picks to get facilities. It is simply that Brandsegg-Nygard offers them one other potential top-six winger. And given how the Wings are presently arrange with their ahead depth, Brandsegg-Nygard has probability to interrupt onto the scene within the close to future. — Clark

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Crew: Plzen (CZECHIA) | Rank: 17
DOB: 06/28/06 | Ht: 6-2.5 | Wt: 182 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 19 | G: 0 | A: 1 | P: 1

Scouting notes: The 6-2, right-handed defenseman has been on scouting radars for years, permitting for his recreation to be put beneath the microscope. He is aggressive, makes good puck choices and prompts within the play.

Shedding practically a full season of improvement throughout probably the most essential years makes for a harder analysis and mannequin projection. Jiricek’s numbers are very unstable, and the draft 12 months pattern just isn’t massive sufficient for a assured projection. The instruments to be an impactful defenseman are there, with good reads, aggressive defensive posture, sturdy puck retrieval expertise and physicality. He wants the skating, which clearly took a developmental hit when he tore his ACL, to enhance by a step and half or two to make the most of his different expertise. His stride lacks the explosive and aggressive attributes to enhance the remainder of his recreation and can hinder his capability to make the most of different expertise if he cannot hold tempo.

He has an extended runway to develop as a result of he is rawer and misplaced practically a 12 months of improvement to his harm. There’s a actual probability he turns into a second-pairing defenseman and an outdoor shot on the prime pair. — Doerrie

Crew match: The Blues actually wanted so as to add some expertise to their protection prospects — they hadn’t drafted a defenseman within the first spherical since Jordan Schmaltz in 2012 — and Jiricek is a terrific alternative. He gained nice expertise enjoying the Czech league, and as a right-shot defenseman he is a precious commodity.

Jiricek won’t have the ceiling of his brother David, who went sixth total to the Blue Jackets in 2022, however he is actually bought some upside. — Wyshynski

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Crew: Prince George (WHL) | Rank: 30
DOB: 05/28/06 | Ht: 5-11.5 | Wt: 173 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 68 | G: 43 | A: 62 | P: 105

Scouting notes: His manufacturing is paying homage to a participant who needs to be chosen in prime half of the primary spherical. His skating, like Jason Robertson’s in 2017, worries scouts. He does not have the bodily package deal of Robertson, however his manufacturing is a lot better. Parascak has all of the capabilities to be a twin risk on the NHL degree if his skating improves.

Parascak’s instincts on and off the puck are high-end. He understands defensive schemes and how you can penetrate them, however his skating holds him again from driving play. That is evident in transition, the place he lacks the tempo to assault the center and depends on his instincts to search out open area and arrive on the good time. When he will get the puck in area, he is terrifying. His catch and launch shot, one-timer and talent to shoot reverse his momentum make him difficult for goalies to cease.

A workforce taking Parascak is getting a participant with an elite hockey sense and plenty of photographs in his arsenal. If he can add energy and extra energy to his skating, there’s a actual probability he is a top-six, difference-maker within the NHL. He is unlikely to be a real play driver, however a complementary piece that may ignite an influence play. — Doerrie

Crew match: Utilizing their first-round picks to pick out top-six forwards they imagine can present a way of offensive consistency going ahead has been the plan for the Caps the previous few years. The choice to take Parascak matches inside that dynamic. Parascak was one of some forwards such who may have been picked at this spot.

When the time comes, he’ll be the most recent prospect to come back by a farm system that has watched its AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, win Calder Cups whereas persevering with to ship the group’s homegrown skills to the NHL. — Clark

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Crew: Muskegon (USHL) | Rank: 24
DOB: 03/17/06 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 176 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 61 | G: 36 | A: 32 | P: 68

Scouting notes: Boisvert can actually shoot the puck, and no matter the place he receives the puck, he’s a risk. He will get pucks by layers with accuracy and has glorious arms to complete performs on the web entrance. There may be motive to imagine his misleading launch will switch to the NHL degree, but when it doesn’t, his capability to complete performs in tight will certainly make him worthy of consideration.

With out the puck, Boisvert continues to be impactful. He tracks again nicely, disrupts transition play and delivers exhausting hits to separate gamers from the puck. There is a noticeable edge to his recreation that can solely enhance as he will get stronger. His skating posture is off stability, and he lacks the explosiveness required to create more room offensively. An improved skating stride with extra energy and higher capability to learn defensive protection will enable Boisvert to make the most of his NHL-ready shot and two-way recreation. — Doerrie

Crew match: The idea was that the Blackhawks would go together with a ahead right here after taking Levshunov at second total. Boisvert affords an incredible distinction to the best way Connor Bedard performs at middle — a two-way recreation with some physicality. He aspires to be an Evgeni Malkin-like participant within the NHL. Not a nasty gamble for the Blackhawks to take, contemplating they have already got their Sidney Crosby. — Wyshynski

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Crew: Tri-Metropolis (USHL) | Rank: 15
DOB: 02/28/06 | Ht: 6-0.25 | Wt: 156 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 52 | G: 31 | A: 47 | P: 78

Scouting notes: On expertise and expertise alone, the mannequin tasks him to be a top-six ahead with a good probability at a top-line position. There are just a few gamers with higher offensive attributes than Connelly, and they’re going to go within the prime 10. He leaves quite a bit to be desired defensively however ought to get a wholesome dose of defensive improvement at Windfall School. He’s unlikely to be a two-way participant, and that is not his fashion. His fashion is flash, sprint and pizzazz — a participant with a real “wow” issue.

Connelly has a whole lot of maturing to do on and off the ice. The egocentric main and misconduct on the under-18 championship kick-started the collapse towards Canada within the gold medal recreation. Fairly a number of groups have designated him as “don’t draft” due the data revealed in a narrative from the Athletic. As one NHL head scout put it, “top-10 expertise, bottom-10 character. Cannot do it.”

The definition of high-risk, high-reward for all of the improper causes. — Doerrie

Crew match: There is a risk that the Golden Knights have reached the purpose that they might begin to incorporate prospects as they proceed to problem for the Stanley Cup. It is potential that drafting Connolly may work out considered one of two methods for the Golden Knights. He might be somebody who works his manner into the lineup as a productive winger on a team-friendly deal to assist offset a few of their wage cap points. Or he might be utilized in a possible commerce to assist the Golden Knights get a participant they covet.

No matter path the Golden Knights take, it’s going to include the win-at-all prices mentality that is continued to outline them. — Clark

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Crew: USA U-18 (NTDP) | Rank: 9
DOB: 08/29/06 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 195 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 49 | G: 49 | A: 27 | P: 76

Scouting notes: Eiserman is taken into account the perfect pure scorer within the draft, although opinions about him range broadly.

His spectacular aim totals with the nationwide workforce improvement program are exhausting to disregard, but he usually leaves scouts wanting extra. With the perfect shot within the draft, his projection suggests he may rating 35-40 targets per season if he reaches his ceiling. As a younger participant within the draft, he has extra runway to enhance his decision-making and develop a well-rounded offensive recreation. Whereas habits may be mounted and skating will proceed to enhance, scoring instincts and the flexibility to catch and launch the puck from awkward positions are innate, and Eiserman excels in each areas.

There are occasions he tries to do an excessive amount of with the puck, resulting in turnovers and compelled photographs — habits that may frustrate scouts and coaches. Regardless of this, his potential as a 40-goal scorer is simple if developed with persistence. The mannequin is assured he’ll produce on the NHL degree in a top-six position. Eiserman has the expertise to be an even-strength scorer, power-play asset and most significantly, a difference-maker. — Doerrie

Crew match: Depart it to Lou Lamoriello to punch consensus within the face. Cole Eiserman is among the greatest goal-scorers within the draft, whose inventory had fallen because of criticisms of his defensive recreation. The Islanders actually wanted an infusion of high-end offensive expertise of their prospect pool. Eiserman is the embodiment of the “you may’t train offense” mindset. — Wyshynski

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Crew: Chicago (USHL) | Rank: 18
DOB: 04/14/06 | Ht: 6-0.5 | Wt: 187 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 54 | G: 33 | A: 42 | P: 75

Scouting notes: An enormous, right-handed middle who’s a twin risk within the offensive zone and confirmed one of the vital promising improvement curves of the season? Examine. Examine. Examine. A dynamic transitioner of the puck, Hage is a cerebral participant who picks aside defensive schemes in transition with ease. He will get the puck off the wall to the harmful areas of the ice higher than most gamers within the draft.

The deceptiveness of his shot and the array of photographs in his arsenal makes him equally harmful with and with out the puck. He can pull the puck and hearth it by defenders as simply as he receives the puck and releases in a single movement. A heady participant, Hage understands how you can manipulate defenders and open taking pictures lanes up. If he can add a step to his tempo, he’ll be capable to make the most of the compromising positions he places defenders in.

There are numerous elements of Hage’s recreation that scouts love exterior of his bodily presents. He wins puck battles, will get to the online entrance and makes his teammates higher. He’ll develop exhausting talent by enhancing his capability to take contact and use it to his benefit. The main points of his recreation are a robust level. He helps the puck nicely, and his capability to impression the sport will solely enhance as his skating takes a step. The mannequin sees him as a middle-six participant with an outdoor probability at hitting his second-line ceiling. — Doerrie

Crew match: After taking Demidov at No. 5, the Canadiens used their second first-round decide to take one other ahead in Hage. The expectation with Hage is that he may give them a two-way middle for the longer term.

Hypothetically talking, the Canadiens won’t be in any rush, as they’re arrange with Nick Suzuki and Alex Newhook down the center for at the least three extra years. Hage will spend subsequent season enjoying on the College of Michigan which has not too long ago developed quite a few facilities corresponding to Matty Beniers, Thomas Bordeleau and Brendan Brisson, amongst others. — Clark

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Crew: Yaroslavl Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.) | Rank: 44
DOB: 08/01/06 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 192 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 43 | G: 23 | A: 30 | P: 53

Crew match: Barry Trotz goes ahead first once more, after deciding on Matthew Wooden at No. 15 final season. Yegor Surin’s inventory reportedly shot up after taking part in agent Dan Milstein’s camp in Fort Lauderdale in the course of the Stanley Cup Remaining.

He actually matches the Predators’ id beneath Trotz and head coach Andrew Brunette of compete degree up entrance. — Wyshynski

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Crew: Valerenga (NORWAY) | Rank: 36
DOB: 12/29/05 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 194 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 42 | G: 5 | A: 10 | P: 15

Crew match: Solberg offers the Geese one other defensemen for the longer term in a farm system by which blueliners are in extra. They have already got Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger, plus Tristan Luneau. However additionally they have a pair of defenseman older than 32 in Cam Fowler and Radko Gudas.

In brief order, the Geese may probably have 5 homegrown defensemen, or they might look to maneuver considered one of them sooner or later if it will possibly assist them swing a deal to deal with one other space of the roster. — Clark

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Crew: Barrie (OHL) | Rank: 32
DOB: 04/24/06 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 209 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 67 | G: 28 | A: 34 | P: 62

Scouting notes: Mix an elite motor, good two-way play and a wholesome dose of compete, Cole Beaudoin is just a gamer. If I used to be giving every draft-eligible a superlative or vibe, Beaudoin’s can be “gamer.” The mannequin is decrease on him than this rating, however the perception that he ought to turn out to be a bottom-six participant that checks nicely, kills penalties and produce power to the lineup.

An enormous, sturdy participant who could also be handiest on the wing on the NHL degree, Beaudoin reads the play nicely, will get into visitors, wins practically each puck battle and grinds opponents down. There is no such thing as a OHL participant who enjoys going into the nook with him — and quite a lot of got here out worse for put on. He is bought the energy and want to be an impactful bodily participant within the NHL. If his skating continues to enhance, there may be motive to imagine he has the next ceiling than present projections point out. Utah will want a extra affected person method with him, however added tempo may see him leap right into a third-line position as a participant coaches belief implicitly. — Doerrie

Crew match: GM Invoice Armstrong had a treasure trove of draft picks and determined to dip into them swap with Colorado, sending the thirty eighth, 71st and the Rangers’ 2025 second-rounder to the Avalanche. That is as a result of it was broadly anticipated that the Bruins have been going to pick out Cole Beaudoin with the following choice.

Utah will get a robust middle that performs with bodily tenacity, a puck-swarming ahead that matches in nicely on the UHC depth chart. — Wyshynski

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Crew: St. Andrews School (HIGH-ON) | Rank: 34
DOB: 02/21/06 | Ht: 6-6 | Wt: 210 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 56 | G: 61 | A: 66 | P: 127

Crew match: Letourneau offers the Bruins excessive measurement down the center. The very fact he scored greater than 60 targets and 127 factors proves there may be offensive upside, too.

He’ll attend Boston School beginning in 2025, so the Bruins can hold a detailed eye on his improvement. Maybe probably the most fascinating half is that the Bruins are hoping to strike it wealthy with Letourneau given they’ve solely had 4 draft picks since 2018 which have reached the NHL. — Clark

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Crew: Windsor (OHL) | Rank: 16
DOB: 01/01/06 | Ht: 6-2.25 | Wt: 207 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 64 | G: 36 | A: 54 | P: 90

Scouting notes: Greentree has many attributes that scouts love — he performs in the course of the ice, sees the ice very nicely, is an adept playmaker and a throwback construct within the fashion of an influence ahead. He ranks extremely throughout the board from his bodily recreation to his hockey sense to his high-end playmaking. He lacks in crucial, but most simply improvable, space: skating. Have been Greentree a mean or barely above common skater, he probably would’ve been a top-10 decide as a result of he is that good within the different areas of his recreation.

Greentree was successfully a one-man present on a rebuilding Windsor workforce. His manufacturing is probably going 20% higher on a workforce that does not end close to the underside of the OHL standings. Not solely is he a top quality offensive driver, however he’s additionally dependable defensively. He will get himself in good positions, wins puck battles and routinely outmuscles opponents everywhere in the ice. He is enjoyable to look at since you surprise how he’s as efficient as he’s together with his skating deficiencies.

Scouts and executives have expressed an admiration for his recreation. His puckhandling, imaginative and prescient and shot make him an issue to take care of within the offensive zone. There are a whole lot of instruments to work with and would not be the primary prospect to enhance his skating after being drafted. The issue with Greentree’s skating is that it’s sufficient of a priority in immediately’s league that if it does not enhance, he might not be capable to sustain. Functionally massive and expert energy wingers are exhausting to search out these days and Greentree is strictly that. If he does add a step or two to his recreation, there’s an actual probability he is a top-six level producer on the NHL degree. — Doerrie

Crew match: The Kings picked up this decide when Montreal traded as much as No. 21 to pick out middle Michael Hage. Greentree was captain of the Windsor Spitfires, and has a giant physique and a wise offensive recreation.

He joins a gaggle of younger forwards with the Kings that features burgeoning star Quinton Byfield, Alex Laferriere and hopefully Alex Turcotte, who hasn’t developed as rapidly because the others. Most significantly, Liam Greentree wore No. 66 within the OHL and would mechanically turn out to be our favourite participant if he had the audacity of carrying Mario Lemieux’s sacred digits within the NHL. — Wyshynski

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Crew: Brantford (OHL) | Rank: HM
DOB: 04/12/06 | Ht: 6-0.5 | Wt: 174 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 68 | G: 36 | A: 46 | P: 82

Crew match: It merely wasn’t sufficient to draft Levshunov and Boisvert within the first spherical. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson traded as much as get the twenty seventh decide to get Mark Vanacker, a choice that provides to what they imagine is a vibrant future.

Vanacker offers the Blackhawks a winger they might probably see on the NHL degree in a number of years time. Whereas their rebuild begins and ends with Bedard, getting Vanacker means the Blackhawks have used seven first-round picks to draft forwards since 2020. — Clark

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Crew: Muskegon (USHL) | Rank: HM
DOB: 03/01/06 | Ht: 6-1.25 | Wt: 182 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 60 | G: 38 | A: 45 | P: 83

Crew match: The Flames acquired this decide within the Elias Lindholm commerce with the Canucks. Lose a ahead, acquire a ahead. Gridin led the USHL in factors with 83 factors in 60 video games, giving the rebuilding-and-or-retooling Flames one other sturdy offensive winger.

One other Russian participant who was spotlighted on the Dan Milstein camp in the course of the Stanley Cup Remaining, he has a giant body for an agile skater. He is College of Michigan-bound, and the Flames will gladly anticipate his expertise to sharpen within the NCAA. — Wyshynski

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Crew: TPS (FINLAND) | Rank: 25
DOB: 06/27/06 | Ht: 6-0.75 | Wt: 201 | Shot: R
2023-24 stats: GP: 40 | G: 7 | A: 4 | P: 11

Scouting notes: Hemming is a enjoyable subject of dialogue amongst scouts. He is thought-about to have a really excessive ground and decrease offensive ceiling. The mannequin sees him becoming in fairly nicely as a third-line ahead who can contribute offensively. Hemming is among the few gamers by which the mannequin predicts he has greater than an 80% probability of enjoying 200 NHL video games with lower than a ten% probability of changing into a star — true “protected” vibes.

He is a robust two-way participant with a top quality launch that borders on being a separating talent. He can shoot off each legs, off stability and in lots of catch and launch positions. He is a risk to attain from distance, will get pucks by defenders and may rating when he drives the online. He understands how you can use contact to his benefit, wins puck battles, is in glorious spots off the puck and by no means cheats defensively. These exhausting expertise ought to simply translate right into a bottom-six position, and he is probably prepared for the AHL subsequent season.

Offensively, there have been flashes of fine puck distribution and hockey sense. Nonetheless, he’s reliant on his taking pictures capability and two-way play. If he can add a step to his skating, there may be authentic upside as an influence ahead who contributes 40-50 factors per season, enjoying on a prime penalty-killing unit and secondary power-play unit. The ceiling is not as excessive as that of different gamers, however he’s much more prone to play significant video games. — Doerrie

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Upcoming picks

30. New York Rangers
31. Toronto Maple Leafs
32. Philadelphia Flyers*

* Traded picks:

• The Flames’ choice at No. 28 is the results of the Jan. 31, 2024 commerce that despatched Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks.

• The Maple Leafs’ decide at No. 31 is the results of a pick-for-pick commerce with the Geese. The Geese initially acquired the decide by way of a March 6, 2024 that despatched Sam Carrick, Ty Taylor and a 2024 seventh-round decide to the Oilers.

• The Flyers’ choice at No. 32 is a results of the commerce on March 19, 2022 that despatched Claude Giroux, German Rubtsov, Connor Bunnaman to the Panthers, and Owen Tippett to the Flyers.