Here are the top prospects available on Day 2 of the 2024 NHL Draft
The opening round of the 2024 NHL Draft has come and gone.
But not all of the top prospects have.
The 2024 draft saw a few surprises, from Beckett Sennecke going No. 3 to the Anaheim Ducks to Carter Yakemchuk landing with the Ottawa Senators at No. 7, to the likes of Dean Letourneau (Boston Bruins), Ben Danford (Toronto Maple Leafs), and Sam O’Reilly (Edmonton Oilers) also landing first-round status.
Surprises for some comes disappoint for others.
But some potential steals on the draft’s second day.
Here’s a look at the top prospects still on the board in advance of Day 2 at the NHL Draft:
Igor Chernyshov | LW | Dynamo Moskva (KHL)
FCHockey Rank: 14
Igor Chernyshov is a big, powerful forward with killer skating skills. He dominates transitions and keeps the puck under control, using slick give-and-go plays to zip through zones. He’s a beast along the boards and in front of the net, where his size helps him hammer shots and be a solid passing option. His passing’s usually spot-on, but he can miss sometimes and get stuck in repetitive offensive patterns. He’s great in physical battles, using his size to disrupt plays and snatch back possession, even holding his own in tough leagues like the KHL. Chernyshov’s not just about offense; he’s got a strong defensive game too, handling the puck well and protecting it like a pro in transitions and on the boards. Despite his style maybe not fitting every league perfectly, his hustle in all zones shows he’s got serious potential as a versatile winger at the next level.
What we like: 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.
Nikita Artamanov | RW | Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)
FCHockey Rank: 19
Nikita Artamonov brings a dynamic, high-energy presence to the ice as an offensive forward. His relentless forechecking and speedy skating make him a constant threat, disrupting plays and creating scoring chances. He’s adept at maneuvering through traffic and setting up plays for himself and teammates, showcasing strong puck handling skills. While he shows promise defensively with quick plays, he sometimes struggles with positioning and decision-making. Offensively, his instincts shine through constant engagement and agile decision-making. Despite some defensive lapses, his aggressive style and knack for timely plays compensate. His skating, though not elite, supports his energetic game and allows him to apply effective pressure. Although scoring isn’t his standout, his ability near the net adds depth to his offensive arsenal. Artamonov’s relentless style, combined with his versatility and playmaking, positions him as a promising winger for teams seeking a hardworking player across all zones.
What we like… He excels with relentless forechecking, quick decision-making, and effective puckhandling, coupled with a high-energy playstyle that enhances his contributions.
Lucas Pettersson | C | MoDo (J20 Nationell)
FCHockey Rank: 22
Lucas Pettersson is a dynamic forward celebrated for his exceptional vision and puckhandling finesse, making him a dual threat in offensive creativity and defensive responsibility. He leads his team’s forecheck with strategic pressure, creating high-danger scoring chances by finding open teammates effectively. His puck handling stands out, using space behind the net to evade defenders and manipulate opponents with subtle blade work, buying time for precise plays. While his defensive play is solid, his positioning occasionally disrupts plays and forces crucial turnovers. Offensively, Pettersson’s sharp instincts shine, executing set plays from faceoffs with ease. Physical development could bolster his ability to retain possession under pressure and compete against tougher opponents. Pettersson’s speed, agility, and hockey IQ make him a versatile forward adept at various roles. His leadership and strategic prowess ensure he thrives in critical situations, evolving into a significant contributor professionally. A smart, adaptable center with strong two-way skills, Pettersson promises valuable versatility for teams.
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.
Matvei Shuravin | D | Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
FCHockey Rank: 25
Matvei Shuravin stands out as a physical shutdown defenseman, anchoring the blue line with anticipatory skills and aggressive gap closing. His large frame and reach effectively steer opponents into corners, stifling attacks and dominating battles along the boards. While his offensive contributions are minimal, limited to stretch passes, he focuses on defensive reliability. Shuravin’s skating could benefit from improved speed and agility to counter faster opponents and enhance overall mobility. Despite these areas for growth, his defensive acumen is elite, highlighted by precise gap control and situational awareness. His mature, poised defense prioritizes puck security and solid positioning over offensive involvement, making him a valuable prospect. While not a two-way threat, his potential as a top-tier defensive defenseman is clear. With technical skills and tactical understanding, Shuravin is poised to excel in penalty kill situations and handle significant defensive responsibilities. His advanced maturity and experience make him a strong candidate for an early pick on Day 2.
What we like… He excels in anticipatory defense, gap control, physicality, puck security, and positioning, making him a reliable shutdown defenseman with advanced maturity.
Linus Eriksson | C | Djurgarden (HockeyAllsvenskan)
FCHockey Rank: 27
Linus Eriksson is a versatile forward known for his hard work and solid play in all zones. He’s got strong puck-protection skills and can keep control through the neutral zone, although his shot isn’t flashy. He’s diligent without the puck, intercepting passes and battling for pucks, although he could improve his awareness a bit. Defensively, he’s reliable with good stick work and can disrupt plays effectively. Eriksson’s speed and hustle let him play any forward spot, making him valuable on the ice. He’s not afraid to mix it up with bigger players and supports his team by digging in corners and getting to the tough spots. He’s smart with his decisions and uses his lower body strength to move fast when needed. While he might not have the slickest moves, his straightforward style helps him intercept passes and start plays smoothly. He’s key on special teams too, playing roles on both the power play and penalty kill. Eriksson’s a solid, dependable player who can contribute in many ways and has potential to grow into a reliable two-way forward.
What we like… He’s a versatile, hardworking forward with strong puck protection, solid defensive skills, good speed, smart positioning, and effective puck handling and decision-making abilities.
Teddy Stiga | LW | USA U18 (NTDP)
FCHockey Rank: 30
Teddy Stiga showed flashes of being dynamic winger known for his non-stop energy and killer skating skills, making him a threat all over the ice. His speed and quick moves make him tough to handle on rushes and in the offensive zone. He’s more of a scorer than a setup guy, but he’s got a good feel for defense, keeping things covered and switching fast from D to offense. Even though he’s not the biggest guy out there, he’s scrappy in the corners and holds his own against bigger players with sheer hustle. He’s always in the mix, but sometimes his high-energy style can leave him a bit out of place in tight spots. Stiga’s got slick hands for getting around defenders and pulling off tricky passes, though he could shoot a bit more. He needs to tighten up his defense and physical game to really shine at higher levels. With his speed, energy, and scoring instincts, he’s a solid prospect ready to step up his game and make an impact.
What we like… He has exceptional skating, high energy, quick acceleration, strong puckhandling, good offensive instincts, effective forechecking, and solid playmaking abilities.
Ryder Ritchie | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
FCHockey Rank: 31
Ryder Ritchie is a skilled winger who uses his speed and shiftiness to his advantage. He’s got a decent-sized frame that helps him shield the puck well and handle it smoothly. On the ice, he’s always in the mix, working hard on the forecheck and not afraid to mix it up at the net. He’s elusive, able to dodge hits and shake off defenders when he’s pinned against the boards. To really shine at higher levels, though, he’ll need to bulk up more, tighten up his defense, and bring his game up consistently. His skating’s smooth, with good balance and speed on his edges, and he’s smart about finding gaps in coverage. Ritchie’s quick with the puck, especially along the boards, and knows how to make plays happen in tight spots. He’s lethal on the power play with a killer shot and lots of offensive tricks up his sleeve. Defensively, he’s solid but could improve his positioning and commitment, especially in physical battles. Despite needing some tweaks, his scoring potential is there, making him a top prospect as a winger who knows how to find space and put the puck away.
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.
Jesse Pulkkinen | D | JYP (Liiga)
FCHockey Rank: 33
Jesse Pulkkinen is a big defenseman who stands out for his confident puckhandling skills and calm demeanor on the ice. He’s great at reading the game and is quick to snag dumped pucks, always scanning for the smartest play. His size makes him tough to get around near the net and in the corners, and he backs that up with slick stick work. Pulkkinen’s not the fastest skater out there, but he makes up for it with solid positioning and knowing where to be. Offensively, he could get more involved, but his bravery with the puck can mess up the other team’s plans. He’s patient, waiting for just the right moment to shoot or pass, and uses his long reach and smooth moves to navigate through traffic and around defenders. Defensively, his reach helps him control gaps aggressively, making him a challenge for opponents trying to break into the zone. He’s not shy about throwing hits along the boards and uses his size to keep control and set up his teammates with good passes. Pulkkinen’s a late-bloomer with rare size, skating skills, and stickhandling abilities, showing big potential as a defenseman who can play both ends of the ice.
What we like… His his large frame, exceptional anticipation, strong stick handling, smooth skating, effective positioning, bold puck handling, and defensive reliability with strategic playmaking.
Maxim Masse | RW | Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
FCHockey Rank: 34
Maxim Masse is a tough, hard-nosed forward with a strong two-way game and dominant presence around the net. He’s all about north-south hockey, putting heavy pressure in both zones to win battles and help out his teammates. His smarts on the ice, quick stick, and solid skating let him disrupt plays and shut down opponents effectively. Masse doesn’t let up on backchecking either, lifting sticks and getting physical to keep possession for his team. On offense, he’s a key guy in front of the net during power plays, blocking goalies’ views and setting up high-danger chances with his passing. His shot’s quick and deadly, with a knack for finding gaps in defense to score. While speed might not be his top trait, Masse’s hustle and competitive spirit make him a real asset. He’s relentless on the forecheck, making life tough for opponents and always digging in the corners for loose pucks. Masse’s all about tipping shots, screening the goalie, and reacting fast when the puck’s up for grabs. He might rely more on clearing the zone than fancy moves in defense, but overall, his gritty play, offensive skills, and work ethic make him a solid prospect with real potential at higher levels.
What we like… He excels with strong physical play, excellent net-front presence, effective backchecking, superb positional awareness, quick shot release, and tenacious forechecking.
Aron Kiviharju | D | HIFK (Liiga)
FCHockey Rank: 35
Aron Kiviharju is a standout defenseman known for his slick offensive skills and playmaking abilities. He’s great at moving the puck, starting breakouts with pinpoint passes that set up his team for success. On the ice, he reads defenses well and knows how to find gaps, especially lethal on power plays. Kiviharju’s vision and patience let him thread passes through tight spots, creating prime scoring chances for his teammates. He’s smooth with the puck, using crafty moves to create openings and keep possession. Whether it’s forehand or backhand, his accurate passing shows he knows the game inside out. On the flip side, his smaller size and less physical play can be tough in defense, sometimes losing out in puck battles and net-front battles. His skating’s decent but not lightning-fast, especially in those crucial first strides and edge work. And while his shot’s solid, it could pack more punch on the power play. Kiviharju’s all about controlling the game with his passing and offensive smarts, but he’s working on beefing up his defense and skating to max out his potential. Still, his playmaking skills make him a hot prospect with loads of promise.
What we like… He flourishes with playmaking, vision, precise passing, and offensive zone control, and his poise and hockey IQ make him a dynamic puck-moving defenseman.