The top steals from the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft
There was plenty of shock and surprise in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, and some teams made out like bandits.
Though 32 players found new NHL homes, several slid and became value picks to the organizations that nabbed them. In other words, they quickly became first-round steals.
Here’s a look, in no particular order, at the biggest steals in the first round of the 2024 draft.
EJ Emery | D | USA U-18 (NTDP)
No. 30 | New York Rangers
The New York Rangers‘ newest prospect comes in as a biggest steal in the draft on Day 1. EJ Emery was ranked as the No. 24 prospect in FCHockey’s Final ranking for the 2024 draft. The Rangers were able to scoop him up seven picks later. Emery is a premium shut-down defender, with a 6-foot-3 frame that he uses every inch of. He does an excellent job with his stick to keep the attack to the outside, utilizing every bit of his advanced reach.
“He has excellent entry and in-zone defense where he uses his big reach and defensive IQ to make smart plays and cut off any traffic and passing lanes coming his way,” FCHockey scout Samuel Tirpak said.
Konsta Helenius, C, Buffalo Sabres
Shades of Zach Benson, the Buffalo Sabres yet again drafted a player that was highly thought of but fell too far on draft day. Like Benson, Konsta Helenius could challenge for a roster spot right out of camp next fall, and will be given every opportunity to earn it. Helenius was FCHockey’s fifth-ranked prospect, sliding nine spots down from that spot. What makes him such a great prospect is his incredible intelligence and mature game. He plays a pro-style game already, having success against men in Finland already. But, unlike most labeled as a pro-style prospect, he does not lack dynamism.
“I think his game without the puck has improved over the course of the season and he also does small but important things like screens, box outs, masks and loops for passes correctly and at the right times,” FCHockey scout Arttu Myllymaki said. “He is arguably one of the most talented players in the 2024 draft.”
Cole Eiserman, LW, New York Islanders
Arguably the top steal in the first round, Cole Eiserman was expected to slip a bit after ranking No. 11 on FCHockey’s final board — falling nine spots to the New York Islanders. Eiserman could be a generational scorer. Granted, his game as a whole isn’t polished and needs to be put in the right spots and given opportunities more than most in this class. But if a team can put the work in to make it work out, and his game can round out even just a bit more, he could be an absolute rock star.
“The name of the game is scoring goals, and few in the 2024 draft class can rival Eiserman’s effectiveness in that department,” FCHockey scout Aaron Vickers said. “He’s seen his stock slip in this class somewhat, but he’s still worthy of a top-10 pick.
Other notable selections
Some other top picks shocked near the top end of the draft. Ivan Demidov was an excellent pick for the Montreal Canadiens. He has been considered the No. 2 prospect behind Macklin Celebrini for almost the entirety of the season. Berkly Catton was the No. 4 prospect on FCHockey’s final board, and he was snagged by the Seattle Kraken at eighth overall. He had historic production this past season, making him an intriguing player to watch for moving forward. Sam Dickinson, who was ranked No. 6 , fell down to 11th overall to the San Jose Sharks.
The Minnesota Wild made an A+ selection when they leap-frogged the Flyers, moving up one spot to get Zeev Buium. Buium is a phenomenal talent who produced exceptionally as a freshman with Denver this past season in the NCAA. But he isn’t all offense. His transitional game was a stand-out trait. Plus, his defensive game improved steadily throughout the season.