Updated 2024 NHL 1st-Round Mock Draft After End of Regular Season
Updated 2024 NHL 1st-Round Mock Draft After End of Regular Season0 of 32
Boston University’s Macklin Celebrini poses with the Hobey Baker Memorial Award.Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images
The end of the 2023-24 NHL regular season brings clarity about the order for the 2024 NHL draft, which is scheduled for June 28-29 in Las Vegas. Based on the standings, we can determine where most teams will select.
A draft lottery will determine which of the 16 non-contending teams will get the first overall pick. This is expected to take place in May between the first and second rounds of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs
The team with the worst record has the best odds (25.5 percent) of winning the lottery. Since 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 places from its finishing order. That leaves the bottom 11 teams with the best odds of winning the No. 1 pick.
The prize this year is Boston University forward Macklin Celebrini. Winner of the 2024 Hobey Baker Award, the 17-year-old center is ranked No. 1 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
We still have to wait to determine the final order of this year’s draft. Once the first overall pick is decided, the last four selections will belong to the final four teams in the playoffs regardless of the standings. The 32nd choice goes to the Stanley Cup champions.
For now, we’re staging an updated mock draft based on the standings at the end of the regular season on April 18. As a result, the final four picks of the first round belong to the four division finalists.
1. Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks1 of 32
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Sitting at the bottom of the overall standings, the San Jose Sharks have the best odds of winning the draft lottery. Assuming they do and don’t trade away the pick before the draft, they’ll use it to select Boston University center Macklin Celebrini.
The consensus top prospect among all evaluators, including NHL Central Scouting, Celebrini was the 2024 recipient of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the NCAA’s top player.
The 17-year-old is the youngest player to win the award and the fourth from Boston University to win.
He led the Terriers in scoring this season with 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 38 games. The 6’0″, 190-pounder was third among all NCAA scorers and helped his school reach the Frozen Four where it lost 2-1 in overtime to the University of Denver in the semifinal.
NHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr called Celebrini “an NHL All-Star in the making.” ESPN.com’s Rachel Doerrie believes he has what it takes to be a franchise NHL center, and Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis singled out his two-way play. The Athletic’s Corey Pronman felt he checked every box you want in a top prospect.
The Sharks already have a center in top prospect Will Smith, but that won’t stop them from choosing Celebrini. They could form the foundation of this club’s rebuild if they develop into stars as projected.
2. Chicago Blackhawk: Ivan Demidov2 of 32
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Chicago has the second-best odds of winning the draft lottery after finishing with the second-worst record. If the balls don’t drop in their favor, they’ll still be in an excellent position to select a high-quality prospect.
That player could be Ivan Demidov of SKA-1946 St. Petersburg of Russia’s Junior League (MHL).
NHL Central Scouting has the Russian at No. 2 in its final ranking of international skaters. TSN’s Craig Button compared the 18-year-old right winger to Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov.
Listed at 5’11” and 181 pounds by NHL Central Scouting, Demidov missed 24 games earlier this season due to an injury. However, he tore up the MHL on his return, finishing second in scoring with 23 goals and 37 assists for 60 points in 30 games.
Chicago lacks a right winger with his skills among its top five prospects. He could form a potent one-two scoring punch with center Connor Bedard in a few years that could carry this rebuilding franchise back to Stanley Cup contention.
3. Anaheim Ducks: Artyom Levshunov3 of 32
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The Anaheim Ducks finished with the third-worst record giving them the third-best odds of winning the draft lottery. If they don’t move up into the first overall selection, they could choose Michigan State University defenseman Artyom Levshunov with this pick.
Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala called the Belarusian a coveted right-shot defenseman. ESPN.com’s Rachel Doerrie believes he could be an impactful two-way NHL blueliner. Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis praised the 6’2″, 209-pounder’s mobility and puck-moving skills.
Levshunov had a solid freshman season with Michigan State. He finished tied for second place among its scorers with 35 points. NHL Central Scouting has him sitting second among North American skaters in their final rankings.
The Ducks have promising left-shot defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger but only one right-shot defenseman among their top-10 prospects. Adding Levshunov will provide additional depth at that position.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cole Eiserman4 of 32
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TSN’s Craig Button calls Cole Eiserman “the best goal scorer in the draft.” That goal-scoring prowess could make the 18-year-old left winger from the United States National Team Development Program (USNDTP) an enticing option for the Columbus Blue Jackets at No. 4.
Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala, ESPN.com’s Rachel Doerrie and Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis also praised his scoring ability but believe his defensive play remains a work in progress. Nevertheless, the 6′, 196-pound winger could be a solid fit for Columbus.
Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has dealt with various health issues since 2021-22 and is two years away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. Columbus could seek long-term insurance, especially given the decline in left winger Johnny Gaudreau’s production. It lacks a natural scoring winger among its top prospects.
Sitting at No.12 in NHL Central Scouting’s ranking of North American skaters, Eiserman led the U.S. National U-18 Team with 49 goals and finished second in points with 76. He had 25 goals in just 24 games with the United States Hockey League (USHL) squad. He could form a dynamic scoring duo with promising Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli.
5. Montreal Canadiens: Cayden Lindstrom5 of 32
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The Montreal Canadiens have a pick in the top five for the third straight year, choosing winger Juraj SlafkovskĂœ first overall in 2022 and defenseman David Reinbacher at No. 5 last year.
This time, they could opt for a center such as Cayden Lindstrom of the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
The 18-year-old missed most of this season with injuries but still finished with 27 goals and 46 points in 32 games, four points higher than his 42 points in 61 games last season. NHL Central Scouting ranked the 6’3″, 210-pound center No. 3 in this season’s final ranking of North American skaters.
Doerrie compared Lindstrom to Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield, noting they both use their size and speed well to win puck battles and create scoring chances. Pronman believes he has the potential to become a first-line center but could also get moved to the wing.
The Canadiens have only one center (Owen Beck) among their top-10 prospects. Lindstrom’s size, speed and offensive abilities would make him an enticing choice.
6. Arizona Coyotes/Utah Franchise: Zayne Parekh6 of 32
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The Arizona Coyotes will be relocating to Salt Lake City next season, and defenseman Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) could become the first player to be drafted by the Utah-based franchise.
Parekh, 18, is a talented puck-moving blueliner. He led the Spirit with 63 assists and 96 points and also led all OHL defensemen in points. NHL Central Scouting had the 6′, 181-pounder at No. 5 among North American skaters in their final rankings while Button listed him at No. 3 on his rankings.
The Coyotes (or whatever they’ll be called following their move) have just two right-shot defensemen among their top 15 prospects. Parekh could address that issue for them, providing a considerable offensive boost from the blue line.
Ellis believes Parekh can reach 70 points as an NHL defenseman, while Bukala called him one of the most creative players in this year’s draft.
7. Ottawa Senators: Carter Yakemchuk7 of 32
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The Ottawa Senators must forfeit a first-round draft pick for former general manager Pierre Dorion’s role in a trade involving Evgenii Dadonov invalidated in March 2022. They must decide within 24 hours after the draft lottery if they’ll give up their pick for 2024, 2025 or 2026.
Senators general manager Steve Staios could retain this year’s pick based on the club’s position in the draft order. At this position, he could use this pick to select a right-shot defenseman because the Senators lack one among their top-five prospects.
Carter Yakemchuk of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen could be the prime candidate to address that need. The 6’3″, 201-pound blueliner is ranked 11th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in their final ranking. He finished second among Hitmen scorers with 71 points and fifth among WHL defensemen.
Pronman believes Yakemchuk has star potential, citing his game-breaking skill. Bukala noted his high compete level and physical play.
8. Seattle Kraken: Anton Silayev8 of 32
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A big, skilled defenseman, Anton Silayev plays for KHL club Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. He sits at No. 1 among international skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking and finished this season with 11 points in 63 games.
A left-shot defenseman, the 18-year-old could be an enticing choice for the Seattle Kraken. They need a skilled blueliner among their top-five prospects. With Silayev under KHL contract through 2025-26, he could be ready to join the Kraken’s lineup within three years.
Pronman praised Silayev’s skating and all-around skills but was most impressed by his defensive abilities. Bukala suggested the young Russian could go as high as second overall.
Silayev’s size, skating and defensive play could see him chosen higher in this round. If he’s still available at No. 8, the Kraken would be wise to snap him up.
9. Calgary Flames: Tij Iginla9 of 32
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The Calgary Flames’ pick could end up with the Montreal Canadiens if it meets one of several conditions. For now, though, we’ll assume the No. 9 pick remains with the Flames.
Calgary general manager Craig Conroy could consider choosing one of the several promising young defensemen in this year’s draft, but the opportunity to select Tij Iginla, son of former Flames Hall-of-Famer Jarome Iginla (and Conroy’s former linemate), could prove irresistible.
NHL Central Scouting has the 17-year-old at No. 9 in its final ranking of North American skaters. He led the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets with 47 goals this season. Button compared Iginla’s game to that of Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand, while Ellis believes he has top-six forward potential.
With Connor Zary and Matt Coronato moving up into the Calgary roster this season, the Flames could use a skilled young offensive forward such as Iginla in their prospect pool. He could be a valuable part of the club’s youth movement.
10. New Jersey Devils: Sam Dickinson10 of 32
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Given the New Jersey Devils’ defensive struggles this season, the chance to select a high-quality blue-line prospect could prove too good to pass up. They’ll pounce if Sam Dickinson of the OHL’s London Knights becomes available.
The 6’3″, 199-pounder was seventh among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking. Pronman considers him one of the best skaters in this year’s draft. Bukala noted that he plays major minutes with the Knights, particularly at even strength and on the power play.
The Devils lack a left-shot defenseman among their top-five prospects. He could address that issue and be ready within three years to jump to their roster.
11. Buffalo Sabres: Zeev Buium11 of 32
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Sitting at No. 4 on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings of North American skaters, Zeev Buium enjoyed a memorable freshman season with the University of Denver.
The 6′, 183-pound defenseman helped them win the NCAA Frozen Four tournament and starred for Team USA’s gold-medal team at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The Buffalo Sabres could snap up the 18-year-old if he’s available. They have considerable depth in promising young forwards but lack a defenseman among their top-five prospects.
Buium put up good numbers this season with the University of Denver. He led his teammates with 39 assists and was second in points with 50.
Pronman singled out Buium’s offensive skills, mobility and hockey smarts. Doerrie noted he made considerable strides in improving his defensive game, calling him reliable in all three zones.
12. Philadelphia Flyers: Aron Kiviharju12 of 32
At 5’9″ and 170 pounds, Aron Kiviharju of HIFK in Finland’s Liiga is part of a growing trend of small but talented puck-moving defensemen.
Despite missing most of this season due to an injury, the 18-year-old blueliner is ranked eighth among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
Kiviharju’s skills could make him a good addition to the Philadelphia Flyers. They need another defenseman in their prospect pool as they’re currently carrying only three among their top 15.
Ellis praised Kiviharju’s speed, passing ability and ability to general offense from the point, and Doerrie singled out his footwork and hockey sense. Bukala noted he makes up in strength for his lack of size.
It could be a couple of years before Kiviharju is ready to make the jump to North America. The additional time in Finland playing against pros will help him further develop his skills in preparation for an NHL career.
13. Minnesota Wild: Adam JiĆĂÄek 13 of 32
A right-shot defenseman with HC Ć koda PlzeĆ in the Czechia Extraliga, Adam JiĆĂÄek had a promising season cut short by a knee injury. Nevertheless, NHL Central Scouting placed him at No. 4 among international skaters in their final rankings.
That injury could cause his stock to drop in this round, but he could be a worthwhile selection for the Minnesota Wild given their lack of a right-shot defenseman in their prospect pool.
The 18-year-old is the younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David JiĆĂÄek. Pronman suggests he has the potential to become a big-minute NHL defenseman. Doerrie acknowledged his injury makes him a risk, but she pointed out how well he played before he got hurt.
The Wild would have to be patient as JiĆĂÄek’s knee injury could put him a year behind his peers in development, but it could prove rewarding for them if he bounces back quickly.
14. San Jose Sharks (via Pittsburgh Penguins): Michael Brandsegg-NygÄrd 14 of 32
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The San Jose Sharks acquired this pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins last August as part of the return in the Erik Karlsson trade.
Unless the Penguins move up in the order in the draft lottery, this selection belongs to the Sharks.
Having chosen center Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick, the Sharks could use this selection to add a right winger among their top-five prospects. Michael Brandsegg-NygĂ„rd of Mora IK in Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan could be an option for them with this selection.
The 6″1, 198-pound Norwegian had 18 points this season with Mora IK and 12 points in seven games with their J20 Nationell Roster. He also starred for Norway at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship with five points in as many games.
NHL Central Scouting has the 18-year-old sitting fifth among International skaters in their final ranking. Pronman noted he skates well, possesses strong puck skills and brings physicality to his game. Bukala praised the improvement in the young winger’s game this season.
15. Detroit Red Wings: Beckett Sennecke15 of 32
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Per the conditions of the Alex DeBrincat trade last July, the Detroit Red Wings have the option of sending their pick or the Boston Bruins’ first-rounder to the Ottawa Senators.
Based on their position in the final standings, they’ll likely retain this pick and send the Senators the Bruins’ 2024 first-rounder.
The Red Wings have a deep prospect pool but lack a right winger. They could address that issue by choosing 18-year-old Beckett Sennecke of the OHL’s Oshawa Generals.
Ranked 13th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, the 6’2″, 181-pounder was fifth among the Generals’ scorers with 27 goals and third with 68 points. He’s also second among their postseason scorers with six goals and 15 points.
Pronman noted that Sennecke skates well for his size and possesses plenty of talent. Ellis pointed out he’s an underrated passer who isn’t afraid to get physical to win puck battles.
16. St. Louis Blues: Charlie Elick16 of 32
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NHL Central Scouting has Charlie Elick of the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings at No. 31 among their ranking of North American skaters, but the lack of right-shot defensemen at this stage could see him go higher than expected.
The St. Louis Blues could be enticed into selecting the 18-year-old given their lack of a right-shot blueliner among their top prospects. Corey Pronman of The Athletic has him at No. 22 in his rankings.
Pronman considers the 6’3″, 198-pounder among the best skaters in the draft, singling out his competitiveness and potential to become an NHL shutdown defenseman. Doerrie suggests he could be the hardest hitter in this draft, while Ellis noted he’s tough to beat one-on-one.
Elick isn’t a big point producer, but he put up a respectable 27 points in 65 games with the Wheat Kings this season. His strong defensive game, however, could be the ticket that turns him into a top-four NHL defenseman.
17. Washington Capitals: Berkly Catton17 of 32
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A small but highly skilled center, Berkly Catton of the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs sits eighth on NHL Central Scouting’s ranking of North American skaters. He led the Chiefs with 54 goals and 116 points, finishing fourth among WHL scorers this season.
The 5’10”, 170-pounder could draw the interest of the Washington Capitals if he’s still available at this stage of the first round. Hendrix Lapierre’s full-time promotion to the Caps roster leaves them with no centers among their top prospects.
Pronman praised the 18-year-old as a well-rounded center, a high-end skater and a skilled puckhandler and passer. Bukala noted that the youngster has improved his defensive play. Doerrie cited his ability to use his hockey sense and his stick to strip bigger opponents of pucks.
The Capitals are a team in transition as they move from aging veterans to younger players. Catton’s skills could make him a vital part of their next wave of talent.
18. New York Islanders: Konsta Helenius18 of 32
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Ranked third among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Konsta Helenius of Jukurit in Finland’s Liiga is a versatile two-way forward who can play center or right wing. Those abilities could make him a tempting draft target for the New York Islanders.
The Islanders sit 32nd on The Athletic’s ranking of the NHL prospect pipelines. Adding a skilled forward such as the 5’11”, 181-pounder could boost their prospect depth. He has the potential to become an NHL top-six forward.
Helenius, 17, enjoyed a solid sophomore season with Jukurit, tallying 14 goals and 35 points in 51 regular-season games. He also had six points in as many playoff contests. Pronman praised his playmaking and skating, while Doerrie believes he’d be a solid second-line difference-maker.
Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello usually favors forwards who play well at both ends of the rink. Helenius could be the sort of player who fits well within their system.
19. Vegas Golden Knights: Michael Hage19 of 32
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The Vegas Golden Knights have a well-earned reputation for trading high draft picks and top prospects to address their immediate roster needs. A recent example was their inclusion of prospect center David Edstrom as part of their March 8 trade with the San Jose Sharks for center TomĂĄĆĄ Hertl.
That move further depleted the Golden Knights’ prospect pool, ranked 23rd by The Athletic before the Hertl trade. They could replace Edstrom by turning to Michael Hage of the USHL’s Chicago Steel.
Hage, 17, rose to 10th on NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of this year’s top North American skaters. With 33 goals and 75 points in 54 games, the 6’1″, 190-pound center led the Steel in scoring and finished fourth among all USHL scorers.
Ellis cited Hage’s shot, feistiness and ability to strip opponents of the puck. Doerrie noted his excellent skating and natural skill, while Bukala praised his vision in the offensive zone.
20. Chicago Blackhawks (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Trevor Connelly20 of 32
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This pick belongs to Chicago as part of the return for the Tampa Bay Lightning receiving Brandon Hagel in March 2022.
They could use this selection to address their need for skilled left wingers in their prospect pipeline by selecting 18-year-old Trevor Connelly of the USHL’s Tri-City Storm.
On the ice, he had a terrific season. The 6’1″, 161-pound winger led the Storm with 31 goals and 47 assists for 78 points in 52 games, finishing second among USHL scorers.
Hanging over Connelly are some off-ice issues that could threaten his placement in the draft. In a Feb. 8 interview with The Hockey News’ Ryan Kennedy, he took responsibility for his actions. He’s been involved in volunteer work and diversity training and insists he’s a better person now.
Despite the off-ice issues, NHL Central Scouting ranked Connelly sixth among North American skaters. Pronman cited his skating and two-way skills while Bukala noted his elite vision in the offensive zone.
21. Los Angeles Kings: Igor Chernyshov21 of 32
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The Los Angeles Kings lack a left wing among their top prospects. They could address that need by selecting Igor Chernyshov of MHK Moscow Dynamo in Russia’s MHL junior league.
He tallied 13 goals and 28 points in 22 games this season, finishing sixth among Dynamo scorers. The 18-year-old also saw limited minutes with their KHL parent club, netting four points in 34 games.
NHL Central Scouting has Chernyshov ranked ninth among this season’s international skaters. The 6’2″, 192-pounder is under contract with Dynamo through next season.
Pronman had Chernyshov 14th on his list of top prospects, calling him a big, powerful winger who skates well and possesses plenty of offensive creativity. Ellis noted his improvement without the puck, while Bukala cited his potential offensive upside.
22. Nashville Predators: Leo Sahlin-Wallenius22 of 32
The limited number of right-shot defensemen among this year’s top prospects could send Leo Sahlin-Wallenius’ stock rising in this round. NHL Central Scouting elevated him from 11th in their midseason rankings of international skaters to seventh in their final ranking.
An 18-year-old with the VÀxjö Lakers J20 Nationell team of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), he could draw the interest of the Nashville Predators. They need a right-shot blueliner among their top-10 prospects.
Pronman singled out his powerful skating and two-way skills. Bukala described him as a transitional two-way mid-sized blueliner.
Sahlin-Wallenius put up decent offensive numbers this season with the Lakers J20 club. He had 11 goals and 42 points in 43 regular-season games and three assists in five postseason contests.
23. Toronto Maple Leafs: Henry Mews23 of 32
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NHL Central Scouting dropped Henry Mews from 27 in their midseason rankings to 37 in their final ranking. Nevertheless, the 18-year-old defenseman from the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s could become a first-rounder because of the limited number of right-shot blueliners among this year’s top prospects.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have long had a depth issue on the right side of their blue line that needs addressing. They have one right-shot defender among their top-10 prospects. He won’t be an immediate fix, but he could be ready to help them in a few years.
Doerrie noted Mews’ erratic play this season but indicated he can drive play from the blue line. Bukala pointed out that offense will also be his strong suit, citing his solid skating and passing ability.
24. Anaheim Ducks (via Edmonton Oilers): Andrew Basha24 of 32
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The Anaheim Ducks acquired this pick from the Edmonton Oilers as part of the return in the Adam Henrique trade on March 6. They could use this one to address their need for a left winger among their top-10 prospects by choosing Andrew Basha of the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers.
Basha, 18, dropped from 18th on NHL Central Scouting’s midseason rankings to 26th on their final ranking. However, Bukala praised his energetic competitiveness while Doerrie singled out his great puck skills.
With 30 goals and 55 assists for 85 points in 63 games, the 6′, 185-pounder finished third among the Tigers’ scoring leaders. That’s a significant improvement over his 56-point performance last season.
The Ducks are deep in prospects and have promising Cutter Gauthier starting at left wing. They can afford to give Basha time to develop into a possible second or third-line winger.
25. Colorado Avalanche: Dominik Badinka25 of 32
Like several other clubs, the Colorado Avalanche lack a right-shot defenseman in their prospect pool. One option worth considering is Dominik Badinka of the SHL’s Malmö Redhawks.
Badinka, 18, sits 14th among International skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s rankings. The 6’3″ 190-pound Czech blueliner had four points in 33 games with the Redhawks and 13 points in 17 games with their J20 Nationell squad.
Pronman believes Badinka has NHL attributes between his size, mobility and ability to make offensive plays. Ellis cited his solid hockey sense and calm demeanor.
Badinka is under contract with the Redhawks through 2025-26. That’ll give him more time to improve his game playing against Swedish professionals and potentially pave his path to the NHL.
26. Ottawa Senators (via Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings): Sacha Boisvert26 of 32
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As part of the conditions of last season’s Tyler Bertuzzi trade, the Boston Bruins traded their 2024 first-round pick to the Detroit Red Wings.
As per last summer’s DeBrincat trade, the Red Wings can send this pick or their 2024 first-rounder to the Ottawa Senators. Since this selection is lower in the draft order, the Wings will send this one to the Sens.
The Senators have one center among their top prospects. They could find Sacha Boisvert of the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks a tempting option. With 36 goals and 68 points, he finished second among the Lumberjacks scorers. He’s committed to the University of North Dakota for next season.
NHL Central Scouting has the 6’2″, 176-pound center at No. 16 on their final ranking of North American skaters. Ellis praised his skating, shot release and competitiveness. Pronman cited his skill and creativity with the puck.
27. Montreal Canadiens (via Winnipeg Jets): Terik Parascak27 of 32
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The Montreal Canadiens received the Winnipeg Jets’ 2024 first-round pick as part of the return in the Sean Monahan trade on Feb. 2. With this selection, they could opt for a scoring right winger.
One option is Terik Parascak of the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. The 6’1, 173-pound right wing finished 15th on NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American skaters.
Parascak, 17, tore it up in his first full WHL season with 43 goals and 62 assists for 105 points, finishing third among Cougars’ scorers. He sat in eighth place among the league’s scoring leaders.
Doerrie praised Parascak’s ability to read the play, comparing his finishing skill to Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman. Bukala called him slippery and hard to defend.
28. Carolina Hurricanes: Dean Letourneau28 of 32
NHL Central Scouting ranked Dean Letourneau at No. 23 among North American skaters. The 6’7″, 209-pound center of St. Andrew’s College in Ontario’s U18 AAA league put up big numbers this season with 61 goals and 66 assists for 127 points in 56 games. He also had 33 points in 17 games with their Prep Hockey Conference (PHC) team.
Letourneau could draw the interest of the Carolina Hurricanes. They could consider adding a prospect center in this round after trading Vasili Ponomarev to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Jake Guentzel trade on March 7.
Ellis suggested Letourneau could become the next Tage Thompson, praising his quick hands and ability to use his large frame to protect the puck. Doerrie noted he uses his size to overpower players and could become a real difference-maker.
Letourneau is committed to Boston College in 2025-26. He could spend another season in the PHC or further develop his game with the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede.
29. Calgary Flames (via Vancouver Canucks): Liam Greentree29 of 32
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The Vancouver Canucks sent this pick to the Calgary Flames as part of the return in the Elias Lindholm trade on Jan. 30. With Matt Coronato expected to make his full-time move on the Flames roster next season, they need to add a skilled right winger among their top prospects.
Liam Greentree of the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires could be a solid addition to the Flames’ prospect pool. NHL Central Scouting has the 18-year-old winger 14th among North American skaters in their final ranking.
A versatile forward who can play either wing, the 6’2″, 207-pounder led the Spitfires with 36 goals and 54 assists for 90 points. He finished 12th among OHL scorers this season.
Pronman cited the appeal of Greentree’s game being he’s a large winger with legit offensive skills. Bukala indicated he plays a power game while Doerrie considers him a high-motor player in the middle of everything.
30. Philadelphia Flyers (via Florida Panthers): Nikita Artamonov30 of 32
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This pick was sent to the Philadelphia Flyers by the Florida Panthers as part of the return in the Claude Girioux trade in March 2022. They could decide to use this selection to choose a left winger after trading Cutter Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks on Jan. 8.
The Flyers chose Matvei Michkov in the first round of last year’s draft. They could consider another Russian winger such as Nikita Artamonov of KHL club Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod.
Artamonov, 18, saw action in 54 KHL games as a rookie this season, finishing with a respectable 23 points. He’s under contract with Torpedo through 2025-26, giving the 5’11’, 187-pound winger ample opportunity to develop his skills against professional talent.
NHL Central Scouting has Artamonov sitting 19th among International skaters. Ellis liked his high-end hockey IQ and ability to get into scoring position. Pronman noted he saw regular minutes on Torpedo’s power play, praising his vision and creativity.
31. Dallas Stars: Ryder Ritchie31 of 32
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Despite being sidelined for two months with an injury, Ryder Ritchie of the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders was ranked 19th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The 17-year-old right winger finished the season with 44 points in 47 games.
Ritchie could be a player of interest for the Dallas Stars. The promotion of Logan Stankoven leaves them without a right wing among their top-10 prospects.
Doerrie cited Ritchie’s deceptive skill and skating, especially his playmaking and ability to beat defenders in transition. Bukala liked how well he plays in all three zones.
Ritchie’s injury sent him dropping among the top prospects. Given his potential, though, he could be a worthwhile long-term addition to the Stars.
32. New York Rangers: Maxim Massé32 of 32
The New York Rangers lack a right-shot defenseman and a right wing among their top-10 prospects. They could opt for a right winger if Maxim MassĂ© of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League’s Chicoutimi SaguenĂ©ens remains available.
Massé, 18, had a solid sophomore season with the Saguenéens, finishing first among their scorers with 36 goals and 75 points in 67 games. He was also second in assists with 39.
NHL Central Scouting has MassĂ© sitting 30th among North American skaters in their final ranking. The 6’2″, 186-pound winger’s hard shot drew praise from Bukala. Doerrie singled out his well-rounded package of offensive tools.
Doerrie believes Massé needs time to develop his game. She thinks he could be an all-situations player at the NHL level.
