The USHL boasts a wealth of centers for NHL clubs to choose from in the 2024 NHL Draft, including Chicago Steel's Michael Hage.
The USHL boasts a wealth of centers for NHL clubs to choose from in the 2024 NHL Draft, including Chicago Steel's Michael Hage.
While all of the focus will be at the top of the 2024 NHL Draft and Macklin Celebrini likely going to the San Jose Sharks with the No. 1 overall pick, teams below San Jose will be looking for a center to add to their prospect pipelines.
The USHL has no shortage of talented centers, and the Chicago Steel's Michael Hage could be the first player down the middle to hear his name called. Waterloo's John Mustard is one who NHL Central Scouting has listed as a center, but he primarily played along the wing. That applies for several other players in this draft class.
With that, let's look at the Top 10 USHL centers for the 2024 NHL Draft:
1. Michael Hage (Chicago Steel)
The 18-year-old, who signed a tender agreement in the same year as Celebrini, was hurt for most of his first year in the league after suffering a shoulder injury in training camp. However, Hage was worth the wait and got better as the 2023–24 season unfolded. The University of Michigan commit finished with 33 goals and 42 assists, making his 75 points the fourth-most in the USHL. Perhaps more impressive, 51 of his points came after the holiday break. Hage is one of the best puck-handlers in this draft class and pairs that with his skating and vision. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he also has a solid frame that should continue to fill out as he physically matures, making him a more effective player in all three zones as a legitimate center in the National Hockey League.
2. Sacha Boisvert (Muskegon Lumberjacks)
After a successful first year, Sacha Boisvert had an even better second season in the USHL despite taking on more responsibilities. The North Dakota commit played a strong 200-foot game, which speaks volumes about the caliber of player that he is, considering that he was able to score 68 points on 36 goals and 32 assists. Boisvert already possessed impressive speed and shooting ability for his age, but his longevity down the middle was aided by his significant improvement this past year in the faceoff circle.
3. John Mustard (Waterloo Black Hawks)
John Mustard does everything at a high level of speed. The Waterloo forward burst onto the scene after racking up 117 points in AAA a year ago and collected 56 points on 29 goals and 27 assists. For his efforts, Mustard earned USHL Rookie of the Year honors. The Providence commit is one of the best skaters in not only the league but in this draft class. Combine that with his shot, and Mustard is one of my biggest risers in the 2024 NHL Draft.
4. Kamil Bednarik (NTDP U18 Team)
While he is by no means flashy, Kamil Bednarik is one of the most consistent players at both ends of the ice. The Boston University commit expanded upon his 44 points (20-24-44) with the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-17 Team and tallied 65 points on 26 goals and 39 assists with the U18s this past season. He was one of the NTDP's best penalty killers and performed well at the U18 Men's World Championship, recording two goals and six points in international competition.
5. Teddy Stiga (NTDP U18 Team)
Teddy Stiga is one of my favorite players in the 2024 NHL Draft. In his two-year residency with the U.S. National Team Development Program, the Boston College commit's competitiveness went unmatched. After recording 21 points with the U17 last year, Stiga came a long way toward becoming an offensive threat. He tallied 36 points and 43 assists, making his 79 points the third-most on the U18 team. Added, he boosted his draft stock with a solid performance at the U18 Men's World Championship, recording six goals and 11 points.
6. Christian Humphreys (NTDP U18 Team)
Christian Humphreys had a consistent two-year residency in Plymouth, Michigan. The University of Michigan commit tallied 43 and 58 points with the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-17 and 18 Teams, respectively. Humphreys also had four goals and five points at the U18 Men's World Championship. He is one of the smartest players on the ice and seems to always put himself in positions for scoring opportunities.
7. Lucas Van Vliet (NTDP U18 Team)
Lucas Van Vliet will take another year in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, and the Michigan State commit could see a breakout season, playing top-six minutes. His point production was down with the U.S. National Team Development Program U18 team, recording 22 points, compared to 34 with the U17 team a year ago. Van Vliet was also quiet at the U18 Men's World Championship. However, he features a great shot and speed in open ice and will make an NHL club very happy on Day 2 of the draft.
8. Aidan Park (Green Bay Gamblers)
Aidan Park largely spent this past season at the prestigious Shattuck St. Mary's prep school, where he finished as the third-highest scorer for the 18U team. The University of Michigan commit finished with 93 points on 30 goals and 63 assists. He joined the Green Bay for the Clark Cup Playoffs and scored the overtime winner in Game 3 to send the Gamblers to the second round for the first time in 12 years.
9. Jake Fisher (Fargo Force)
In his first full USHL season, Jake Fisher was one of the most dynamic forwards on the Fargo Force roster. The University of Denver commit recorded 23 goals and 47 points in 51 games and added six points in Fargo's run to the Clark Cup championship. He is a fascinating re-entry candidate and one that should not be overlooked on Day 2 of the draft.
10. Mac Swanson (Fargo Force)
If Swanson were three inches taller, we could possibly be discussing him as a first-round selection. Instead, the USHL Forward and Player of the Year will make an NHL club incredibly happy on Day 2 of the draft. Swanson, listed at 5-foot-7, silenced his doubters with two productive seasons in the league and added more scoring in Year 2, tallying 26 goals and 77 points.
Honorable Mentions: Erik Pahlsson (Dubuque Fighting Saints), Charlie Pardue (NTDP U18 Team), Anthony Cardilli (Chicago Steel), Jack Galanek (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Jake Sondreal (Dubuque Fighting Saints), Charlie Cerrato (Youngstown Phantoms), Nolan Roed (Tri-City Storm)