2024 NHL DRAFT: AN EARLY LOOK AT TOP 10 PROSPECTS

The 2023 NHL Draft is past us, so know it’s time to kick off the scouting season, by looking at some of the top prospects ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft. While the 2024 NHL Draft may not be as deep as 2023, it should still produce a number of high-end talent, especially within the top 10. With that in mind, here is my early list of Top 10 Prospects in the 2024 NHL Draft.

1. Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (NCAA)

While Macklin Celebrini may not have the hype of a “generational talent”, he’s definitely going to be an elite-level player at the next level. He dominated the USHL with 46 goals and 86 points with the Chicago Steel last season. From his soft hands and dangles to his pin-point accurate release of a shot, Celebrini is truly a dynamic force whenever he’s on the ice. He is a remarkable talent as he plays with great poise and displays great IQ with his positioning and decision-making. Celebrini’s always making things happen on the ice, both with and without the puck, showing his ability to play both ends of the ice. His poise is exceptional, and he shows great patience and timing to create plays and his shot is truly on another level. Even if there’s the slightest gap on a bad angle, rest assured that the puck is finding its way in the back of the net as a result of his accuracy and power. His play at the World U18 Championship was outstanding, he put up 6 goals, 9 assists, and 15 points in 7 games for Canada. Macklin Celebrini will be headed to Boston University and is the current favorite to be the first overall pick.

2 Cole Eiserman, LW, University of Minnesota (NCAA)

Cole Eiserman is going to be the player who could challenge Macklin Celebrini for the Number 1 pick in the 2024 NHL draft. Eiserman is without a doubt the best shooter in this draft, and is he absolutely dynamic when it comes to the accuracy and power within his shot. He’s extremely deceptive as he can change the angle of his shot in an instant and has the hands to still weave his way through traffic in order to get a shot off. One trait of a great goal scorer is knowing where to be to receive passes for a scoring chance, and Eiserman does that better than anyone in this draft, as he’s always in the right spot for a swift wrist shot or even to rip it with his heavy one-timer. Committed to the University of Minnesota, Eiserman alone had 97 goals in 2022-23 both in the NTDP and USHL. He had the second-best primary points per game of 1.82, behind only Bedard, and Eiserman was in his DY-1 season. Already drawing comparisons to two elite snipers in the league Auston Matthews and Alex Ovechkin, Eiserman should be a star goal scorer in the NHL.

3. Ivan Demidov, RW/C, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)

When you watch Ivan Demidov play, you’ll be amazed and drawn into the high-end, elite-level pace of play and skill that he possesses. Demidov’s extremely deceptive and creative with his movements displaying great control of the puck, pulling off moves at breakneck speed, and fooling goaltenders and defenders. He has tremendous vision and strength to constantly drive hard to the net and attack the high-danger area. The Russian forward is very versatile forward, capable of playing both Right Wing and Center. Whether it’s his playmaking and puck distribution or his lethal and accurate shot, Demidov is a force to be reckoned with. He has soft hands and lightning-quick reflexes to make moves at a quick pace. He’s exceptional at drawing in players and opening the ice up in order to make a play or get a swift wrist shot off. He truly is dynamic in every way. In 41 games with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg of the MHL, Demidov scored 19 goals, 43 assists, and 62 points as well as 5 goals and 13 points in 10 playoff games. It will be interesting to see how much the Russian factor affects his draft stock next year because he arguably could be a top 3 pick in the draft.

4. Artyom Levshunov, RD, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)

Arytom Levshunov is projected to be the top defenseman taken in the 2024 NHL Draft because of how impressive he was as a rookie defender for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. Levshunov finished 8th in rookie scoring with 42 points possessing a lot of qualities that make him a dominant threat on both sides of the puck. At 6-foot-2, 198 pounds, the Right Handed defenseman’s mobility, transitional play, and two-way game instantly stands out. He’s such a smooth skater and has the ability to walk the line effectively when in the offensive zone. He has great awareness and IQ in the offensive zone, knowing when to jump into the play for a shot or keep plays alive along the boards. He can play a menacing defensive game with his physicality and one-on-one coverage in front of the net. He has the making to be a very impactful defenseman for the future. Committed to Michigan State University for the 2023-24 season, he will definitely be a player to monitor this season to see how he handles his transition to the college ranks from the USHL.

5. Sam Dickinson, LD, London Knights (OHL)

Sam Dickinson had a solid 23 points in 62 games as a rookie defender in the Ontario Hockey League but didn’t look out of place. At 6-foot-3, 194 pounds, Dickinson’s a very smooth and mobile two-way defender, displaying a great work ethic and compete level. He’s extremely effective when leading an attack and shows great composure making the right plays at key moments. It’s hard to find a 17-year-old defender who can show that consistency. He’s a strong playmaker and is just as effective within his own zone, showing great defensive awareness and gap control. He can be relied on in any situation and playing for Mark and Dale Hunter, he’s up for the increased workload. There’s a good chance that Sam Dickinson is going to have a strong breakout season with the London Knights in his draft year, and could end up at top 5 pick.

6. Berkly Catton, C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Berkly Catton was selected with the first overall pick by the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL back in 2021, Catton was extremely dynamic as a rookie with 55 points in 63 games. Catton has a tremendous work ethic, constantly battling for positioning and possession of the puck. He has great offensive instincts and vision knowing where to be at all times. He has great straight-line speed to create separation, as well as the hands and skill to play in tight spaces. He’s extremely smart, playing a responsible two-way game and being a factor in all situations. Berkly has shown leadership qualities, as he was the Captain for Canada Red at U17 Hockey Challenge, where he tallied 12 points in 7 games. Berkly Catton could be a top 5 pick in the 2024 Draft because he is the second-best center in the draft behind Macklin Celebrini.

7 Konsta Helenius, RW, Jukurit (Liiga)

Despite being only 5-foot-10, 168 pounds, Helenius displays great compete effort and puck protection skills. He’s able to quickly get the inside edge with his speed and has the ability to constantly battle and engage on the forecheck. He has soft hands to pull off moves swiftly in tight spaces, displaying great control and patience. He’s always finding the open lanes and driving hard to the middle of the ice. He always wants to take control of a shift and be a difference-maker. He has always been a standout player at international events, especially at the U17 Hockey Challenge with 11 points in seven games or when he put up 6 points in 5 games at the U18 WJC. Last season, Helenius played 19 games for Tappara U20 in the Finnish U20 league, where he put up 28 points, before getting loaned to Jukurit in Liiga for the remainder of the season. With Jukurit, Helenius tallied 11 points in 33 games. This definitely is a player to watch this year ahead of the 2024 Draft.

8. Henry Mews, RD, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Henry Mews always seems noticeable in regard to his offensive game, no matter where he is on the ice. He has a terrific compete level and is capable of playing great shutdown defense. Standing at 6-foot-0, 185 pounds, Mews has great hockey sense, knowing when to jump in and join a rush or carry the play with his smooth skating stride and agility. He’s a strong breakout passer and also has a heavy shot from the point. Defensively, he’s always pressuring opponents, cutting off routes, and getting into lanes to break up plays. The fact that he can prioritize both aspects and not get caught positionally is extremely impressive. He had 12 goals and 31 points last season, expect those numbers to increase. Henry Mews has the potential to be an elite top 4 defenseman.

9. Aron Kiviharju, LD, HIFK (Liiga)

Once thought of as a potential first-overall pick in this class, however, Kiviharju hasn’t quite stood out, as consistency has been an issue at times, but overall, he continues to prove that he can play at the top level. Early on he displays the poise, maturity, and confidence that makes him a household name. He’s a dynamic playmaker and driver who can process the game quickly and can adapt to any situation. He was extremely dominant at the U20 level with 50 points in 57 games and with a pro season under his belt, he should take big strides in his draft year. Kiviharju can still turn it around this season, and work his way back into the top 5.

10. Tanner Howe, LW/C, Regina Pats (WHL)

Tanner Howe played on a line with Connor Bedard last season and was extremely productive point-wise as he had 85 points last season along with a strong P1/GP of 0.94. Standing at 5-foot-10, 181 pounds, he shows tremendous energy and work ethic on the forecheck and in puck battles. He has great hands in traffic and can execute a high degree of difficult passes with his playmaking as he’s very crafty. He isn’t afraid to shoot the puck as he has great accuracy and knows how to maintain space to be available for a scoring chance. Howe has an opportunity to continue to produce without the phenom by his side.