2024 NHL Draft Tracker: Round 1 Picks, Analysis, Rankings, Profiles
The 2024 NHL draft day is here. Check out the picks and analysis of the first round as they come in, as well as draft rankings and much more prospect coverage.
The 2024 NHL draft began on Friday night.
Catch up on the first 32 players selected in the first round of the NHL draft.
Want to compare the results with mock drafts? Want to learn more about where your team's new addition was ranked or how they play? Want a ton of NHL draft content, no matter what? Check out our curations of draft-related content as well.
Also check out The Hockey News' Draft Preview. Not only does it feature scouting reports on the top 100 prospects, but it also goes further into the stories of some of the top players available, as well as team-by-team reports that cover immediate and long-term needs, cap situation, players in the system, shrewd picks and not so shewd picks. It's worth a read whether it's during or even after the draft.
Round 1
Refresh this page for the latest updates. All height and weight information are according to NHL Central Scouting.
1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (NCAA), Six-foot, 197 pounds
The fact Celebrini was so good so early in the NCAA has talent hawks all aflutter. “Being 17, just that alone is spooky if you think about it,” one scout said. “At the start, he wasn’t blowing by guys like a Paul Kariya, but as the season went on, he started to make plays. He’s more of a cerebral superstar rather than a flashy one.” (Draft Preview)
2. Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov, RHD, Michigan State (NCAA), 6-foot-2, 205 pounds
Another college freshman who dazzled, Levshunov has NHL size and a great two-way game already. He can make plays, he can recover defensively, and he was a big part of the Spartans' turnaround this season. (Kennedy's rankings)
3. Anaheim Ducks: Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa (OHL), 6-foot-3, 182 pounds
Sennecke ranked 12th in The Hockey News' Draft Preview rankings and 18th in Tony Ferrari's rankings. Needless to say, he was surprised when he was selected this early.
Sennecke's rise has been fun to watch. He had 29 points in his final 21 regular-season games before adding 22 points in 16 playoff games. His production popped off in the second half of the season, which had him shooting up draft boards. (Ferrari's rankings)
4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat (WHL), 6-foot-3, 213 pounds
Lindstrom has all the makings of a high pick: he's big, he can play physical, and he can put up a bunch of points. Add in the fact he's a center, and you've got the recipe for a player NHL teams fall over themselves for. (Kennedy's rankings)
5. Montreal Canadiens: Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg Jr. (Rus.), 5-foot-11, 181 pounds
There may not be a player in the 2024 NHL draft who plays a more electric brand of hockey than Demidov. He sees the ice differently than most players. Whereas most players see passing lanes when they appear, Demidov manipulates them into existence and threads the puck into traffic as they open. Demidov has one year left on his contract in Russia, so there should be no “Russian Factor” discussion. There may be four NHL teams kicking themselves in a half-decade. (Ferrari’s rankings)
The Canadiens stole the show as well by bringing up Celine Dion to make the pick.
6. Utah Hockey Club: Tij Iginla, C/LW, Kelowna (WHL), Six-foot, 191 pounds
Getting a winger who is sure to be a fan favorite for a new team in Utah is a great selection, especially because the development of Iginla’s puck skill and offensive game have been outstanding this season. He’s a high-energy, high-impact player who is relentless in all facets of the game. (Ferrari's mock draft)
7. Ottawa Senators: Carter Yakemchuk, RHD, Calgary (WHL), 6-foot-3, 202 pounds
This season, only two CHL D-men scored 30 goals, and they were both draft-eligible players. One was OHL Saginaw’s Zayne Parekh; the other was Yakemchuk. So, you’d think scouts would be higher on a guy who is big, can score and tied for fifth in the WHL in PIM. One thing giving scouts pause is Yakemchuk’s ability to get around the ice. Some observers think that is overblown. “People are sleeping on this kid,” a scout said. (Draft Preview)
8. Seattle Kraken: Berkly Catton, C, Spokane (WHL), 5-foot-10, 175 pounds
Catton may be the best transition forward in the draft class, thanks to his combination of skating and intelligence. He can gash a defensive unit through the middle of the ice with ease. He is also arguably the smartest player in the NHL draft class, constantly looking to create small advantages, chain them together and eventually create a big advantage. Catton makes life easy on his teammates, allowing them to play to their strengths while he fills in their gaps. (Ferrari’s rankings)
9. Calgary Flames: Zayne Parekh, RHD, Saginaw (OHL), Six-foot, 178 pounds
The newly minted Memorial Cup champion is a prototypical offensive defenseman who broke records in the OHL with his goal-scoring and put up a ton of points in his draft year. As his defensive play evolves, his value will only rise. (Kennedy's rankings)
10. New Jersey Devils: Anton Silayev, LHD, Nizhny Novgorod (KHL), 6-foot-7, 207 pounds
After seeing him hold his own in the KHL this season, one scout opined that Silayev has the physical tools and makeup to play in the NHL as early as next season, though he can’t because he’s under contract through 2025-26. “He’s a monster is what he is,” one scout said. “He did not look like a 17-year-old playing in the KHL. He’s got great reach and range.” What impresses scouts so much about Silayev is his skating ability, particularly for someone his size. (Draft Preview)
11. San Jose Sharks (from BUF): Sam Dickinson, LHD, London (OHL), 6-foot-3, 203 pounds
Scouts see a kid who already plays like an NHL veteran - and that's saying something for a blueliner. Dickinson is just built differently. With his defensive play and physicality, he's already figured out the hard part. Plus, he exploded offensively this year. (Kennedy's rankings)
12. Minnesota Wild (from PHI): Zeev Buium, LHD, University of Denver (NCAA), Six-foot, 186 pounds
The Wild traded a third-round pick in 2025 to move up one pick in the first round to select Buium.
Over the last 15 months, all Buium has done is win. He won at the U-18s, world juniors and NCAA national championship. Buium’s game is built on his intellect and ability to make the right play in any given situation continually. His offensive game is impressive because of his reads, knowing exactly when to attack off the blueline and when to defer to teammates. In transition, he is an excellent passer who hits teammates in stride but won’t force a pass. In his own end, Buium plays a tactical, positional game. (Ferrari’s rankings)
13. Philadelphia Flyers (from MIN): Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph (OHL), 5-foot-11, 187 pounds
“He’s a very competitive, very skilled player,” said one scout. “Very tenacious. Just a very good player, and he’s pretty good at both ends of the ice.” Luchanko was deadly as a playmaker on the power play. His 30 power-play assists tied for second in the OHL – with someone who just may be his older doppelganger. “Jett and Toronto pick Easton Cowan are pretty much the same player,” said another scout. “Similar in stature and style. Luchanko’s a versatile kid and could be a center at the next level eventually because he’s a smart player who plays well away from the puck and identifies his responsibilities quickly in the defensive zone.” (Draft Preview)
14. Buffalo Sabres (from PIT via SJS): Konsta Helenius, C, Tappara (Fin.), 5-foot-11, 189 pounds
The top Finn in this year’s NHL draft class has been one of the most interesting prospects from an evaluation perspective. Helenius is a smart player who understands how to take advantage of small mistakes or find passing lanes in passive defenses. Playing in the Liiga this season, Helenius put up impressive numbers and consistently found ways to make an impact. (Ferrari’s rankings)
15. Detroit Red Wings: Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Mora (Swe.2), 6-foot-1, 207 pounds
Brandsegg-Nygard, the first-ever Norwegian taken in the first round of the draft, has so many of the pro habits you want from a player. He has the intricacies of winning puck battles along the boards and knows where to be defensively or how to help cover for his teammates. He just plays with a maturity beyond his years. As the season advanced, his confidence with the puck did as well. Brandsegg-Nygard began using his one-timer more often in space. When he was around the net, he was a hound on rebounds, beating opponents to loose pucks regularly. (Ferrari’s rankings)
16. St. Louis Blues: Adam Jiricek, RHD, Plzen (Czech), 6-foot-2, 182 pounds
A knee injury at the World Junior Championship ended what was set to be a promising season for the Czech defender. On the ice, Jiricek is a mobile, modern-day blueliner who leads with an excellent stick. He looks to dislodge the puck and get it moving in the other direction whenever possible. With that said, he is still quite willing to throw his body around and punish an opponent along the boards when necessary. He reads the play and tracks puck carriers well, even when playing at the pro level in Czechia. (Ferrari’s rankings)
17. Washington Capitals: Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George (WHL), Six-foot, 179 pounds
If there is one player in this draft who is living proof that development is a marathon and not a sprint, it’s Parascak. Cut by Prince George as a 16-year-old last season, Parascak went back to play prep-school hockey in Alberta. When he arrived with the Cougars this season, he posted a 100-point season to lead WHL rookies in scoring. “He’s not the biggest guy, and he’s not the fastest guy,” one scout said. “But he’s one of the smartest guys, and he has really good hands.” (Draft Preview)
18. Chicago Blackhawks (from NYI): Sacha Boisvert, C, Muskegon (USHL), 6-foot-2, 183 pounds
Boisvert is a force when he is on his game. He has a unique blend of power and skill. He can be a menace around the net, using his quick hands to get to rebounds and strength to establish position on defenders. When he gets moving, Boisvert is like a bull in a china shop, forcing defenders to play on their heels. His playmaking is best on the rush. (Ferrari’s rankings)
19. Vegas Golden Knights: Trevor Connelly, RW, Tri-City (USHL), 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
The off-ice issues and his work to address them have been widely reported. That will have caused concern for NHL clubs, which Connelly will have dealt with throughout this process. His talent on the ice is impressive. Connelly has wicked hands and skates like the wind. He beats opponents with speed and skill and elevates the teammates he’s playing with – when he decides to use them. (Ferrari’s rankings)
20. New York Islanders (from TBL via CHI): Cole Eiserman, LW, U.S. NTDP (USHL), Six-foot, 197 pounds
One of the most lethal goal-scorers in this year’s NHL draft class, Eiserman has fallen down the board from where he started this season among the general consensus. There is no doubt that he can score goals, though. He broke Cole Caufield’s record for career goals with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. His finishing talent goes beyond just having a bomb for a shot. Eiserman gets to the net, crashes and bangs in rebounds and is sneaky good around the net. The rest of Eiserman’s game is still very much a work in progress. (Ferrari’s rankings)
21. Montreal Canadiens (from LA): Michael Hage, C, Chicago (USHL), 6-foot-1, 188 pounds
As a Canadian eschewing major junior to play for the USHL’s Chicago Steel before heading to NCAA Michigan, Hage is following a path previously laid down by Adam Fantilli. Hage is on a positive development trail, but it’s one that has also been adversely affected by injuries and tragedy (see below). That’s why scouts are willing to cut him some slack when they see him drift in and out of games. “He is uber talented in terms of sense, skill, skating and production,” one scout said. “He creates a lot of chances for himself and others.” (Draft Preview)
22. Nashville Predators: Yegor Surin, C, Loko Yaroslavl Jr. (Rus.), 6-foot-1, 192 pounds
A guy with a penchant for scoring big goals and playing on the edge – and often going over it – sounds like a carbon copy of Brad Marchand. And if Surin turns out to be anything close to that, the Predators got a steal in this draft. (Draft Preview)
23. Anaheim Ducks (from TOR): Stian Solberg, LHD, Valerenga (Norway), 6-foot-2, 205 pounds
A late riser in the process, Solberg is a heavy hitter who has built his entire game on physicality and defensive fortitude. His impressive performance at the World Championship helped put his name on the map in the mainstream. Solberg is a better player when he keeps his game simple with the puck, makes safe outlets and does not try to do too much with it. (Ferrari’s rankings)
24. Utah Hockey Club (from COL): Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie (OHL), 6-foot-2, 210 pounds
Utah acquired the No. 24 pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for picks Nos. 38 and 71, plus a second-round pick in 2025 originally belonging to the New York Rangers.
Beaudoin goes to the net, creates havoc and plays a smart positional game. He lacks the dynamic skill of players high on this list, but he plays a projectable pro game, playing in the middle of the ice and using his physicality to win battles all over the ice. (Ferrari’s rankings)
25. Boston Bruins (via DET and OTT): Dean Letourneau, C, St. Andrews (CAN-HS), 6-foot-6, 214 pounds
Sure, Letourneau put up 127 points in 56 games for the Saints, but his best numbers are 6-foot-7 and 209 pounds – with room to grow. The fact he also plays center and is mobile makes him a bit of a unicorn. “He’s impressive,” said one scout. “He’s obviously a big boy with skill who gets around pretty well. Once he learns how to use his size consistently, there’s definitely something there.” (Draft Preview)
26. Los Angeles Kings (from WPG via MTL): Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor (OHL), 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
If it weren’t for his skating, Greentree would likely be 10 spots higher on this list. That said, Greentree is a slick playmaker under pressure and has an underrated shot as well. There may not be a player in the draft who has generated more scoring chances for teammates with a defender on his back or applying pressure. Greentree can work off the boards and attack space or post up around the net to make plays in tight. (Ferrari’s rankings)
27. Chicago Blackhawks (from CAR): Marek Vanacker, LW, Brantford (OHL), 6-foot-1, 174 pounds
Chicago acquired pick No. 27 from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for picks Nos. 34 and 50. This is their third first-round pick this year.
Although there is some worry about his skating, Vanacker uses his intellect to play through that. He flashes some really nice habits defensively, understanding the nuances of playing positional hockey. Offensively, he is a solid playmaker who plays to the middle of the ice. He has some sneaky-good passing ability. He is a solid player around the net as well. (Ferrari’s rankings)
28. Calgary Flames (from VAN): Matvei Gridin, F, Muskegon (USHL), 6-foot-2, 189 pounds
There are definitely some divisive opinions on Gridin, though the fact he can put up points in bunches is undisputed. He exploded for 18 points in his first 10 games this season and ended the campaign with the league scoring crown. The fly in the ointment? His play away from the puck. “He’s the same as Cole Eiserman,” said one scout. “Good skill, talented kid, but he doesn’t know who his defensemen are either.” (Draft Preview)
29. Dallas Stars: Emil Hemming, RW, TPS (Fin.), 6-foot-1, 205 pounds
Hemming plays a heavy game, understands how to play within the structure of his team and always seems to be making the right play. He lacks the puck skill or dynamism of some of the higher-end players in this draft, but he is an enthusiastic worker with and without the puck. (Ferrari’s rankings)
30. New York Rangers: EJ Emery, RHD, U.S. NTDP (USHL), 6-foot-3, 183 pounds
For what Emery lacks in puck skill, he makes up for with physicality. Emery is on the ice looking to eliminate his opponents. His puck skill may hold him back from being a big minute eater at the NHL level because there is plenty of work to do there, but his defensive game could help force his way into the lineup. (Ferrari’s rankings)
31. Toronto Maple Leafs (from EDM via ANA): Ben Danford, RHD, Oshawa (OHL), 6-foot-2, 191 pounds
The Maple Leafs traded pick No. 23 to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for picks Nos. 31 and 58.
Playing for an Oshawa team that got red-hot at the right time, Danford enjoyed a long run to the OHL final, giving evaluators lots of opportunities to see his game. “He’s a very good skating defenseman who is excellent defensively,” said one scout. “One of the better defenders in the draft. Really good 1-on-1, and he competes. What sets him apart is his skating, which helps him break up plays before they happen.” (Draft Preview)
32. Edmonton Oilers (from FLA via PHI): Sam O'Reilly, C/RW, London (OHL), 6-foot-1, 184 pounds
The Oilers acquired the final pick of the first round from the Flyers in exchange for Edmonton's top-12 protected first-rounder 2025. The pick transfers to 2026 otherwise.
By now, there's a blueprint in London: spend your first year of junior with a Knights affiliate to get minutes, prove yourself with the big club in your NHL draft year, then become integral the season after that. O’Reilly, who spent last season with the Jr. B London Nationals, is one of the latest examples. “He’s taken his development slowly, and now he’s playing down the middle, fitting in and making plays,” said one scout. “He’s going to develop into that proverbial 200-foot player.” (Draft Preview)
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