Less than one week after the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup, the 2024 NHL Draft is here! Friday night will see 32 NHL hopefuls hear their names called. Their futures will change drastically as each team hopes it has drafted their next franchise cornerstone. With the draft mere hours away, ClutchPoints presents its final 2024 NHL Mock Draft!
Previous editions: 2024 NHL Mock Draft 1.0, 2024 NHL Mock Draft 2.0, 2024 NHL Mock Draft 3.0, 2024 NHL Mock Draft 4.0
1. San Jose Sharks – Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (NCAA)
This may be the worst-kept secret of the 2024 NHL Draft. Celebrini is the consensus top player in this class and is seen as a franchise cornerstone. Barring some unforeseen surprise, the Boston University star will join the San Jose Sharks Friday night. He joins last year's first-round pick — Will Smith — as a formidable 1-2 punch down the middle for years to come.
2. Chicago Blackhawks – Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
The Blackhawks have a massive decision to make with this selection. Chicago is not trading this pick, so the deliberation comes down to which player to take. All reports indicate the Blackhawks are choosing between Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov and Russian star Ivan Demidov.
In another NHL Mock Draft, Levshunov may be the pick. And the Michigan State star is a good fit for the Blackhawks. However, Chicago has a hard time passing on Demidov's skill. He may be the most dynamic offensive presence in this class. And with his KHL contract expiring at the end of the 2024-25 season, Chicago can pair him with Connor Bedard sooner rather than later.
3. Anaheim Ducks – Artyom Levshunov, RHD, Michigan State (NCAA)
Artyom Levshunov fits the Ducks extremely well. Though they could go in another direction, this is the correct choice. Levshunov is the most complete defenseman in the draft, though his defense could use a bit of work. Still, he played in all situations for a Michigan State Spartans team that ranked within the top five in the nation. And he did this as a freshman.
The Ducks could use a bit of defensive help, though it isn't a glaring need. Jamie Drysdale was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this season. Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov are beginning to establish themselves in the NHL, as well. There is room for a potential top-pairing defenseman in the system, and they get it here.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets – Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Don Waddell runs the Blue Jackets now after departing the Carolina Hurricanes. He has an interesting decision to make at the 2024 NHL Draft, especially if there is a surprise within the top three. They could add a defenseman here, with Zayne Parekh being a great fit for the Blue Jackets. However, reports indicate they are looking to go for a forward.
There are concerns about Cayden Lindstrom following an injury in his draft year. When healthy, though, he shows a lot of promise. He combines impressive size with good skating ability and fearlessness. He plays a physical game that disrupts his opponents and can create opportunities for his teammates. If he stays healthy, Lindstrom should be a top-six center in the NHL.
5. Montreal Canadiens – Berkly Catton, C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
The Montreal Canadiens are looking to add a forward at the 2024 NHL Draft. And with the way this NHL Mock Draft has gone, there is one premium option to choose from. Berkly Catton has seen his stock drop as of late, but that is not a reflection of his talent or potential. Catton could legitimately be a top-line center in the NHL with dynamic offensive ability.
The Chiefs star has breathtaking skill and speed that makes him a nightmare to defend. He can take on defenders through the middle of the ice or on the outside. And Catton is an excellent player off the puck, as well. He is a very great fit for the Canadiens in this year's draft.
6. Utah Hockey Club – Anton Silayev, LHD, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
The Utah Hockey Club makes its first NHL Draft selection on Friday night, and they get a fantastic prospect here. Anton Silayev played a major role for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in 2023-24. He brings imposing size — he's listed at 6'7″ — with a physical defensive style and remarkable skating ability.
The one knock on Silayev is his offensive impact. He doesn't exactly have an impact on the offensive side of the game. However, that should not take him out of the top 10. His potential as a legitimate shutdown blueliner at the next level is in a class of its own. The Russian rearguard is a very rare player and would fit in well within the Utah organization.
7. Ottawa Senators – Zayne Parekh, RHD, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
The Ottawa Senators could certainly take a swing on American winger Cole Eiserman here. However, the way the board has fallen, they take an equally impressive offensive talent at a position of need. Zayne Parekh is one of the most dynamic offensive defensemen to enter the NHL Draft in a very long time.
Parekh had a lot of success with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL. This culminated in the Spirit claiming their first Memorial Cup, as well. Parekh played a vital role in this success. He is an aggressive offensive force that makes smart decisions with the puck. He has the instincts of a winger and is incredibly confident on the puck. There are concerns about his defense, but his defense is serviceable enough for him to receive the green light offensively.
8. Seattle Kraken – Zeev Buium, LHD, University of Denver (NCAA)
The Seattle Kraken have spent their recent first-round picks on forwards. In 2021, it was Matty Beniers. A year later they stopped the fall of consensus top pick Shane Wright. The 2023 NHL Draft saw them select Eduard Sale in the first round. This has created a big need on defense, and thankfully, the 2024 NHL Draft is very deep on the blueline.
In this NHL Mock Draft, they select Zeev Buium. Buium, much like Levshunov, had an excellent season as a freshman in college. In fact, he made history as the first draft-eligible defenseman to surpass 50 points in a season. He has dynamic hand skill that allows him to handle the puck cleanly and create space in the offensive zone. His defense improved over the course of the season, and if continues improving, he could become one of the better two-way defenders in the league.
9. Calgary Flames – Tij Iginla, LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
The Calgary Flames could have the best moment of the 2024 NHL Draft with this selection here. Tij Iginla is the son of Flames legend Jarome Iginla. Jarome led Calgary to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final and set numerous franchise records during his time in Alberta. The younger Iginla would certainly have a lot to live up to.
That said, he is certainly worth the selection on his own merits. He has a lethal release on his shot that goalies have a ton of trouble stopping. He has elite hands that he uses to beat defenders and create space. And he plays well off the puck to help his teammates. Iginla could play down the middle, but he projects better as a wing in the NHL.
10. New Jersey Devils – Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
The New Jersey Devils could trade this pick to acquire more immediate help. However, trades during the NHL Draft are extremely hard to predict. As a result, trades are not included in this NHL Mock Draft. The Devils stick and select a fast-rising winger that could be a darkhorse to go higher than this.
Beckett Sennecke had an impressive second half of the season that has done wonders for his draft stock. He combines his size and impressive skill to make a difference in the game. Many believe the Generals star has a chance to become a top-six winger at the NHL level.
11. San Jose Sharks (via BUF) – Cole Eiserman, LW, USNTDP
The Sharks are back up after swinging a trade with the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday. Cole Eiserman entered the 2023-24 season as the consensus second-best player behind Macklin Celebrini. However, things have certainly changed over the last few months. Eiserman is certainly a promising prospect, but the American winger has seen his stock fall as flaws in his game have become more apparent.
Eiserman is the best pure goal scorer in this draft. There isn't a player who possesses a more lethal shot than the American winger. However, nearly every other aspect of his game is lacking to some extent. He isn't great off the puck, and he isn't especially adept as a play driver. Still, the upside of the goal-scoring alone is worth a lottery selection. And he could absolutely thrive next to Celebrini in the future.
12. Philadelphia Flyers – Konsta Helenius, C, Jukurit (Liiga)
There are rumors of the Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators having a trade worked out for the night of the NHL Draft. We'll see if that trade winds up happening on Friday. For this NHL Mock Draft, Philadelphia holds onto their pick and selects a center who fits the philosophy head coach John Tortorella preaches.
Konsta Helenius lacks the ideal size for a center at the next level. But what he lacks in size he makes up for in strength. He plays an excellent two-way game that sees him play aggressive defense. He is also a remarkable playmaker and can create offensive opportunities for his teammates. His skating needs work, but there is a lot to like about Helenius.
13. Minnesota Wild – Sam Dickinson, LHD, London Knights (OHL)
The Minnesota Wild could go in a few different directions with this selection. But Sam Dickinson makes a lot of sense. Some believe he could go within the top 10 — and potentially the top five. However, he could certainly find himself in the late lottery, as he does in this NHL Mock Draft. Dickinson is one of the best athletes in the class, but he is very raw as a player. He does have the potential to play in the top four, though, and could form quite the pairing with Brock Faber in the future.
14. Buffalo Sabres (via SJ/PIT) – Carter Yakemchuk, RHD, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
The Buffalo Sabres are back up after their earlier trade with the Sharks. Here, they improve their defensive depth with the selection of Carter Yakemchuk. Yakemchuk is offensively skilled which, along with being a right-shot, makes him an appealing prospect to teams. There are concerns over his hockey sense, but he projects to play in the top four in the NHL. The Sabres have a ton of depth on the blueline, but they can afford to take the best available player with this selection.
15. Detroit Red Wings – Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Speaking of the Jake Walman trade, the Detroit Red Wings are up with their selection. The Red Wings are active this offseason and are clearly looking to make some sort of move. Though general manager Steve Yzerman has said he does not anticipate moving this selection, that could certainly change. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is a popular pick for the Red Wings, though. Brandsegg-Nygard is one of the most competitive players in the class and has impressive offensive skill that Detroit certainly needs in its system.
16. St. Louis Blues – Stian Solberg, LHD, Vålerenga (EliteHockey Ligaen)
Brandsegg-Nygard is the best Norwegian prospect to enter the NHL Draft. But Stian Solberg is nearly as impressive as his countryman. He is a very late riser through this draft process. He played extremely well for the Norwegian national team at the World Championships, though, which helped put him on the map. Solberg played major minutes in all situations for Norway and certainly held his own against superior competition. He could certainly be an intriguing add for a St. Louis Blues team needing depth on the blueline.
17. Washington Capitals – Igor Chernyshov, LW, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)
The Washington Capitals are certainly a fit for Solberg. However, if he doesn't make it to their pick, Igor Chernyshov is a fine fit as well. He is a power forward with a great motor. He is extremely hard to knock off the puck given his size and strength. The Russian winger also has a strong shot that can beat goalies from distance. He has a strong chance at being a regular powerplay contributor and playing in the middle-six of a team's lineup at the NHL level.
18. Chicago Blackhawks (via NYI) – Sasha Boisvert, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
The Blackhawks traded for this pick earlier in the offseason in a deal with the New York Islanders. Here, Chicago elects to pick another forward after their second overall selection. While Ivan Demidov can play center, he projects better as a winger. As a result, Chicago has room to add a natural center to their organization. Sasha Boisvert is a bit of an underrated prospect who plays a steady two-way game. The Lumberjacks star takes care of his defensive responsibilities and he possesses a high-end shot that should translate to the NHL. He could be a solid middle-six center at the next level.
19. Vegas Golden Knights – Michael Hage, C, Chicago Steel (USHL)
The Vegas Golden Knights are up in this NHL Mock Draft, and they add another intriguing center with this selection. Michael Hage is a speedy center who is fearless, especially when crashing the net. He can beat defenders with his speed, but he can also take them on one-on-one. There are some questions about his consistency, as there were times when his game disappeared a bit. But the Golden Knights have room to add a center after trading David Edstrom to the Sharks at the NHL Trade Deadline. Hage gives them a potential middle-six center and he immediately becomes one of their top prospects.
20. New York Islanders (via TBL) – Adam Jiricek, RHD, HC Plzen (Extraliga)
The New York Islanders could certainly use center depth at this spot. However, they instead take a chance on Adam Jiricek, a promising right-shot defenseman who struggled with injuries this year. Jiricek has a ton of potential and only falls to this spot due to his injuries. Still, he can move the puck rather well and is a relentless defender who refuses to quit. If he can remain healthy, Jiricek easily slots into a team's top-four at the NHL level. The Islanders can certainly use defensemen with high upside in their system.
21. Los Angeles Kings – Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)
The Los Angeles Kings have two centers with high potential in the NHL right now. Quinton Byfield broke out this past season and may develop into the top-line center many saw during his junior days. Alex Turcotte, though, has yet to show that he can succeed in the NHL. With this pick, they select Jett Luchanko to bolster their depth down the middle. He is a defensively responsible center who can develop into a reliable secondary scorer in the NHL. Luchanko likely won't turn into a star, but he gives the Kings depth at an incredibly important position on the ice.
22. Nashville Predators – Charlie Elick, RHD, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
The Nashville Predators have depth at forward in their system. Additionally, they have their goaltender of the future in Yaroslav Askarov. This allows the Predators to target defensive depth at the 2024 NHL Draft. In this NHL Mock Draft, Nashville takes Charlie Elick. Elick brings size and defensive ability to the ice every time he laces his skates. The Wheat Kings star could use some improvement when it comes to the offensive aspects of his game. That said, the physical defensive style he plays should help him become a reliable shutdown defenseman in the NHL.
23. Toronto Maple Leafs – Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
The Toronto Maple Leafs take advantage of the board falling the way it has to take a rather underrated prospect. Liam Greentree certainly has a chance to go higher than this on Friday night. There are concerns over his hockey sense and skating, but his offensive skill is clear for everyone to see. His vision on the ice allows him to pick out passes and create chances for his teammates. And he has a good shot that allows him to score a few goals of his own. He could carve out a role in the middle of Toronto's lineup sometime down the line.
24. Colorado Avalanche – Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
The Colorado Avalanche could certainly use depth on the wing. In this NHL Mock Draft, they take a chance on a player that's slightly off the board. Terik Parascak has high-level hockey sense and excellent hands that allow him to take defenders on one-on-one. He can also create space on the ice, which furthers his abilities in the offensive zone. The Cougars star isn't a great skater, though, which has dropped his stock. But there is a middle-of-the-lineup player here if things go well.
25. Boston Bruins (via OTT/DET) – EJ Emery, RHD, USNTDP
The Boston Bruins initially owned this pick. However, they traded it to the Detroit Red Wings last year. Detroit then traded it to the Ottawa Senators last summer before the Senators gave it back to Boston in the Linus Ullmark trade. With this pick, they take EJ Emery, who combines his size with high-end defensive ability. He became a reliable shutdown defenseman for the US National Team Development Program this past season, and his skills should translate to the NHL. Emery could certainly become a top-four defenseman in Boston.
26. Montreal Canadiens (via WPG) – Andrew Basha, LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
The Canadiens are back up with the draft pick they acquired in the Sean Monahan trade. Basha is a high-energy player who could become a heart-and-soul type player for the team that drafts him. Furthermore, he has high-end puckhandling ability that he pairs with promising playmaking ability. His playmaking ability isn't exactly polished, though. And there are a lot of aspects of his game that need a lot of work. Still, Basha can play a role in the middle of Montreal's lineup, either as a center or on the wing.
27. Carolina Hurricanes – Dean Letourneau, C, St. Andrew's College (PHC)
Centers with size are a coveted commodity in the NHL. In this NHL Mock Draft, the Carolina Hurricanes do just that. Dean Letourneau stands 6-foot-7 and has impressive hands for his size. Furthermore, he has some offensive upside after dominating Canadian prep hockey. The level of competition certainly makes his long-term projection a bit murky. His skating ability is also a cause for concern. However, there is a lot to like, and he should find himself going in the latter half of the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
28. Calgary Flames (via VAN) – Leo Sahlin Wallenus, LHD, Växjö Lakers (SHL)
The Calgary Flames are back up with the pick they acquired in the Elias Lindholm trade. Defense may not be a glaring need of theirs after picking up Kevin Bahl in the Jacob Markstrom trade. But they certainly can't go wrong in selecting Leo Sahlin Wallenus. He is a high-end skater who flashes the ability to play a two-way game. The only true knock here is that Sahlin Wallenius doesn't have a trait that is dynamic in any way. That said, there is a lot to like, and the Flames are clearly interested in reshaping their blueline at all levels of the organization.
29. Dallas Stars – Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie Colts (OHL)
The Dallas Stars nearly made the Stanley Cup Final in 2024, but ultimately fell short. With this pick, they take a player who plays a game that fits well with them. Cole Beaudoin is not an exciting offensive player who will put up a ton of points. However, he is incredibly hard to play against. He is an aggressive and physical player who relentlessly hounds his opponents as he tracks after the puck. Without an offensive game, his upside may be limited. That said, he could turn into an elite defensive forward and one of the best penalty-killers in the league.
30. New York Rangers – Dominik Badinka, RHD, Malmo Redhawks (SHL)
The New York Rangers also fell short of the Stanley Cup in 2024. At the 2024 NHL Draft, they should deepen their blueline. Dominik Badinka is an excellent fit, though he is very much a project. Badinka is a very mobile defender who held his own against grown men in the top level of Swedish hockey. He has shown the ability to play a two-way game at the next level. While there is work to be done, the Rangers could have a reliable fourth defenseman on their hands here.
31. Anaheim Ducks (from EDM) – Nikita Artamonov, LW, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
The Anaheim Ducks acquired this pick from the Edmonton Oilers in the Adam Henrique trade. The Oilers failed to win the Stanley Cup, so this pick is the penultimate selection in the first round. The Ducks go with a winger who certainly could go a lot higher than this. Artamonov played a major role for Torpedo this past season along with Anton Silayev. He is a creative playmaker who thrived against grown men in the KHL last year. If he makes it this far, the Ducks would certainly be wise to make this selection.
32. Philadelphia Flyers (from FLA) – Yegor Surin, C, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
The Philadelphia Flyers round out this NHL Mock Draft by adding to their center depth. Yegor Surin is an aggressive forward who is quick on the ice but not necessarily fast. He is one of the youngest players in this class, allowing Philadelphia to take their time with his development. He showed the ability to produce at a high level offensively in the Russian junior league. And he thrived during their postseason. Surin could be an interesting selection late in the first round.
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