2024 NHL Draft Mock: FCHockey’s scouts mocks up the first round in Vegas
We’re here. The 2024 NHL Draft has arrived.
And, with hours left before Macklin Celebrini is announced as the No. 1 pick, the scouts at FCHockey have gotten together to put together a full first-round mock up of the 2024 draft, as they see it unfolding:
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1. San Jose Sharks – Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (NCAA)
FCHockey rank: 1
Pick selection: Arttu Myllymaki
Macklin Celebrini is the most complete and talented player in this draft class and a player around whom it is good to build a compete franchise. Having Celebrini and Will Smith as your top-two centers will create something great in the future for the San Jose Sharks.
What we like… He’s a dynamic and skilled dual-threat center who can change a game with just one touch of the puck. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
2. Chicago Blackhawks – Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State (NCAA)
FCHockey rank: 10
Pick selection: Joseph Aleong
The Chicago Blackhawks have a plethora of young defenders but none with the size, offensive instincts, and athleticism that Artyom Levshunov has. Taking a skilled wingman for Bedard such as Demidov is tempting, but Levshunov brings top-pair RHD potential to a team that lacks similar prospects.
What we like… He’s a two-way defenseman who leans on the offensive side of the game with his willingness to join the attack on a consistent basis. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
3. Anaheim Ducks – Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)
FCHockey rank: 2
Pick selection: Kohen Willis Dengler
After Levshunov goes off the board, the Anaheim Ducks take Ivan Demidov. They have a need for a right-shot defensemen, but don’t want to reach and take the best forward available in Demidov. They are already deep in the centre spot, so adding a winger to potentially pair up with Leo Carlsson or maybe even Mason McTavish makes sense.
What we like… He’s a raw, highly-skilled, talented forward who has all the necessary skills and tools to be a difference-making NHL producer. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
4. Columbus Blue Jackets – Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
FCHockey rank: 8
Pick selection: Samuel Tirpak
The Columbus Blue Jackets are looking for more talent offensively and Cayden Lindstrom is a perfect pick. Not only is he a smart scorer, he also makes everybody else in that group fit into correct spots and they won’t have to worry about who plays center in a Adam Fantilli -Lindstrom-Boone Jenner trio.
What we like… He’s a well-rounded power center who blends his size, skill, and smarts to play a very projectable, pro-style game. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
5. Montreal Canadiens – Berkly Catton, C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
FCHockey rank: 4
Pick selection: Joey Fortin Boulay
As much as they would prefer a bigger center to pair up with Nick Suzuki, the Montreal Canadiens simply can’t pass up on Berkly Catton here. This offensive unit and power play squad will benefit greatly from his speed, his vision and his offensive abilities.
What we like… He’s an offensively-gifted center who displays a high hockey IQ, a heck of a lot of poise, and quick feet. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
6. Utah Hockey Club – Anton Silayev, D, Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
FCHockey rank: 3
Pick selection: David Phillips
Anton Silayev is the 2024 draft’s biggest unicorn, literally, with a blend of impressive size and skating ability that projects him to be an impact, shutdown defender at the NHL level with some untapped offensive potential. He’d be a heck of a fit on the blue line for the Utah Hockey Club.
What we like… He’s an incredibly fluid two-way defender that has a lot of good in his game that would translate to the next level. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
7. Ottawa Senators – Konsta Helenius, C, Jukurit (LIIGA)
FCHockey rank: 5
Pick selection: Kyle Pereira
Konsta Helenius is a highly intelligent player plays a very well rounded game. Very mature style, while possessing the traits to play in a top-six role in the future. He could fit in well with the current young core with the Ottawa Senators.
What we like… He’s an outstanding forward who plays a complete 200-foot game with offensive awareness and an ability to pick apart defensive-zone coverages. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
8. Seattle Kraken – Sam Dickinson, D, London Knights (OHL)
FCHockey rank: 6
Pick selection: Mike Kennedy
The Seattle Kraken are currently stocked with good prospects at the forward position. While it is tough to leave a few other high-end defensemen on the board, Sam Dickinson is the complete package at the blue line position and will bolster Seattle’s lineup sooner rather than later. A low risk, high reward selection.
What we like… He’s a two-way defenseman, as steady as they come, who is a workhorse that can log major ice time in all situations. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
9. Calgary Flames – Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Mora IK (Allsvenskan)
FCHockey rank: 12
Pick selection: Aaron Vickers
It won’t be a popular move for the Calgary Flames, but the addition of winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard — one of the draft’s most NHL-ready forwards — brings an elite level shot, elite level motor, and a feistiness to his game that makes him one of the best power-forward combinations in the class that’ll elicit memories of a certain past proven franchise performer.
What we like… He’s a power forward with excellent goal-scoring ability and the physical readiness to compete in professional games against men. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
10. New Jersey Devils – Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
FCHockey rank: 13
Pick selection: Brandon Holmes
The New Jersey Devils have expressed a desire for more ‘hard skill’ in their forward lineup, and they nab one of the top options available for just that in Tij Iginla. Iginla is a high-skill winger who can play in tight areas, bury pucks, and has a high motor that allows him to play bigger than his frame. His injection of skill, scoring touch, and tight area ability would make him a natural fit alongside one of New Jersey’s elite centers.
What we like… He’s an offensive forward who blends a touch of finesse with an incredible shot, and he shows no hesitation to use it at will. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
11. San Jose Sharks – Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
FCHockey rank: 16
Pick selection: Arttu Myllymaki
San Jose might want to go for defense with this pick since they’ve already got a couple of good-to-great forward prospects in the system, but you can’t miss selecting Beckett Sennecke if he’s still available. With his ridiculous hands, deception and dynamic offensive game he would be a steal this late.
What we like… He’s a a talented offensive winger and multi-faceted offensive threat with above-average shooting, puck control, and playmaking ability. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
12. Philadelphia Flyers – Zeev Buium, D, Denver (NCAA)
FCHockey rank: 9
Pick selection: Nathaniel Duffett
The Philadelphia Flyers will run to the podium to take Zeev Buium if he is available at pick 12. Buium will be the elite offensive defenseman the Flyers thought they were getting when they acquired Ryan Ellis. Philadelphia fans will also love his ability to throw an occasional thunderous hit.
What we like… He’s an offensive-minded defender that thrives with the puck on his stick and is a dominant transitional player. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
13. Minnesota Wild – Zayne Parekh, RHD, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
FCHockey rank: 7
Pick selection: Chad Carlson
Zayne Parekh, simply put, is this year’s top offensive defenseman, and the Minnesota Wild can take a swing on skill to help bolster their prospect pool with perhaps the most dynamic player available.
What we like… He’s an ultra-aggressive defender, constantly pushing the pace on offense and showing unusual confidence and vision with the puck. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
14. Buffalo Sabres – Cole Eiserman, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
FCHockey rank: 11
Pick selection: Jake Janso
The Buffalo Sabres have a lot of young talent that’s just starting to gel but could use more firepower on the wings. They don’t have ice available on defense with Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin, and Bowen Bryam already established. Cole Eiserman would bring elite goal scoring ability to an already dangerous Sabres young-core.
What we like… He isn’t just one-trick pony, and can score in many ways — off the rush, rebounds, one-timers, snap shots, in the slot, you name it. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
15. Detroit Red Wings – Stian Solberg, LHD, Valerenga (Norway)
FCHockey rank: 16
Pick selection: Kyle Pereira
Stian Solberg is a punishing, hard hitting defender who plays with a high level of intelligence. He doesn’t just throw his weight around with disregard of his responsibilities; he times everything up incredibly well. He has even more potential as a puck mover that hasn’t been fully realized yet, but could be unlocked moving forward with the Detroit Red Wings.
What we like… He excels with physical two-way play, strong defensive positioning, effective gap control, smooth skating, and the ability to contribute offensively. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
16. St. Louis Blues – Carter Yakemchuk, RHD, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
FCHockey rank: 18
Pick selection: Donesh Mazloum
With their offensive cupboards relatively full, the St. Louis Blues would jump at the chance to add one of the premier defensemen in the draft in the hopes that Carter Yakemchuk can blossom into the top pairing offensive catalyst that he has the potential to be.
What we like… He excels in offensive playmaking, strong puck control, and physicality, with an ability to effectively use his body to impact games. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
17. Washington Capitals – Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
FCHockey rank: 23
Pick selection: Aaron Vickers
The Washington Capitals are able to add a creative, skilled forward who also blends in size and some leadership ability with the selection of Liam Greentree, who could become a force if he’s able to add in a little more pace to his game.
What we like… His elite shot, powerful physical play, excellent puckhandling, strategic playmaking, and ability to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities effectively. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
18. Chicago Blackhawks – Michael Hage, C, Chicago (USHL)
FCHockey rank: 29
Pick selection: Joseph Aleong
Chicago takes a skilled, athletic centre in Michael Hage, who would provide a nice complement to the speed and smarts in prospects they’ve assembled in recent years. Hage’s confidence and production took off in the second half of the season, but the Blackhawks could afford to be patient with him developing at Michigan, with an eye on eventually slotting in as a top-six center thanks to his skating and puck skills.
What we like… He excels with strong skating, excellent vision, powerful shot, high-level puck skills, effective positioning, smart playmaking, and solid defensive abilities. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
19. Vegas Golden Knights – Trevor Connelly, LW, Tri Ciy Storm (USHL)
FCHockey rank: 15
Pick selection: Joey Fortin Boulay
The Vegas Golden Knights own a shallow prospect pool, so their focus is on loading up with talent and take the ‘best player available’ in Trevor Connelly, a extremely skilled but polarizing prospect. With their solid NHL roster, they can afford to be patient and let him develop a few years, unless they trade him like each of their previous first-round picks .
What we like… He’s an a high-risk dual-threat winger who looks equally comfortable in both a playmaking and play-finishing capacity. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
20. New York Islanders – Igor Chernyshov, LW, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)
FCHockey rank: 14
Pick selection: Jake Janso
The New York Islanders have needed an offensive threat to slot alongside Mat Barzal for some time now and Igor Chernyshov can fit that role well. He plays a powerful, physical game that would mesh well with the Islanders style.
What we like… He’s a modern-day power forward who excels in a transitional game on every level and is an excellent two-way forward as well. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
21. Montreal Canadiens – Sacha Boisvert, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
FCHockey rank: 26
Pick selection: Joey Fortin Boulay
Montreal should be pleased with the addition of another center to their prospect pool in Sacha Boisvertt. He fills their need for size up front and acts as a good complement to the undersized, previously-selected Catton.
What we like… He’s a talented goal-scorer with a powerful, accurate shot, strong stickhandling, excellent hockey sense, solid passing, and impressive poise and situational awareness under pressure. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
22. Nashville Predators – Lucas Pettersson, C, MoDo (J20 Nationell)
FCHockey rank: 22
Pick selection: Nathaniel Duffett
Lucas Pettersson averaged over a point-per-game in Sweden at the club and international levels, and will be the next in line behind fellow Swede Filip Forsberg. The Nashville Predators address a need for offense with this big swing at high upside.
What we like… He impresses with exceptional vision, strong puck skills, tactical forechecking, and the ability to create scoring opportunities, underscored by solid defensive play. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
23. Toronto Maple Leafs – EJ Emery, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
FCHockey rank: 24
Pick selection: Samuel Tirpak
The Toronto Maple Leafs and EJ Emery are a perfect fit. He is an athletic defensive defenseman that plays with incredible poise and high IQ. He reads plays two or three steps ahead of anyone else. Emery reads the lanes perfectly and is capitalizing on it in a highly efficient way. Toronto hasn’t had anyone quite like him in a system in a long time.
What we like… He excels in defensive zone control, precise passing, and strong decision-making, with effective puck interception and physical play that disrupts opponents. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
24. Colorado Avalanche – Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
FCHockey rank: 77
Pick selection: Blake McGuire
There are undoubtedly some question marks surrounding Terik Parascak and certain elements of his game, but the fact remains he’s one of the draft’s smartest players, and the Colorado Avalanche are willing to take an educated guess that they can fix his slow boots and turn him into a dynamic offensive threat at the NHL level.
What we like… He excels in finding high-danger areas, has a strong and accurate shot, good spatial awareness, and effective puckhandling skills. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
25. Boston Bruins – Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie Colts (OHL)
FCHockey rank: 58
Pick selection: Kohen Willis Dengler
Cole Beaudoin would be the perfect fit for the Boston Bruins‘ play-style. He may not be the fastest player or offensively gifted, but his high compete level and physical play matches that Bruin mentality perfectly.
What we like… He excels in two-way play with strong board work, physicality, good speed, effective puck protection, aggressive forechecking, and solid defensive awareness. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
26. Los Angeles Kings – Adam Jiricek, D, HC Plzen (Czechia)
FCHockey rank: 20
Pick selection: Mike Kennedy
The Los Angeles Kings are a team currently on the rise with a strong group of young forwards. Adam Jiricek is a coveted right-shot defenseman that improves their crop of prospects at the defense position. Both Brandt Clarke and Jiricek in their system leaves the future looking bright for the Kings and the evolution of their D-core.
What we like… He showcases with strong passing, strategic defensive positioning, and effective puck-moving capabilities, reliable playmaking, and a solid physical presence. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
27. Carolina Hurricanes – Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)
FCHockey rank: 32
Pick selection: Arttu Myllymaki
Jett Luchanko just looks like a Carolina Hurricanes player. His speed and forechecking game makes him a perfect match. His offensive potential makes him an intriguing selection at this point of the draft and he will be an important piece of Carolina’s roster for a long time.
What we like… He has exceptional skating speed, high hockey IQ, smart playmaking, effective passing, strong defensive awareness, quick recovery, and relentless work ethic. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
28. Calgary Flames – Nikita Artamanov, RW, Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
FCHockey rank: 19
Pick selection: Aaron Vickers
While a defenseman is probably preferable, the fact Nikita Artamanov — one of the most prolific scoring NHL Draft eligibles in KHL history — is tough not to pass on for a rebuilding team needing to add a bit of offensive punch to a shallow prospect pool at forward.
What we like… He excels with relentless forechecking and quick decision-making, coupled with a high-energy playstyle that enhances his contributions. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
29. Dallas Stars – Emil Hemming, C, TPS (LIIGA)
FCHockey rank: 21
Pick selection: Donesh Mazloum
The Finnish contingent of the Dallas Stars adds another member in Emil Hemming, who can be left to develop his overall game before becoming and ideal complementary piece the the young and high end offensive talent already on the Star roster.
What we like… He has speed, power-forward capabilities, aggressive forechecking, quick puck transitions, and strong shot, making him effective in both offensive and defensive roles. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
30. New York Rangers – Andrew Basha, LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
FCHockey rank: 37
Pick selection: Jake Janso
The New York Rangers are in need of scoring depth in a couple of areas and Andrew Basha brings that plus the potential for incredible utility.
What we like… His exceptional speed, strong edgework, quick decision-making, effective puck distribution, small-area playmaking, vision, and the ability to generate high-danger scoring opportunities. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
31. Anaheim Ducks – Ryder Ritchie, RW, Medicine Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
FCHockey rank: 31
Pick selection: Kohen Willis Dengler
The Ducks fill another right-wing spot after taking Demidov earlier in the draft. Ryder Ritchie is an excellent two way forward who may be underrated after a great season. Ritchie’s knowledge and compete levels with his tendencies to shoot the puck make him an excellent pick for the Ducks on top of his playmaking ability.
What we like… He has high energy, excellent puckhandling, strong forechecking, quick skating, lethal shot, playmaking skills, and the ability to find and create space. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
32. Philadelphia Flyers – Dean Letourneau, C, St. Andrew’s College (CAHS)
FCHockey rank: 135
Pick selection: Nathaniel Duffett
There are some concerns with taking an unproven prep player in the first round, but Dean Letourneau will be a force and a perfect Flyers forward if he grows into his massive frame. Don’t let the size fool you, he can be an elite offensive player and will develop at Boston College next year.
What we like… He has impressive size, a fluid stride, sound puckhandling, above-average vision, solid reads, strong reach, net-front presence, and effective puck protection. — FCHockey’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide