The 2024 NHL Draft has its first off-the-board pick.
The Anaheim Ducks selected winger Beckett Sennecke from the OHL's Oshawa Generals as the third overall pick on Friday evening.
In 63 games with Oshawa last season, Sennecke scored 27 goals and 68 points.
Though the 18-year-old was projected to go fifth overall in the latest draft rankings by Sportsnet's Jason Bukala, Sennecke appeared in disbelief after his name was called.
"It's obviously super emotional, I don't think I expected that," Sennecke told Sportsnet's Jeff Marek following his selection. "I think my agent knew more than me, but he didn't tell me. Obviously, I'm super happy to be a part of this organization.
"I was super shocked, obviously my face kind of said that all. That was definitely an unexpected moment."
He joins a young Anaheim core that boasts Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier.
When asked what he believes propelled him up in the draft ranks, Sennecke said that it was his performance in the OHL playoffs last season. In 16 games, the winger scored 10 goals and 22 points and had a plus-nine rating.
The Toronto native stands at six-foot-three and 182 pounds.
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