With the World Junior Championship, the CHL Top Prospects Game and the All-American Prospects Game now complete — all of which I attended — it’s time to roll out my first-round rankings for the 2024 NHL Draft.
The process of providing insight into prospects involves both in-person and video scouting.
It’s still been a challenge for NHL scouts to ascertain exactly what to expect from prospects coming from Russia, due to the geopolitical landscape we find ourselves in. I’ve tried to provide some video on players who some of our readers might not be as familiar with.
All of the following reports have been generated by myself. These are my opinions on where prospects rank as of today.
As always, I anticipate a lot of change between now and June.
No. 1: Macklin Celebrini, F, Boston University (NCAA)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 190 pounds
The number one rated prospect by a wide margin. Gained valuable experience at the World Juniors. Led team Canada in scoring.
Celebrini returned to college in January and hit the ground running with eight points in six games (seven goals, one assist).
Not much changes. Relentless compete. Hard to defend. Tracks up and down the ice. Responsible. Reliable. Elite skill. No holes or weaknesses overall.
No. 2: Ivan Demidov, F, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL-MHL)
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 181 pounds
Demidov missed significant time in the fall after suffering a knee injury. He has returned to health and finds himself playing in the MHL – Russia’s top junior league.
Demidov is too skilled for that level. In a 10-game segment from December 23–January 24 he scored 11 goals and 16 assists. Even more impressive was the fact he was plus-22 in the segment.
Elite offensive talent. Plays quick and fast. Outstanding release. Sees the ice. Makes plays. Threat off the rush. Battles to extend plays. Hard to defend.
Here’s an example of what Demidov can provide:
No. 3: Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State (NCAA)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 208 pounds
Levshunov continues to elevate his game as his freshman season rolls along at Michigan State. As of January 29, he was the second-leading scorer on the team with seven goals and 19 assists in 26 games.
He’s deployed in all situations, gets between 19 and 25 minutes of ice time a night and has posted an incredible plus-24 rating.
Skating has gone to another level. Has the read/react/jump to add an extra layer offensively off the rush. Walks the line in the offensive zone and directs play on net with authority.
Everything about his game is on the rise. Coveted ‘right shot’ defenceman.
Here’s an example of Levshunov loading and joining the rush offensively:
No. 4: Sam Dickinson, D, London Knights (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 204 pounds
Two-way defenceman with a transitional element. Excellent skater. Fluid. Effortless.
Good size. Not punishing physically. Bumps opponents off the play and uses his long reach to keep plays to the perimeter.
Sees the ice. Outlets long range accurately. Has the ability to lead the rush on his own or join as as an extra layer offensively.
Minute muncher. Used in all situations at the junior level. Trending top pairing NHL defenceman.
No. 5 Anton Silayev, D, Torpedo (KHL)
Height: 6-foot-7 Weight: 211 pounds
Over a 10-game segment from January 4-26, his ice time ranged from eight to 17 minutes. Although his role on special teams has fallen off, his body of work for the entire season wins out. He’s playing at the highest level in Russia.
Has no issues with the pace of the game. Excellent skater for his stature. Capable with the puck. Doesn’t project to contribute on the power play in the NHL, but should find a role on the PK and in key defensive match-ups.
Has some push back. Long. Rangy. Competes. Huge frame. Takes up space. Disrupts opponents. Reliable. Sound IQ. Will complement a more offensive partner.
Here’s an example of Silayev’s (highlighted) outstanding agility and defensive awareness:
No. 6: Berkly Catton, F, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 170 pounds
More than just offence. Has shown commitment defensively. Has the hockey sense to be used in all situations. Elite element is his offensive upside. Creative. Equal parts shooter and distributor.
Works off the cycle. Escapes checks along the wall.
Always thinking one play ahead with a give and go in neutral zone or finding open space in high danger scoring areas.
Top line scoring NHL forward is possible.
No. 7: Zayne Parekh, D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 181 pounds
No. 8: Konsta Helenius, F, Jukurit (Liiga)
Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 180 pounds
Helenius was part of Team Finland’s roster for the WJC in Sweden where he produced one goal and one assist and didn’t look out of place.
At the pro level in Finland his primary ice time comes at even strength and PP.
Helenius plays the game fast. He leads the PP breakout and zone entries. He’s a threat off the rush and hard to defend and gap up on when at full speed.
Compact frame but plenty strong. Has leverage along the wall and the quickness to slide off checks. Element is offence. Fantastic puck touch. Play driver.
No. 9 Cole Eiserman, F, USNTDP
Height: 6-feet Weight: 195 pounds
Continues to play to his identity offensively, which is a goal scorer with an elite release. Arguably the most elite shooter in his draft class. Exceptionally dangerous on the PP when he sets up on the weak side flank.
Three zone detail/off the puck effort ranges. Not a candidate to penalty kill at the pro level.
Pure offence. Has to play in a team’s top six and be deployed on the first PP unit.
No. 10: Tij Iginla, F, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 186 pounds
Leans goal scorer more than distributor, but makes smart plays with the puck in all three zones.
Off the rush, if he is contested and doesn’t have an outlet option, he directs pucks into areas of the ice that result in 1-on-1 battles for his linemate or himself as F1 on the forecheck.
Efficient thinker. Elite shot and release. Good feet. Rotates off the half wall to find time and space in high danger areas. Plenty of muscle along the wall. Leans on opponents to extend plays. Goes to the net to hunt rebounds or look for tips. Significant upside. Mature. Focused.
No. 11: Zeev Buium, D, Denver (NCAA)
Height: 6-foot Weight: 183 pounds
After a stellar WJC representing Team USA, Buium returned to Denver and has continued playing to his identity.
Elite element is what he can provide offensively, but he also defends with purpose, gaps up to kill plays, has some bump to his game, high end compete and he doesn’t cheat in any zone.
In his first six games after returning from the WJC he produced two goals and six assists. Trending towards being a top pairing defenceman.
No. 12: Carter Yakemchuk, D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 190 pounds
No. 13 Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, F, Mora (Allsvenskan)
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 194 pounds
Since returning to Mora following the World Juniors he has been on a heater scoring four goals and three assists in seven games. He gets between 16 and 19 minutes of ice time and is used both at even strength and the power play.
Plays fast and is a threat off the rush. Goes to the crease looking for tips and rebounds. Adequate battle along the wall extending plays. Outstanding release. Shoots the puck quickly and accurately. Offensive element is on the rise overall. Speed game is attractive as well. Top two line NHL forward on projection.
No. 14: Cayden Lindstrom, F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 210 pounds
Lindstrom has a bit of throwback in his game. The first thing that stands out is his stature. He brings a combination of size, skill, and push back when engaged. His three-zone compete can range at times, but Lindstrom can be physically imposing to play against. He isn’t shy about finishing his check, and taking the play to the net. His long reach assists with keeping his check to the perimeter in his own zone, and extending plays along the wall in the offensive zone.
Lindstrom’s a solid skater who leans goal scorer more than distributor, but he does have some deception off the rush. He sees the ice very well and keeps opponents on their toes with his change of speed (and routes to the net) on his zone entries. He projects as a goal scoring power forward type as a pro.
No. 15: Sacha Boisvert, F, Muskegon (USHL)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 176 pounds
One of the top offensive prospects in the USHL for the NHL Draft.
Tall. Lean. Crafty. Great puck touch. Leans goal scorer, but he’s a very capable playmaker. Skating is improving. Arrives on time. Becoming more and more of a threat off the rush.
Element is clear. Ability to be a difference maker offensively. A North Dakota commit for 2025-26.
No. 16 Liam Greentree, F, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 211 pounds
A big body forward who plays with power and finesse. Outstanding release. Shoots the puck like a pro. Somewhat unorthodox skater, but he arrives on time.
Hard to play against. Extends plays in the trenches. Power forward/scorer. Responsible in all three zones. and doesn’t cut corners. Complements more darting linemates.
Top six NHL power/scoring forward on projection.
No. 17: Ryder Ritchie, F, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 175 pounds
Ritchie is an interesting prospect. A bit of a throwback. He’s not a big body, but he’s plenty involved. He works up and down the ice. His reads are responsible. Rarely does he get caught deep in the offensive zone. He’s above the play when his group doesn’t have control of the puck.
Ritchie is the reigning WHL rookie of the year. He got off to a strong start in Prince Albert, scoring 12 goals and 12 assists in the first 22 games before his stats fell of a bit, with one goal and six assists in his next 12 games.
He’s willing to drive to the net and battle in the trenches. Leads by example. Mix of skill and will. Sidelined with a knee injury in December.
No. 18: Andrew Basha, F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 185 pounds
No. 19: Terik Parascak, F, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 176 pounds
The kind of prospect who complements other skilled, play-driving linemates.
Skates well on straight lines. Mechanics are sound, but more power is required coming out of his turns or off his edges.
Smart. Plays the game responsibly in all three zones. Manages the puck. Skilled making plays in small areas. Engaged. Extends sequences along the wall.
Equal parts shooter and playmaker overall. Has the hockey sense to be used in a variety of roles.
No. 20: Igor Chernyshov, F, HC Dynamo Moscow (KHL-MHL)
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 189 pounds
Playmaking forward who has been splitting his time between Dynamo’s MHL (junior) and KHL (pro) teams.
In a 10-game segment from January 7-29 he had a five-assist game in an MHL match and scored two goals at the KHL level.
Good size. Plays with a long stick. Shields pucks from opponents. Works the weak side flank on the PP more as a playmaker/distributor than shooter. Has a gear in open ice. Good jump through the neutral zone. Average plus defensively. All of his ice time comes at even strength and PP.
No. 21: Beckett Sennecke, F, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 175 pounds
A tall, lean, skilled forward who is sneaky making plays in tight quarters for his stature. Element is offence.
Off the rush he uses the full width of the ice to bring checks towards him and has the speed to slide down the wall and open up lanes to the net. Adequate push back. Not easy to defend due to his length and how he shields opponents.
Has time to add more strength and weight. Equal parts shooter and distributor. Committed to his craft. Top six NHL forward is possible.
No. 22: Adam Jiricek, D, Plzen HC (Czech)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 178 pounds
Jiricek’s playing in the top men’s league for Plzen in the Czech Extraliga. His offence has been slow to develop at the pro level. At the U20 Four Nations Tournament in November he was also held off the score sheet in three games, despite being used in all situations.
Adam has excellent hockey sense. He identifies his responsibilities in all three zones very well.
What’s missing is a bit more jump and aggressiveness. He fronts the play defensively, but he has room to attack his check and win more pucks. Same goes for the offensive zone. He distributes fine, but when he gets a chance to direct a puck on net he needs to “plan ahead” and release the play to the net quicker, harder, and more accurately.
Remains one of the top defence prospects for the draft. Leans two-way distributor. Needs time to develop. Added strength should clean up some of his deficiencies.
Suffered an injury at World Juniors at Christmas that is keeping him out of the lineup long term.
No. 23: Aron Kiviharju, D, HIFK Helsinki (Liiga)
Height: 5-foot-9 Weight: 170 pounds
Undersized transitional defenceman and power play quarterback. Has been out with injury since September. Potentially due to return in February.
It will be a race to the finish line for Kiviharju to prove he is capable of a first round draft slot.
Sees the ice. Playmaker. Outlets long range tape-to-tape. Walks the offensive blue line to open up lanes. Leans distributor more than shooter. Stocky frame. Area defender. Element is offence and launching the attack. Good skater.
No. 24: Cole Hutson, D, USNTDP
Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 165 pounds
Undersized transitional defenceman and power play quarterback.
Elite vision. Makes plays in open ice, off the rush, and arriving as late option on zone entries. Escapes small areas. Hard to defend when making plays in the offensive zone. Leans distributor more than shooter.
Gives up size and weight but brings plenty of compete defensively. Battles to win pucks. Active stick. Has the IQ and commitment to be used in a variety of roles if required.
No. 25: Michael Hage, F, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 187 pounds
University of Michigan commit, but not scheduled to head to school until 2025-26 season.
Great stick. Quick catch and release. Right shot. Three zone detail ranges, especially off the puck. Offensive element wins out. Equal parts shooter and distributor. Threat on the power play from weak side flank. Ability to create in small areas. Fantastic vision in the offensive zone. Has a gear off the rush.
No. 26: Emil Hemming, F, TPS Turku (Liiga)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 201 pounds
Average plus skater. Leans shooter more than distributor or playmaker.
Sets up on the weak side flank of the power play. One times pucks effectively.
Heavy and accurate shot that can beat goalies from range.
Three zone impact ranges depending on how deep his zone exits are and how quickly he can rejoin the play. Great hands. Goal scorer. Heavy set, but not punishing physically. Sturdy.
No. 27: Trevor Connelly, F, Tri-City Storm (USHL)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 156 pounds
Pure offence. Light. Skilled. Crafty. Quick release walking off the wall and on the weak side flank of the PP.
Sees the ice. Fantastic distributor. More quick than fast. Three zone detail ranges, but his offence wins out.
No. 28: Henry Mews, D, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 183 pounds
Mews is the kind of defenceman who can take over a shift offensively. He grew up playing forward before switching to D in his Bantam season. It’s clear to see his element is offence.
Mews can quarterback the power play, lead the rush, or join as an extra layer.
Defensively his commitment ranges. There are moments in games when he is too passive with his gaps/contains and off-the-puck read/react.
Solid skater. Not light. Adequate bump. Not punishing. Team that selects Mews is banking on his offence translating to the NHL.
No. 29: Maxim Masse, F, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 193 pounds
Good sized winger with excellent puck touch.
Skating has room to go to at least one more level. More quickness out of the gate is still required. Once up to speed he is capable of transporting the puck, but he’s not a burner in open ice.
Best work comes down low in the offensive zone — below the hash marks, net front and high slot.
Extends plays along the boards. When a lane opens up he can beat goalies from distance with his release. Tips pucks from the middle of the ice. Battles for rebounds around the crease. Plays a heavy and skilled game. Not punishing physically, but hard to defend when he leans on opponents.
No. 30: Cole Beaudoin, F, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-1 Weght: 209 pounds
One of the most interesting prospects in the 2024 draft class. Big, strong, power forward approach. Shooter more than distributor.
Best work comes down low in the offensive zone extending plays and physically taking opponents off the puck. Sets screens net front.
Works up and down the ice. Skating is fine in straight lines, but there’s room for more explosiveness out of the gate. Complements more darting, in-motion line mates.
Best suited to play his strong side and make plays on his forehand.
No. 31: Colton Roberts, D, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 194 pounds
No. 32: E.J. Emery, D, USNTDP
Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 185 pounds
Jason Bukala is a former NHL scouting director and founder of The Pro Hockey Group