2024 NHL DRAFT RECAP + ANALYSIS

The 2024 NHL Draft has come and gone, so it is time to recap the draft and evaluate how the individual teams did in the 2024 NHL Draft, as well as how it impacts their prospect pool and their future plans.

ANA Ducks-B

Beckett Sennecke (RW), 6′3/182, Oshawa (OHL)
Stian Solberg (D), 6′2/205, Valerenga (Norway)
Lucas Pettersson (C), 6′0/173, Modo Jr. (Sweden JR)
Maxim Massé (RW), 6′3″/190, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Ethan Procyszyn (C), 6′3, 190, North Bay (OHL)
Tarin Smith (D), 6′2/187, Everett (WHL)
Alexandre Blais, 5′10/152, Rimouski (QMJHL)
Austin Burnevik (RW), 6′4, 195, Madison (USHL)
Darels Uljanskis (D), 6′2/194, AIK Jr. (Sweden-jr)

The Anaheim Ducks did a solid job in the NHL Draft of adding to their already stacked prospect pool, although they did reach on Beckett Sennecke with the 3rd overall pick, when better players were available. Only time will tell if that was a mistake, but they did well in the later rounds add prospects such as Darels Uljanskis, Austin Brunevick, and Alexandre Blais in the later rounds. Expect at least a few seasons before any of the players drafted in this draft crack the roster.

BOS Bruins-C+

Dean Letourneau, (C), 6′7/214, St. Andrews College (PHC)
Elliott Groenewold (D), 6′2/200, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
Jonathan Morello (C), 6′2/178, St. Michael’s (OJHL)
Loke Johansson (D), 6′3/214, AIK Jr. (Sweden-Jr)

The Boston Bruins drafted well considering they only had 4 picks in the entire draft, but they were able to scoop up two standout prospects in Dean Letourneau, a 6 foot 7 center, and Elliot Groenewold, a 6 foot 2 defenseman, who is from the New England area. Although these prospects could take a few years to develop, Dean Letourneau could turn out to be a steal at the end of the first round.

BUF Sabres-B-

Konsta Helenius (C), 5′11/189, Jukurit (Liiga)
Adam Kleber (D), 6′6/215, Lincoln (USHL)
Brodie Ziemer (RW), 5′11/196, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL
Luke Osburn (D) 6′1/172, Youngstown (USHL)
Simon-Pier Brunet (D), 6′2/196, Drummondville (QMJHL)
Patrick Geary (D), 6′1/185, Michigan State U. (BIG10)
Vasily Zelenov (RW), 6′0/180, RB Hockey Juniors (AUSTRIA-2)
Ryerson Leenders (G), 6′1/165, Mississauga (OHL)

The Buffalo Sabres had a solid draft, adding to an already-loaded prospect pool, which is widely considered to be one of the best in the entire league. The Standout prospect selected was Konta Helenius, who will be a stud in Buffalo, but prospects such as Adam Kleber and Brodie Ziemer are also good picks as well. All the players selected may take a while to be NHL-ready.

CGY Flames-B+

Zayne Parekh (D), 6′1/178, Saginaw (OHL)
Matvei Gridin (RW), 6′2/189, Muskegon (USHL)
Andrew Basha (LW), 6′0/187, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Jacob Battaglia (RW), 6′1/202, Kingston (OHL)
Henry Mews (D), 6′1/189, Ottawa (OHL)
Kirill Zarubin (G), 6′3/178, AKM Tula Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Trevor Hoskin (RW), 6′1/175, Cobourg (OJHL)Ch
Luke Misa (C), 5′10/174, Mississauga (OHL)
Hunter Laing (C), 6′6/205, Prince George (WHL)
Eric Jamieson (D), 6′3/199, Everett (WHL)

The Calgary Flames did exactly what they needed at the 2024 NHL Draft, which was add more overall talent to a depleted farm system, since many of their young players will be called up to play on the NHL roster next year. Zayne Parekh is obviously the standout player among the crop of new prospects, but players like Andrew Basha, Henry Mews, Luke Misa, and Hunter Liang, could be solid players for them. Though these prospects could take a few years to be NHL ready, Calgary is in no rush.

CAR Hurricanes-B+

Dominik Badinka (D), 6′3/185, Malmo (SHL)
Nikita Artamonov (LW), 5′11/187, Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Noel Fransén (D), 6′0/183, Farjestad Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Alexander Siryatsky (D), 6′2/159, Magnitogorsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Oskar Vuollet (LW), 5′11/173, Skelleftea Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Justin Poirier (RW), 5′8/185, Baie Comeau (QMJHL)
Timur Kol (D), 6′4/204, Omsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Roman Shokhrin (D), 6′5/205, LOKO-76 Yaroslavl (RUSSIA-JR.)
Fyodor Avramov (LW), 6′3/190, Stupino Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Andrey Krutov (LW), 5′11/174, Nizhny Novgorod Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)

The Carolina Hurricanes are one of those teams that just know how to draft well, and they added more top-end talent to their pipeline including Dominik Badinka and Nikita Artamonov, both had 1st round potential, as well as undersized dynamos like Justin Poirier, Oskar Vuollet, and defensemen Timur Kol. Since Carolina doesn’t rush their prospects, don’t expect these players to appear in the NHL for 3 years.

CHI Blackhawks-A-

Artyom Levshunov (D), 6′2/205, Michigan State U. (BIG10)
Sacha Boisvert (C), 6′2/183, Muskegon (USHL)
Marek Vanacker (LW), 6′1/178, Brantford (OHL)
John Mustard (C), 6′1/186, Waterloo (USHL)
AJ Spellacy (RW), 6′3/200, Windsor (OHL)
Jack Pridham (RW), 6′1/177, West Kelowna (BCHL)
Joel Svensson (C), 6′2/185, Vaxjo Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Ty Henry (D), 6′2/197, Erie (OHL)

The Chicago Blackhawks needed to surround Connor Bedard with as much talent as possible, and they did that at the 2024 NHL Draft. Chicago had three first round picks and selected two studs in Arytom Levshunov, a big right handed defenseman and Sasha Boisvert, a good two-way center. Chicago also added Solid prospects such as Marek Vanacker, AJ Spelacy, and Joel Svensson. Though these prospects could take a few years to be NHL-ready, with the exception of Levshunov, who could be on the team as soon as in 2025-26.

COL Avalanche-C+

Ilya Nabokov (G), 6′0/179, Magnitogorsk (KHL)
William Zellers (LW), 5′11/167, Shattuck-St. Mary’s (MN-HS)
Jake Fisher (C), 6′2/190, Fargo (USHL)
Louka Cloutier, (G), 6′2/168, Chicago (USHL)
Ivan Yunin (G), 6′1/172, Omsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Maxmilian Curran (C), 6′3/185, Tri-City (WHL)
Tory Pitner (D), 6′1/180, Youngstown (USHL)
Christian Humphreys (C), 5′11/164, NTDP – USHL/USA U-18
Nikita Prishchepov (C), 6′1/194, Victoriaville (QMJHL)

For a team that didn’t start the draft with many draft picks, the Colorado Avalanche managed to pick up quite a good amount of solid prospects in the draft, and it is evident that the focused on Center and Goaltending. Colorado drafted 3 goaltenders, Ilya Nabokov, Louka Cloutier, and Ivan Yunin; 4 of the picks were listed as centers. Colorado did a good job of adding depth at positions of need, even though these prospects aren’t going to be NHL-ready until a few years down the road.

CLB Blue Jackets-B+

Cayden Lindstrom (C), 6′3/213, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Charlie Elick (D), 6′4/202, Brandon (WHL)
Evan Gardner (G), 6′0/175, Saskatoon (WHL)
Luca Marrelli (D), 6′2/185, Oshawa (OHL)
Tanner Henricks (D), 6′4/206, Lincoln (USHL)
Luke Ashton (D), 6′7/231, Langley (BCHL)

Columbus Blue Jackets walked away from the 2024 draft with some high-quality prospects such as Cayden Lindstrom and Charlie Elick, both-round talents, Goaltender Evan Gardner, as well as Luca Marelli and Tanner Hendricks and Luke Ashton, three big defensemen. Columbus has been building a high-quality prospect pool for the past couple years, and it won’t be long before they become contenders.

DAL Stars-C

Emil Hemming (RW), 6’2/205, TPS (Liiga)
Niilopekka Muhonen (D), 6’5/195, Kalpa-Jr (Finland-Jr)
William Samuelsson (C), 6’0/176, Sodertalje Jr. (Sweden-Jr)

The Dallas only had three draft picks in the 2024 NHL Draft but made the most of it selecting Emil Hemming and Nilopekka Muhonen, two standout Finnish Prospects. Given the track record of Dallas’ developmental system, it won’t be long before these two players are on the NHL roster.

DET Red Wings-B-

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (RW), 6′1/207, Mora (SWEDEN-2)
Max Plante (LW), 5′11/177, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL
Ondrej Becher (C), 6′2/187, Prince George (WHL)
Landon Miller (G), 6′5/193, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
John Whipple (D), 6′1/192, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL
Charlie Forslund (LW), 6′3/212, Falu IF (SWEDEN-3)
Austin Baker (LW), 6′0/190, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL
Fisher Scott (D), 6′2/179, Dubuque (USHL)

Detroit Red Wings quietly had a good draft, adding onto their already deep prospect pool; among the standout prospects drafted in the 2024 Draft were Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Ondrej Becher, Max Plante, John Whipple and Landon Miller. Although the Red Wings didn’t draft any star talents in this draft, they did get solid prospects, who look to be an integral part of the team in a few years.

EDM Oilers-C

Sam O’Reilly (RW), 6′2/184, London (OHL)
Eemil Vinni (G), 6′3/187, Jokipojat (FINLAND-2)
Connor Clattenburg (LW), 6′2/198, Flint (OHL)
Albin Sundin (D), 6′2/198, Frolunda Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Dalyn Wakely (C), 6′0/198, North Bay (OHL)
William Nicholl (C), 6′0/184, London (OHL)
Bauer Berry (D), 6′4/198, Muskegon (USHL)

Edmonton Oilers did solid job at the NHL Draft this year, although they didn’t exactly wow anyone with any of their selections either. The two standout prospects drafted were Forward, Sam O’Reilly and Goalie, Eemil Vinni. For a team like the Oilers who aren’t starting out with many draft picks in the first place, they did a solid job of making the most of it. Whether any of the players actually make the roster is in doubt but like Many Oilers prospects,
they will be at least 3 seasons away.

FLA Panthers

Linus Eriksson (C), 6′0/189, Djurgarden (SWEDEN-2)
Matvei Shuravin (D), 6′4/218, CSKA JR. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Simon Zether (C), 6′3/176, Rogle (SHL)
Stepan Gorbunov (C), 6′5/196, Chelyabinsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Hunter St. Martin (LW), 6′1/174, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Denis Gabdrakhmanov (G), 6′3/187, Tyumen Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)

Florida Panthers were another team that didn’t have many picks in the 2024 Draft, but they made the most of it, adding prospects such as Linus Eriksson, Matvei Shuravis, and Simon Zether, who all have a chance to be solid players in the league. Being that Florida isn’t in need of any young players at the current moment, there is a chance the none of these players will ever play for the team, rather they could be used in trade
packages to acquire NHL-ready players.

LA Kings-C

Liam Greentree (RW), 6’3/215, Windsor (OHL)
Carter George (G), 6’1/194, Owen Sound (OHL)
Jared Woolley (D), 6’5/207, London (OHL)
James Reeder (RW), 5’10/168, Dubuque (USHL)

Los Angeles Kings only had 4 picks in the 2024 Draft but were able draft three high-quality prospects in Liam Greentree, Carter George, and Jared Wooley. Los Angeles was hailed for having one of the best prospect pools a few seasons ago, well many of the top prospects will be on the NHL roster, so adding some good prospects now will help them down the road. It would not be surprising if two or three of these prospects are vital parts
of the team a few seasons from now.

MIN Wild-B

Zeev Buium (D), 6′0/186, Denver (NCHC)
Ryder Ritchie (RW), 6′1/177, Prince Albert (WHL)
Aron Kiviharju (D), 5′10/184, HIFK (Liiga)
Sebastian Soini (D), 6’3/187, Ilves-Jr (Finland-Jr)
Chase Wutzke (G), 6′2/158, Red Deer (WHL)
Stevie Leskovar (D), 6′3/207, Mississauga (OHL)

Minnesota Wild were able to steal two 1st round caliber talents in the 2024 Draft in Ryder Ritchie and Aron Kiviharju along with Zeev Buium, who fell to 12th and Minnesota traded up to select. Zeev Buium alone makes this draft a win for the Minnesota Wild because he could very well be their top-pair defenseman alongside Brock Faber for a long time. Aron Kiviharju was once hailed as a top 15 pick in the draft, but he had a major injury, which hurt his draft stock, if he can get back to his 2021 form, he could be a steal. Since the Minnesota Wild are going through a bit of a transition phase and have a host of young talent in their lineup, it would be surprising if one of two of these prospects are on the team in two years.

MTL Canadiens-A

Ivan Demidov (RW), 6′1/192, SKA Saint Petersburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Michael Hage (C), 6′1/188, Chicago (USHL)
Aatos Koivu (C), 6′1/170, TPS Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Logan Sawyer (C), 6′1/173, Brooks (BCHL)
Owen Protz (D), 6′1/213, Brantford (OHL)
Tyler Thorpe (RW), 6′4/209, Vancouver (WHL)
Mikus Vecvanags (G), 6′3/159, HS Riga (LATVIA)
Ben Merrill (C), 6′4/190, St. Sebastian’s School (HIGH-MA)
Makar Khanin (RW), 6′0/161, Dynamo St. Petersburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Rasmus Bergqvist (D), 6′2/181, Skelleftea Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)

Montreal Canadiens were one of the big winners of the draft this year, walking away with arguably the second best overall prospect in the entire draft in Ivan Demidov, as well as Center Prospects Michael Hage, Aatos Koivu, and Logan Sawyer. Both Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage could be on the NHL roster in two seasons being vital parts of the team, as for the other prospects, it could take longer for them to crack the lineup.

NSH Predators-C+

Egor Surin (C), 6′1/197, Yaroslavl Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Teddy Stiga (C), 5′10/178, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL
Viggo Gustafsson (D), 6′2/194, HV71 Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Miguel Marques (RW), 5′11/187, Lethbridge (WHL)
Hiroki Gojsic (RW), 6′3/198, Kelowna (WHL)
Jakub Milota (G), 6′1/170, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
Viktor Norringer (LW), 6′3/192, Frolunda Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Erik Påhlsson (C), 6′1/185, Dubuque (USHL)

Nashville Predators had another solid draft under the guidance of GM Barry Trotz and they drafted some good top end talent in Egor Surin, Teddy Stiga, and Miguel Marques. The Nashville Predators are known for drafting good goalies, and they have drafted another gem in Jakub Milota, the Czech-born goalie, who fell a little under the radar, but is great nonetheless. True to the Predators’ style, they also drafted a few bit wingers and defensemen, which is something that they have excelled at in the past. Nashville isn’t in a rush for these players to make an impact, so it don’t expect any of theses prospects to make an impact until at least three years down the line.

NJ Devils-B+

Anton Silayev (D), 6′7/211, Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Mikhail Yegorov (G), 6′5/188, Omaha (USHL)
Kasper Pikkarainen (RW), 6′3/197, TPS Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Herman Träff (RW), 6′3/216, HV71 Jr./SWEDEN-JR.
Max Graham (C), 6′3/203, Kelowna (WHL)
Veeti Louhivaara (G), 6′4/207, JYP Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Matyas Melovsky (C), 6′2/190, Baie Comeau (QMJHL)

New Jersey Devils had a very good draft, not only did they manage to get towering 6 foot 7 defenseman Anton Silayev, they landed the top-ranked goaltender, Mikhail Yegorov. Besides those two, the Devils focused on adding size to their prospect pool, all the prospects drafted this year were over the height of 6 foot 2. The majority of the prospects selected by the Devils are NHL-ready at the moment, besides Max Graham their 5th-round pick, who was an overage player, playing for Kelowna of the WHL. As a 6’3″ Center, he could definitely compete for a spot right out of camp.

NY Islanders-B

Cole Eiserman (LW), 6′0/197, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL
Jesse Pulkkinen (D), 6′6/219, JYP (Liiga)
Kamil Bednarik (C), 6′1/187, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL
Dmitry Gamzin (G), 6′2/158, Zvezda Moscow (RUSSIA-2)
Marcus Gidlöf (G), 6′6/212, Leksand Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Xavier Veilleux (D), 6′1/189, Muskegon (USHL)

New York Islanders improved their depleted prospect pool by adding blue chip prospect Cole Eiserman, who was once a consensus top 5, but as the year went on, many had fears about him be a one-dimensional player with slow foot speed, but the one thing helping him is his hard and accurate shot. Besides Eiserman, the Isles also added prospects like 6’6″ defenseman, Jesse Pulkkinen, dynamic center, Kamil Bednarik, and goaltender, Marcus Gidlof. The Islanders aren’t known for developing young players well, but they are going to need to rely on young talent soon, as most their core forwards with the execption of Barzal and Horvat are aging. For this reason, it won’t take long
for a prospect like Cole Eiserman to crack the roster.

NY Rangers-C

EJ Emery (D), 6’4/183, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL
Raoul Boilard (C), 6′1/189, Baie Comeau (QMJHL)
Nathan Aspinall (LW), 6’6/185, Flint (OHL)
Rico Gredig (LW), Davos (NL)

New York Rangers did exactly what they needed to do in the NHL draft and they may have drafted their Jacob Trouba replacement in EJ Emery. The other prospects drafted by the Rangers most likely won’t be a factor for them, but EJ Emery could be a part of the team sooner rather than later due to the team’s salary cap constraints.

OTT Senators-B-

Carter Yakemchuk (D), 6′3/202, Calgary (WHL)
Gabriel Eliasson (D), 6′7, 206, HV71 Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Lucas Ellinas (LW), 6′2/198, Kitchener (OHL)
Javon Moore (LW), 6′5/203, Minnetonka (HIGH-MN)
Blake Montgomery (LW), 6′4/180, Lincoln (USHL)
Eerik Wallenius (D), 6′4/212, HPK Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)

Ottawa Senators addressed positional needs by adding Carter Yakemchuk, a prolific offensive defenseman, and Gabriel Eliasson, a mammoth 6 foot 7 defenseman; this allows the Senators the freedom to trade away Jakub Chychurun and retool their defense a bit. Ottawa also added three big Left-wingers in Lucas Ellinas, Javor Moore, and Blake Montgomery. While the forwards may take longer to make the longer to be NHL-ready, Carter Yakemchuk might make the
team sooner than later.

PHI Flyers-C+

Jett Luchanko (C), 5′11/187, Guelph (OHL)
Jack Berglund (C), 6′4/210, Farjestad Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Spencer Gill (D), 6′4/186, Rimouski (QMJHL)
Heikki Ruohonen (C), 6′2/204, Kiekko-Espoo Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Noah Powell (RW), 6′2/201, Dubuque (USHL)
Ilya Pautov (RW), 5′11/167, CSKA JR. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Austin Moline (D), 6′4/193, Shattuck-St. Mary’s (HIGH-MN)

Philadelphia Flyers did a solid job at the draft, although they didn’t exactly wow anyone with their selections in this draft either. It is evident that the Flyers emphasized two-way play when drafting their prospects, this was highlighted by the Jett Luchanko pick, when their were more talented players available. None of these players are NHL-ready, but wait a few years, and perhaps two or three of these players will be on the
NHL roster.

PIT Penguins-B-

Harrison Brunicke (D), 6′3/196, Kamloops (WHL)
Tanner Howe (LW), 5′10/184, Regina (WHL)
Chase Pietila (D), 6’2/186, Michigan Tech (CCHA)
Joona Väisänen (D), 6’1/175, Dubuque (USHL)
Mac Swanson (C), 5’8/167, Fargo (USHL)
Finn Harding (D), 6’1/198, Mississauga (OHL)

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in win-now mode so they are not very interested in the prospects they are drafting, but the three prospects I would watch out for are Harrison Brunicke, Tanner Howe and Joona Vaisainen. Whether they are playing on the team or included in trade packages to acquire talents to enhance their cup chances, at least they have assets on their hands.

SJ Sharks-A+

Macklin Celebrini (C), 6′0/197, Boston University (H-EAST)
Sam Dickinson (D), 6′3/203, London (OHL)
Igor Chernyshov (LW), 6′3/204, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)
Leo Sahlin Wallenius (D), 6′0/180, Vaxjo Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Carson Wetsch (RW), 6′1/203, Calgary (WHL)
Christian Kirsch (G), 6′3/174, Zug Jr. (SWISS-JR.)
Colton Roberts (D), 6′4/204, Vancouver (WHL)
Nate Misskey (D), 6′4/210, Victoria (WHL)
Yaroslav Korostelyov (G), 6′1/161, SKA Saint Petersburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)

The San Jose Sharks walk away from the 2024 NHL Draft as the winner of the draft, as they not only added Macklin Celebrini, the consensus number 1 pick, they also added Sam Dickinson and Leo Sahlin Wallenius, as well as Forwards Igor Cherynshov and Carson Wetsch, all 1st round caliber talent. San Jose is building a very good team through the draft and could be a great team in two or three years when some of these prospect join the roster.

SEA Kraken-B

Berkly Catton (C), 5′11/175, Spokane (WHL)
Julius Miettinen (C), 6′3/201, Everett (WHL)
Nathan Villeneuve (C), 5′11/193, Sudbury (OHL)
Alexis Bernier (D), 6′2/197, Baie Comeau (QMJHL)
Kim Saarinen (G), 6′5/176, HPK Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Oliver Josephson (C), 6′1/190, Red Deer (WHL)
Clarke Caswell (LW), 5′11/170, Swift Current (WHL)
Jakub Fibigr (D), 6′0/171, Mississauga (OHL)

Seattle Kraken are a team that have been quietly building a great young core with he high draft picks they have had, and they most recently just added Berkly Catton, a dynamic playmaker, who has 1st line potential. Besides Catton, Seattle also added Centers Julius Miettinen and Nathan Villeneuve, and goalie Kim Saarinen, one of the top goalie prospects. These prospects are at least two seasons away, but when they are NHL-ready, Seattle will be scary team.

STL Blues-C+

Adam Jiricek (D), 6′3/167, Plzen (CZECHIA)
Colin Ralph (D), 6′5/226, Shattuck-St. Mary’s (HIGH-MN)
Lukas Fischer (D), 6′3/182, Sarnia (OHL)
Ondrej Kos (LW), 6′3/176, Ilves Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)
Adam Jecho (C), 6′5/201, Edmonton (WHL)
Tomas Mrsic (C), 6′0/170, Medicine Hat (WHL)
William McIsaac (D). 6′3/192, Spokane (WHL)
Antoine Dorion (C), 6′1/190, Quebec (QMJHL)
Matvei Korotky (C), 6′1/198, SKA Saint Petersburg Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)

St. Louis Blues drafted three defenseman with their first three picks, which probably means they intend on making at least one of their defenseman in the offseason. St. Louis also drafted 4 centers, and it makes sense because the Blues really don’t have much center depth in the prospect pool. St. Louis is in for a long rebuild and a tough road ahead, so their prospect pool will only continue to get better.

TB Lightning-D+

Jan Golicic (D), 6′6/188, Gatineau (QMJHL)
Hagen Burrows (RW), 6′3/177, Minnetonka (MN HS)
Joona Saarelainen (C), 5′9/183, Kalpa Jr (FINLAND-JR)
Kaden Pitre (C), 6′0/180, Flint (OHL)
Joe Connor (LW), 5′10/173, Muskegon (USHL)
Noah Steen (LW), 6′1/187, Mora (Sweden-2)
Harrison Meneghin (G), 6′3/164, Lethbridge (WHL)

Tampa Bay Lightning aren’t worried about the prospect they are drafting right now, but rather with NHL caliber prospects, so it is possible none of the prospects drafted ever make the NHL roster besides maybe Jan Golcic, and only because he is 6 foot 6.

TOR Maple Leafs-C-

Ben Danford (D), 6′2/191, Oshawa (OHL)
Victor Johansson (D), 5′11/137, Leksand Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
Miroslav Holinka (C), 6′1/185, Trinec Jr. (CZECHIA-JR.)
Alexander Plesovskikh (LW), 6′2/174, Khanty-Mansiysk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
Timofei Obvintsev (G), 6′4/178, CSKA JR (RUSSIA-JR)
Matt Lahey (D), 6′5/203, Nanaimo (BCHL)
Sam McCue (LW), 6′2/187, Owen Sound (OHL)
Nathan Mayes (D), 6′4/194, Spokane (WHL)

Toronto Maple Leafs reached on a couple of their prospects including their first-round pick Ben Danford, but the 2024 Draft was all over the place in terms of player rankings, so perhaps their scouts felt very highly of the players they drafted. With that said, they did add some solid prospects, but none really jumped off the screen.

Utah Hockey Club-A

Tij Iginla (C), 6′0/191, Kelowna (WHL)
Cole Beaudoin (C), 6′2/210, Barrie (OHL)
Will Skahan (D), 6′5/215, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL
Tomas Lavoie (D), 6′4/220, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
Veeti Väisänen (D), 6′1/188, Kookoo (Liiga)
Gregor Biber (D), 6′3/187, Rogle Jr (SWEDEN-JR)
Gabe Smith (C), 6′4/208, Moncton (QMJHL)
Owen Allard (C), 6′2/199, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Ales Cech (D), 6′3/196, Mladá Boleslav (CZECHIA)
Vojtech Hradec (C), 6′4/202, Mladá Boleslav (CZECHIA)
Ludvig Lafton (D), 6′2/187, Farjestad Jr ( SWEDEN-JR)

Utah Hockey Club was very busy at the Draft this year, as they not only had an outstanding draft, they added two NHL-caliber defensemen in Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino. Tij Iginla and Cole Beaudoin will both be good NHL players for a long time, and Defenseman, such as Will Skahan, Tomas Lavoie, Veeti Vasainen, and Alas Cech could be good defensemen in the league. Utah Hockey Club has put itself in great position by having a lot of draft capital and cap space to not only draft good prospects, but acquire NHL caliber players to improve their roster.

VAN Canucks-D+

Melvin Fernström (RW), 6′1/188, Orebro Jr. (SWEDEN-JR)
Riley Patterson (C), 6′1/193, Barrie (OHL)
Anthony Romani (RW), 6′1/184, North Bay (OHL)
Parker Alcos (D), 6′3/180, Edmonton (WHL)
Basile Sansonnens (D), 6′3/196, Fribourg J (SWISS-JR)

The Vancouver Canucks didn’t have many draft picks this year and the few picks they did have I don’t feel like they used wisely. None of the prospects drafted really pop off the screen and I doubt they will be NHL talent.

VEG Golden Knights-C

Trevor Connelly (LW), 6’1/160, Tri-City (USHL)
Pavel Moysevich (G), 6’4/187, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
Trent Swick (LW), 6’7/214, Kitchener (OHL)
Lucas Van Vliet (C), 6’2/178, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL

Vegas Golden Knights only had 4 draft picks in the 2024 Draft, but drafted a blue chip prospect in Trevor Connelly, a highly skilled but controversial prospect, as well as a highly talented Russian goalie in Pavel Mosyevich. These two prospects by themselves make this draft for Vegas a good one.

WSH Capitals-C

Terik Parascak (RW), 6′0/179, Prince George (WHL)
Cole Hutson (D), 5′11/165, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL
Leon Muggli (D), 6′1/177, Zug (NL)
Ilya Protas (LW), 6′5/198, Des Moines (USHL)
Eriks Mateiko (LW) 6′5/216, Saint John (QMJHL)
Nicholas Kempf (G), 6′2/189, USA U-18/NTDP – USHL
Petr Sikora (C), 5′11/172, Trinec Jr (CZECHIA-JR)
Miroslav Satan (C), 6′7/190, Bratislava Jr (SLOVAKIA-JR)

Washington Capitals did a solid job at the draft at acquiring talent, and they added some players who could be on the roster in 2 to 3 years. Terik Parascak was their first-round pick, and it a good replacement for TJ Oshie when he eventually retires. Cole Hutson is a highly skilled offensive defenseman, but is undersized, which is why he was passed over by teams. Ilya Protas and Eriks Mateiko are both 6 foot 5 power forwards, with top 9 potential and Nicholas Kempf is a goalie with starter potential. With Washington in a semi-retool phase, it would be surprising to see some of these prospects on the roster in a few years.

WPG Jets-C-

Alfons Freij (D), 6’1/197, Vaxjo Jr. (Sweden Jr)
Kevin He (LW), 6’0/181, Niagara (OHL)
Marcus Loponen (C), 6’1/186, Karpat Jr. (Finland Jr)
Kieron Walton (C), 6’6/211, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

Winnipeg Jets didn’t have an outstanding draft by no means but they did draft Alfons Freij, a two-way defenseman, who could be on the roster sooner than later. Besides Freij, Winnipeg also added Marcus Loponen and Kieron Walton, two centers, this improves their center depth.

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