A franchise cornerstone is in store for the San Jose Sharks. A wealth of skilled forwards and influential defensemen for the remaining 31 teams. The draft makes up for its lack of generational star power with its depth. A large number of the players chosen this weekend will go on to have incredible NHL careers, surpass everyone’s expectations, and win Stanley Cups.
The final ranking takes into consideration viewings, combined results, industry intelligence, model projections, and model confidence. Players will move up and down in this ranking more than in previous versions depending on viewings and industry knowledge. Players can move up and down a list for a variety of reasons, such as industry reluctance, defensive play that isn’t as heavily weighted in the model, or belief in their capacity to make things happen. Although I now value upside and potential more than those in the industry, I do now recognize players with more projectable development curves and lower ceilings.
On draft day, nobody wins or loses the Stanley Cup, but winning one requires making some excellent draft selections along the road. Friday is the first step toward glory.
Macklin Celebrini
F, University of Boston
Prior order: 1.
Celebrini, a franchise cornerstone center with instant impact, is the class’ top pick for good reason. There isn’t a single aspect of the game where there are valid worries. To put it plainly, he lacks any weaknesses. His 200-foot game is excellent, and he contributes greatly on both wings. With his exceptional skill, he became one of the few genuine freshman to be named the best college hockey player and earn the Hobey Baker award.
He finds passing lanes that others are unable to find, disrupts defensive plans, and maneuvers through the middle of the ice with agility. His ability to turn off defenders, play through contact, protect the puck, and continue play will all be valuable in the NHL. His ability to identify wide areas, keep his stick away from defenders, and release the puck fast makes him a threat to score even without the puck.
His outstanding toolkit indicates that he will be a top-tier two-way center and play driver in the NHL. Coaches will feel confident deploying him against the top players on the opposing side in any situation. He is a franchise builder and someone a team can base a Stanley Cup contender around, even though he is not a generational player.
Demidov Ivan
F, MHL, SKA St. Petersburg
Prior order: 2.
Demidov was, and probably still would be, the second player chosen if his contract situation was guaranteed. He is the whole package offensively and is expected to be one of the NHL’s top six difference makers.
His exceptional release, superb vision, and superb puckhandling abilities make him one of the most exciting offensive players in this draft class. His physical maturity and size have surprised everyone, drawing attention to him throughout the Florida showcase. With his ability to create offensive momentum, Demidov won MVP after dominating playoff games on a regular basis.
He is a threat in transition and is among the top 5% in shooting and passing numbers. He regularly finds himself in the risky scoring zones and drives the middle from the outside. The only player with a ceiling like Celebrini’s is Demidov, a versatile offensive player with the ability to generate 40 goals and 40 assists.
Levshunov Artyom
D – Michigan State
Prior order: 3.
Scouts are impressed by the Belarusian, who is thought to be the greatest defender in the draft class in many aspects. He is a right-shot defenceman who physically dominates and sets the tone for offensive play. Scouts think he has the potential to grow into a valuable two-way defenseman in the NHL very soon due to his rapid improvement.
He is very skilled at finding shooting openings, making accurate first passes, and controlling the game from the blue line. Despite his defensive shortcomings, he has a lot of potential because of his physical makeup, superb skating, and high success rate in puck battles. He can change the pace of the play because he is a playmaker who is constantly involved. Levshunov has the potential to develop into a top-pairing defenseman who manipulates play throughout shifts and helps his side win the puck.
Lindstrom Cayden
F, Tigers of Medicine Hat (WHL)
Prior order: 4.
Lindstrom is a formidable force in the junior division because of his ability to combine size, speed, and technique. His 6-4 stature allows him to play through contact in difficult areas of the ice, win battles, and efficiently protect the puck. He is a strong opponent in puck fights and on the rush thanks to his physical attributes and skating prowess. He has the skills to be a very good power forward in the NHL if he keeps honing his playmaking through contact. He shifts into a different gear to make space, and his quickness in transition keeps defensemen on their toes.
When the puck is out of his possession, he can read his teammates well and locate open areas. Being a diverse offensive player, he is aware of when to hold the puck to set up plays in the offensive zone or use his physicality to generate scoring opportunities. Projections show that Lindstrom could develop into a second-line center with the ability to produce 70 points over an extended period of time, despite his concerning injury history. Even if it might take him longer to develop, many teams are interested in a player with his toolkit.
Zayne Parekh
D, Spirit of Saginaw (OHL)
Prior order: 5.
Without a doubt, Parekh is the best offensive defensemen available in the draft.
On the blue line, he has all the makings of a game-changer. With the exception of Levshunov, his model projections and statistics are exceptional. With an over 80% likelihood of playing 200+ NHL games and a predicted ranking as a top-4 offensive catalyst, he is unquestionably in the top tier.
Attacking dynamos with a right hand are uncommon and infrequently traded. Parekh can score as many as 60 points in a season in the NHL and possesses all the makings of a premier even-strength play and power play quarterback. It is important not to undervalue his excellent draft-eligible season, which was among the finest in CHL history. He can easily create space and escape opponents thanks to his exceptional four-way mobility.
Throughout the OHL season, he developed a stronger defensive game. Although it isn’t as strong as some would want, his skating and hockey sense allow him to defend well in the NHL. His play-driving offense is built upon his natural offensive instincts. Parekh is an intriguing package when you combine his offensive instincts with his proven ability to move pucks to dangerous places, create shooting opportunities, and get pucks through. He has the greatest ceiling of any defenseman selected in the draft, which gives us confidence that he will be a productive top-4 defenseman for the duration of his NHL career.
Zeev Buium
D, University of Denver
Prior order: 7.
Buium, one of the top defensemen in collegiate hockey this year, is firmly predicted to rank among the top four in the NHL. He constantly makes an impression by joining the rush, playing excellent transition defense, and dominating man-to-man play inside his own zone. He was a standout two-way defenceman in college and is probably the best puck mover in this draft class. He is able to make plays that other players are unable to because of his exceptional hockey sense and apparent two- to three-play advantage.
On defense, he keeps a close distance, adjusts to tempo variations, and employs superb edgework to stay ahead in tense circumstances. He can generate space and passing lanes with his puck skills and several head and shoulder fakes. I haven’t seen a better one-on-one defenseman in this draft yet.
Buium improves his play as the game gets more intense. As a young player, he was a key member of the NCAA champion Denver blue line and one of Team USA’s top players at the World Juniors. By the end of the 2024–25 college season, Buium might be prepared for the NHL with all the attributes of a play-making, momentum-shifting defenceman.
Tij Iginla
F, Rockets of Kelowna (WHL)
Prior order: 8.
With a well-rounded offensive package, the second-generation Iginla, one of the greatest risers in the draft class, comes in at No. 7 here. Iginla is a strong player in the offensive zone. He is an agile skater who can beat opponents in a straight line or vary pace to throw defenders off-balance.
He is a dangerous goal scorer both with and without the puck because to his innate attacking instincts and wrist shot. This season, he developed his puck skills considerably and emerged as a potent attacking threat. Iginla surprised goalies with his release, powerful protection, and outstanding puckhandling when he gets the puck. He possesses a rare ability to combine exceptional technique and competitive physicality, which may be hazardous.
Without the puck, he locates open areas, forechecks with determination, and demonstrates the fierce competition his father was renowned for. With the potential to be a top-line winger, his combination of skating, puck skills, toughness, and shooting ability should allow him to contribute consistently in a top-six role, even though his defensive play still needs improvement.
Meet the top prospects, such as Macklin Celebrini, Zeev Buium, Artyom Levshunov, and Cayden Lindstrom, before the 2024 NHL draft.
Silayev, Anton
D, Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo (KHL)
Prior order: 6.
This massive defender, who is only 17 years old, played a lot of minutes for one of the KHL’s top clubs, which improved his projection significantly at 6-7. Although he won’t likely be a spectacular player in the NHL, his scoring abilities are improving, and it looks like he could score 35 to 40 points a game.
He moves around the attacking blue line and transitions into defense with great agility and edgework, demonstrating his excellent skating. He might be able to stop the top players on the other team as a high-minute defenseman in the NHL if he can gain strength without sacrificing movement.
Because of his demonstrated ability to thrive in the KHL, his floor is greater than that of other elite defensive prospects. Scouts are impressed by his physicality, transition defense, and skating prowess. His ability to read the play and make wise puck decisions is under question. It will take him some time to improve his read pressure, transition offense, and breakout facilitation skills.
Eiserman Cole
F, NTDP United States U18
Prior order: 10.
Though judgments on Eiserman are very subjective, he is thought to be the finest pure scorer in the draft.
Though it’s difficult to overlook his remarkable goal totals with the national team development program, he frequently leaves scouts wanting more. If he hits his ceiling, his projection, with the strongest shooting in the draft, says he might score 35–40 goals a season. He has more time in the draft as a young player to hone his decision-making skills and create a well-rounded offensive game. The ability to catch and release the puck from unusual places is innate, and Eiserman is a natural scorer. Habits can be broken, and skating will only get better.
Sometimes he tries to do too much with the puck, which causes forced shoots and turnovers, which can irritate coaches and scouts. In spite of this, if given enough time and patience, he has the ability to score forty goals or more. The model is optimistic that he can perform in a top-six role in the NHL. Eiserman is talented enough to be a power play player, an even-strength scorer, and most importantly, a game-changer.
Catton Berkly
F, Washington Huskies (WHL)
Prior order: 11.
One of those players who will “get you out of your seats” is Catton. With the puck, he is dynamic, able to read defensive systems, slice through coverage, and a nightmare to stop one-on-one. It is sheer genius how he can use his speed and expertise to maneuver defenders. One of the draft’s most dangerous transition players, he can execute high-skill plays in traffic despite his small stature of 5-11.
He has to be a little more accurate with his spot selection to increase his offensive efficiency, as is the case with any player with this skill set. At the NHL level, the turnovers will not be tolerated, and he will need to improve his ability to generate offensive pressure when not in transition. Smaller areas require the use of the same trickery, stick skill, and manipulation that he used on the rush. His chances of being a top-six point scorer increase if he can knock pucks off the wall and get to the middle.
He already possesses a strong arsenal of releases and shot types, making him a dual threat. He knows how to position defenders in vulnerable ways, therefore it’s reasonable to assume that his offensive game will only get better. Though I’m not sure if he’s a center in the NHL, this dynamic dual threat will undoubtedly provide years of fun to watch.
Dickinson, Sam
D. Knights of London (OHL)
Prior order: 9.
The large, quick defenseman has many qualities, and he displayed them all during London’s march to the Memorial Cup Final. Especially in transition, Dickinson proves why he is one of the best all-around skating defensemen available in the draft.
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He moves the ball easily, cuts to the middle, eludes opponents, and creates scoring opportunities offensively.
On defense, he closes the distance well, keeps up with the opponent’s speed, and completes his checks. Although he has a better-than-average shooting, he is not likely to overwhelm NHL goalies. In the NHL, his mobility and defensive prowess will be invaluable. All of these are qualities that coaches and scouts adore. Why the model sees him as a top-four defender with a puncher’s potential to be a top-pairing player is understandable.
Making decisions on both sides of the puck is Dickinson’s key concern. He’s so elusive and better at skating than his classmates are at the junior level that it hides certain awareness problems. He has the ability to skate himself into trouble and complicate things when there is a simpler option available when he is in a rush. When he wins a battle, he makes bad judgments with the puck in the defensive zone and is caught on the wrong side of players. He is an NHL player and a natural athlete, but only time will tell if he can improve his awareness and reading skills to fully utilize his toolkit and make an impact.
Konsta Helenius
F. Jukurit (Liiga)
Prior order: 12
Scouts and coaches look for three qualities in athletes, and Helenius possesses all three: alertness, competitiveness, and adaptability. When you consider that his output during the draft year is comparable to that of Mikael Granlund, Kaapo Kakko, and Alexander Barkov, you have the basis for a rather solid prediction of a top-six player with a third-line floor.
Helenius has outstanding defensive qualities, and the NHL can easily use his play. He is not showy, yet successful offensively. He makes smart judgments with the puck by retrieving pucks, entering the zone while in control, creating space with his body placement, and using his superior hockey sense. His ability to manage the puck, together with his hockey knowledge and competitiveness, make him a dependable and very effective player in all three zones.
Although he doesn’t have the same dynamic qualities as other players in the draft class, he more than makes up for it with his ability to drive his line. Helenius may not possess a particularly strong offensive quality, but he does constantly drive play and display bursts of creative inventiveness. At the NHL level, he is a 200-foot, well-rounded player who will have an effect on both sides of the puck. Scouts had high regard for the young Finn because they see some Mikael Backlund in him.
Every contender requires a quality penalty taker and second-line center who can drive play at even strength. Helenius is that. There’s a chance he becomes a player akin to Joel Eriksson Ek or Elias Lindholm if his offensive develops.
Sennecke Beckett
F, Generals of Oshawa (OHL)
Prior order: 14.
This season, Sennecke’s ascent seemed like to a meme stock. Scouts were impressed by his toolkit throughout his quiet beginnings, and he went on to produce a ton in the second half of the season and even improved in the postseason. He improved as the games gained greater significance. Sennecke’s development curve is the perfect example of a player whose stock profited tremendously from that, and the model values development over a season. With an average forecast, he was ranked in the mid-40s in November. His best chance of making the NHL in June is as a second-line guy.
It is hard to locate a vulnerability offensively. During one-on-one play this season, he dropped more jaws than any other draft-eligible player in the OHL. He is a dual-threat nightmare in the offensive zone. He has terrifying ability to maneuver around defenders and force them into unfavorable places. He poses a threat not just in tense circumstances but also when things are changing. He chases the puck around the rink, effortlessly slicing through defensive coverage with deft reads, purposeful passes, and potent shots.
He wins pucks back with his alertness off the puck. He turned into a nightmare on the forecheck as the season went on, consistently hemming guys in and getting pucks back. He is, for want of a better term, a gamer. He’s probably going to wind up with the puck on his stick if he wants it. Although he is not a particularly skilled skater, he gets where he wants to go, outperforms his colleagues, and plays a step ahead of them. Although I think that ranking him in the top five is a bit high, there are teams that do, and it is understandable why scouts think Sennecke has the potential to be a top-line player.
Yakemchuk Carter
D, Hitmen of Calgary (WHL)
Prior position: 13
When he’s on the ice, the right-handed defenseman is hard to miss. At six feet three, he had an offensive season greater than any defenseman eligible for the draft who wasn’t Zayne Parekh. He should be a threat in the NHL since he has a bomb from the point that he uses well. His constant activation in the middle of the play, striving to create an impact, makes him instantly identifiable on the rink.
At the junior level, Yakemchuk is an offensive difference-maker who has displayed flashes of superb puck distribution. He controls the power play from the point, but to make the most of his opportunity in the NHL, he’ll need to improve his ability to assist the offensive. With his great hands, his fakes, and his sheer force, he manipulates defenders. Compared to a more elusive skater, he is easier to defend against since he lacks an explosive skating stride.
He needs more work on his defense. For him to be a productive transition defense in the NHL, his skating mobility needs to be increased. Executives and scouts adore his cruel streak because he strikes to make an impression. He is observed monitoring the puck or moving inappropriately in an attempt to get violent. He needs to improve in this area before making the leap because he lacks the skating step to catch opponents when they outmaneuver him in those circumstances.
There’s no denying the attacking prowess and shot. Yakemchuk will have more opportunities than players of a comparable stature because of his physical style, handedness, and size. Warts exist, but there are also tools. Yakemchuk has a chance to develop into a minutes-eating second-pairing defenseman if he can enhance his transition game through skating and puck distribution, as well as learn how to use his size without getting out of position.
Connelly Trevor
F, USHL Tri-City Storm
Prior position: 19
There has been a lot of written about the Trevor Connelly case. He is without a doubt the draft’s biggest wild card. He is one of the draft’s top ten talents. Scouts are drawn to his deft skating, transition offense, and hands. He is a terrific attacking player who can get spectators out of their seats when he is at his best. Highlight reels and social media feeds abound with images of him.
His offensive style is versatile and dynamic, making him stand out when playing in transition. With his quickness, agility, change of pace, and elusiveness, he outpaces opponents and is exceedingly hard to contain. He cuts through the tightest spaces, setting the pace and keeping opponents off balance. He has a lot of irritating turnovers in dangerous positions, like any players with his toolkit and raw potential. His instincts are excellent, but in order to reach his full potential in the NHL, he’ll need to know when to attack and when to make the easy play.
The model predicts that he will be a top-six forward with a good chance of playing in the starting lineup based only on talent. Connelly is among the few players with superior attacking qualities, and they will rank in the top 10. Although he still has a lot of room for improvement defensively, Providence College should give him plenty of defensive development. Given his style, it is unlikely that he will play both ways. His playing has a real “wow” quality; it’s flair, dash, and pizzazz.
Connelly still needs to grow up a lot, both on and off the rink. The collapse against Canada in the gold medal game was sparked by the self-centered arrogance and misbehavior at the under-18 championship. Many teams have placed him on their “do not draft” list as a result of the details that were made public in an Athletic article. A head scout for the NHL once said, “Top-10 talent, bottom-10 character. Can’t do it.”
In the end, he needs to provide a lot of answers to persuade a team to select him in the first round of the draft. He might be the draft steal if he manages to make it. Which team has the risk appetite to choose a player who has the potential to be a true difference maker in a league that can’t stop waxing poetic about “high character” and trying to avoid the PR disaster that came with Mitchell Miller? the incorrect interpretation of “high risk, high reward.”
Greentree, Liam
F, OHL Windsor Spitfires
Prior position: 17
Scouts adore Greentree’s various skills; he can play in the middle of the ice, sees it extremely well, is a skilled playmaker, and has a classic build similar to a power forward. From his muscular game to his hockey sense to his elite playmaking, he scores highly in all areas. Skating is the most crucial, and most improvable, area where he falls short. Since Greentree excels in so many other aspects of his game, even if he were an average or slightly above average skater, we would probably be discussing him as a possible top-10 pick.
Greentree was essentially a one-man show for Windsor, a team that was rebuilding. His output is probably 20% higher on a team that does not place very low in the OHL standings. He is a dependable defensive back in addition to being a strong offensive driver. He consistently outmuscles opponents all over the rink, wins puck battles, and puts himself in advantageous situations. It’s entertaining to watch him because you have to wonder how, given his skating limitations, he is still so effective.
Executives and scouts have complimented him on his game. He is a threat in the offensive zone due to his shot, vision, and puckhandling. Though he wouldn’t be the first talent to get better at skating after getting drafted, there are plenty of skills at his disposal. The issue with Greentree’s skating is that it poses enough of a risk in the current league that he might not be able to stay up if it doesn’t get better. These days, it’s rare to find a power winger who is both functionally large and competent, and Greentree fits the bill. He has a good chance of being an NHL top-six point scorer if he does add one or two steps to his game.
Adam Jiricek
D, HC Plzen, Poland
Prior position: 16
If worries about the most controversial defensemen in the draft hadn’t been so widespread, he would have been ranked closer to the top 10. The 6-2, right-handed defenseman has been on scouts’ radars for a long time, which has allowed them to closely examine his game. He participates in the action, is competitive, and makes wise puck decisions.
It becomes more challenging to evaluate and project the model when almost an entire season of development is lost during the most critical years. Jiricek’s figures exhibit significant volatility, and a reliable projection requires a larger sample size for the draft year. With his great puck retrieval skills, physicality, aggressive defensive posture, and good reads, a defenseman can make an impact. To fully utilize his other skills, his skating, which was clearly hindered by his ACL tear, needs to get better by a step and a half. His stride lacks the explosiveness and aggression to balance the rest of his game, and if he can’t keep up, it will be difficult for him to use other skills.
Because he is less experienced and missed almost a full year of development due to an injury, he has a longer runway to develop. He has a good chance of moving up to the second pairing and maybe even the top pair. He would be a good pick in this category for a team that has many first-round selections or doesn’t have a blue chip defensive talent.
Hage, Michael
F: USHL Chicago Steel
Prior order: 15
A large, right-handed center with a dual threat ability in the offensive zone who displayed one of the season’s most promising growth curves? Verify. Verify. Verify. Hage is a skillful puck-transitioner who can easily dissect defensive schemes while in transition. Compared to most players in the draft, he is better at getting the puck off the wall and into the dangerous areas of the ice.
He is equally dangerous with and without the puck because of the variety of shots in his arsenal and the deceitfulness of his shooting. As effortlessly as he can receive the puck and release it in one move, he can pull the puck and blast it through defenders. Hage is a cerebral player who knows how to get past opponents and create openings for shots. He can exploit the precarious positions he puts opponents in if he can pick up an extra stride in his pace.
Scouts adore several aspects of Hage’s game besides his physical prowess. He advances to the front of the net, wins puck fights, and improves his teammates. By strengthening his capacity to make contact and take advantage of it, he will gain hard talent. His game’s specifics are one of its strongest points. He does a good job of supporting the puck, and as his skating improves, so too will his ability to influence the game. He is viewed by the model as a middle-six player with a remote possibility of reaching his second-line potential.
Brandsegg-Nygard, Michael
F, AllSvenskan Hockey, Mora, IK
Prior order: 20
Projectable two-way play and a contemporary power game are enhanced by an excellent physical package. One of the draft’s most versatile players is the forward from Norway. With his combination of talent, grit, and tight scoring ability, scouts consider him to be an NHL equivalent of a Swiss army knife. He is thought to be the greatest two-way forward selected in the draft besides Celebrini.
He might be the best forward in the draft in terms of defense. He reads his teammates effectively to support the puck, is constantly in the ideal places, and makes great reads during defensive transitions. As he grows physically mature and gains strength, his abilities to retrieve pucks, win puck battles, and position his body in ways that make it nearly impossible to knock him off the puck will only get better. He doesn’t put himself in a situation where he can’t shift momentum with a body check that would make a board tremble. He drives forward, cuts to the middle of the rink or the net with his strong build, and removes opponents from the ball. To be honest, I haven’t yet seen a hole in his defensive strategy.
The problem with Brandsegg-Nygard is his lack of dynamic ability. Although he doesn’t have the same peak as other players, he has a greater floor than almost all forwards outside of the top five. He will undoubtedly be used as a middle-six power forward to stop the top players on the other team and close off scoring opportunities. According to a scout, “He isn’t the guy you build around, but certainly the type of player that every contender wants in the middle of their lineup.”
Ritchie Ryder
F, Raiders of Prince Albert (WHL)
Prior position: 18
He’s quick and agile. He’s not a player who can outpace you in a straight line; in fact, he has to improve his skating. Nonetheless, he is among the best in the draft class in terms of how quickly he creates plays, reads defenses, and squeaks past opponents. His elusiveness compensates for his lack of speed. Because he can handle the puck in confined spaces, throw the defense off-balance, and complete passes before they realize they are in danger, he is hard to contain.
He’s a high-ceiling guy, and the farther you go from the top 10, the harder it is to locate those players. Throughout the season, Ritchie’s ability to influence the game during transition was evident, and this ability carries over well into the NHL. He knows how to hit the trailer in space with patience, attack off the rush, and create scoring possibilities at the net front. He sets the tempo of the play during transitions and makes defenders play to him, something that many are not good at. Ritchie is an offensive player with two threats, therefore goalies and defenders will have a harder time cheating the pass when they rely on his shot. Ritchie creates equal opportunities and will attack in a number of ways, using his elusiveness and skill with the puck.
When all is taken into consideration, the model views him as a top-six forward with less confidence, which raises concerns about his lack of productivity increase. Ritchie is one of the youngest players in the draft class and has undergone nearly a full year of development less than many of his teammates, which is an important consideration. The longer runway will let him to develop physically, gain strength, and ultimately increase the explosiveness of his skating.
Chernyshov Igor
F, Moskva Dynamo (MHL)
Prior order: 21
Chernyshov’s game has several positive aspects, beginning with his style of play. He is a contemporary power winger who outplays opponents by using his strength to force checks or by using soft hands. He’s a well-rounded attacking player who creates opportunities regardless of the style of play. Even more alluring is his physique and footspeed, which allow him to be unexpected when rushing.
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Chernyshov, a skilled playmaker, dominated the MHL with soft skill and suitably modified his style to employ more hard, physical talent in the KHL. He can make plays in tight spaces thanks to his deft hands, which makes his strong inside drive and fast finish over the goalkeeper a transferable skill in the NHL. He is adept at reading opponents and knows when to take advantage of their poor posture to beat them cleanly and open up scoring possibilities.
Chernyshov has plenty of tools to be a significant power forward in the NHL even if he lacks an exceptional skill. If he is to capitalize on the opportunity that his skill set and competitive temperament provide him, he needs to strengthen his first few strides to be more powerful and his hands in tight locations. A player at this age with undeveloped hard and soft abilities is uncommon. Working with a player to combine their strengths into a potentially devastating toolbox is a rare chance.
The model predicts a middle-six forward who has a good probability of producing offense from a top-six winger position. But if he falters offensively, his physicality and defensive nuance offer a different look, and the model is optimistic Chernyshov will reach 200 games.
The Nikita Artamonov
F, Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo (KHL)
Prior position: 23
Do you desire speed? He understands. You desire expertise? He understands. Do you want to compete at a steady level? He also possesses that. In addition, Artamonov shown production at the KHL level, which is uncommon for a player with draft eligibility. From a rather unremarkable draft-minus-1 season to one of the best draft-year seasons the KHL has ever seen, his development curve took a dramatic turn for the better.
Artamonov is a midsized athlete that has good body awareness, positioning, and movement to get himself in advantageous situations on both sides of the ball. Off the puck, he provides strong support, aggressive forechecks, and puts pressure to sabotage the transition game. He has great puck handling ability, but when he’s not playing at his best, he may become overly dependent on it. Further growth will enable him to depend more on his passing ability to make things easier and make better use of his teammates rather than overhandling and turning pucks off.
His specialty is intelligence and playwriting. Artamonov is skilled at exploiting defensive tendencies to get the puck into opportune positions. At his best, he breaks up defenses, gets pucks into dangerous areas, and sets up opportunities for goals. If his skating and offensive don’t work out in the NHL, his two-way game, which is more refined than most at his age, should be a solid backup plan. Based on his output, it seems that he has the ability to play in the top six and has a good chance of staying in a team’s middle six for the long run.
Basha Andrew
F, Tigers of Medicine Hat (WHL)
Prior order: 29
All three describe Andrew Basha: well-rounded, highly skilled, and sophisticated hockey sense. Taking advantage of the void in the lineup caused by Cayden Lindstrom’s departure, Basha’s output skyrocketed this season. More significantly, his underlying statistics supported the idea that he can be a productive two-way player in the NHL and demonstrated that the production rise was not an exception.
With his quickness, agility, and solid skating base, Basha showed that he could be a potent transition player. He could push the puck through zones, draw defenders in, and easily beat them off the wall. When he isn’t holding the puck, he can read the rush and locate an opening to receive it. In order to make his on-puck plays less predictable, he needs to add pace variations and know when to slow down.
His ability to carry out the plays his vision computes is called into question. He obviously has a good read on the play, especially when it comes to defense. He takes good forecheck positions, closes angles with his skating, and converts forced turnovers into scoring opportunities fast. He needs to get better at the puck in order to avoid becoming too predictable as a playmaker and to be an offensive threat in the NHL. In the event that it doesn’t work out, he possesses the quickness, awareness, and drive to develop into a productive third-line player who can also contribute offensively.
Boisvert Sacha
F, USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks
Prior order: 25
Boisvert has a gun. But because there are doubts about his ability to understand the game, his playmaking skill is underappreciated. Though he doesn’t read coverage as well, he is a skillful passer, which makes many think he’ll be a power forward.
Boisvert is a threat no matter where he gets the puck because he can shoot the puck incredibly well. He finishes plays at the net front with great hands and accuracy when passing the puck through layers. Though there’s reason to think his deceptive release will translate to the NHL, his ability to close out plays will still make him a noteworthy player.
Even without the puck, Boisvert makes an impression. He disrupts transition play, tracks back well, and hits hard to knock guys away from the ball. His game has a distinct edge that will only grow better as he gains strength. His skating stance is unbalanced, and he doesn’t have the explosiveness needed to open up more space for attacks. Boisvert’s ability to analyze defensive coverage and have a stronger skating stride will help him capitalize on his NHL-caliber shot and two-way game.
Emil Hemming
F, TPS (Liiga)
Prior position: 24
The topic of hemming is one that scouts enjoy talking about. Many view him as a safe choice because of his high floor and limited offensive ceiling. According to the model, he would be a good third-line forward who could also provide offensive support. Hemming is among the select few players for whom the model projects a probability of over 80% to play 200 NHL games and a probability of fewer than 10% to become a star—true “safe” feelings.
He is a potent two-way player with a superb release that almost makes him a differentiator. He can fire in a variety of catch and release positions, off balance, and off both legs. He has the ability to drive the net, get pucks past opponents, and score from a distance. He is skilled at using contact to his advantage, prevails in puck battles, plays well off-the-pen, and never plays dirty defense. With those hard talents, a bottom-six job should come naturally to him, and he’s probably ready for the AHL the following season.
There have been moments of great puck distribution and hockey sense on the offensive end. He is dependent on his two-way play and shooting skills, though. As a power forward who plays on a top penalty-killing unit and a secondary power-play unit and generates 40–50 points per season, he has real upside if he can gain some more skating ability. Although his ceiling isn’t as high as other players’, he has a much higher chance of playing important games.
Luchanko Jett
F, OHL Guelph Storm
Prior position: 26
Luchanko, who is also benefiting from an increase in production, has every element of a dream bottom-six job. Luchanko has demonstrated stronger playmaking instincts and abilities this season than many people realize, especially considering his attacking instincts. For a very young player in a draft class, becoming a good two-way player is a rare accomplishment. Luchanko’s forecast is more in line with the middle six than the bottom six due to his combination of output, development, and later birthday.
The key beneficiary of Matthew Poitras’s Boston Bruins trade was Luchanko, who was able to take over as the team’s primary driver on both sides of the ball. Because of his exceptional skating, his opponents are forced to play at uncomfortable speeds, which ups the ante in the game. His capacity to control the play is astounding; he can outpace opponents with his quickness and is a nightmare to deal with on the forecheck and backcheck. He is right in the thick of things, showcasing a detail-oriented game that scouts adore, which combines awareness, shiftiness, and technique.
Aron Kiviharju
D, HIFK (Liiga)
Prior position: 27
Over the past three seasons, a great deal of writing has been written about the undersized defenceman. Kiviharju, one of the first players to come into the scouting spotlight, has been the subject of intense scrutiny for almost five years. In the Finnish junior levels, he has amassed extravagant stats, and in 2022, as a double under-ager, he had a significant appearance. He was too good to overlook, and many speculated that he may win the jackpot at some point.
Playing just seven games in the Liiga this season, he has struggled to improve offensively and his general growth has stagnated due to injuries. He combines exceptional transition play with excellent instincts. His ability to break the puck out as a minor player is among the finest in the draft class; he can attack the middle and take players by surprise. This makes it simple to picture a quarterback who can set up plays for big plays as a facilitator in the future. To advance offensively, he must learn to incorporate the deception from his breakthrough plays into his offensive zone play.
A 5-11 defenseman who lacks peak skating ability must be a superb puck mover and a top-tier defender. Kiviharju has the sense and foundation to be a good transition defenseman in the NHL, provided he can improve his skating to a plus.
Emery, E.J.
D, NTDP, United States U18
Prior position: 28
If you’ve heard this before, stop me: scouts are smitten with a large, right-handed defenseman who skates well. With the addition of exceptional transition defense, EJ Emery possesses the potential to be a valuable defenseman who can lead a secondary pairing. Emery is the ideal addition to a top offensive defenseman who wants a dependable partner to help them improve.
Emery is a superior one-on-one defensive player who excels at transition defense. He keeps his stance straight, guides opponents with his stick skillfully, intercepts passes, and pokes pucks off opponents’ sticks. He keeps up excellent gap management during transition, making it impossible for opponents to outpace him and forcing them to give up the puck. Emery is the guy you turn to when the game needs a steady presence, the best players on the other team kept off the scoreboard, and a superb defensive play. He is, in that sense, a coach’s dream. I think he will continue to get better on defense and probably rank among the top defenders in the draft class based on his defensive growth this season.
Offensively, not much exists. Emery’s calling card is not that. The model probably doesn’t anticipate him to be anything more than a defenseman who plays in the second line. He makes easy breakout passes, stays off the ice, and doesn’t participate in the action. He should be among the top four defensemen in the NHL because of his ability to defend in all three zones, skate well, and win physical battles. However, the lack of offensive at the junior level tends to make statistical projections less certain.
Teddy Stiga
F, NTDP United States U18
Prior position: 31
This season, Stiga’s growth curve elevated him in the model, and it’s hard to overlook his entire toolkit. A 5-10 player, he lacks the size many clubs like, but he is engaged and productive in all areas of the ice. He may not have a genuinely top skill, but he has excellent hockey sense and, as coaches say, “he gets the job done.” It must be like always being two moves behind in a chess match while you’re playing him.
He has some of the best puck protection abilities in the class and is difficult to knock off the puck. He has a very accurate passing game and is adept at finding teammates in tight places. Even when he doesn’t use defenders to clear channels or space, he still creates opportunities.
Without the puck, he dominates faceoffs, backchecks with ease, and forechecks with devastating efficiency. With his ability to steal pucks and make a fast pass for a scoring opportunity, his instincts make him dangerous. Stiga might develop into a potent middle-six player in the NHL if he can acquire more skill and learn how to read defenses.
Terik Parascak
F, Cougars of Prince George (WHL)
Prior position: 22
His output makes him look like a guy who ought to be chosen in the first round’s top half. Like Jason Robertson in 2017, scouts are concerned about his skating. Although he lacks Robertson’s physical package, his productivity is far superior. If Parascak’s skating gets better, he has all the makings of a dual threat in the NHL.
Parascak has excellent instincts both on and off the ice. Although he can infiltrate defensive strategies and knows them, his skating prevents him from creating offensive opportunities. This is seen in transition, as he depends on his gut to identify open space and time his arrival perfectly, lacking the speed to attack the middle. He’s scary when he gets the puck in space. He is a difficult opponent for goalies to stop because of his catch and release shot, one-timer, and ability to shoot against momentum.
A team that selects Parascak will get a player with a wealth of shot options and excellent hockey acumen. There’s a good chance he can be a top-six player in the NHL who makes a difference if he can strengthen and increase the force in his skating. He may be a supporting player who sparks a power play, but he is not likely to be a great play maker.
Charlie Alick
D. Wheat Kings (WHL) of Brandon
Prior standing: Commendable remark
a massive right-handed defenceman who is primarily recognized for his defensive prowess. Elick demonstrated great transition defense, kept players away from the puck, and punished opponents with strong hits in every watch. He plays two different ways. The first is that of a cool-headed, steady defender who makes easy plays. The other controls the game’s tone and is a full-fledged physical threat. Both work well, and it’s amazing how well he can adjust to the demands of the game.
It would not surprise me if Elick were to reach considerably greater levels. He is quite successful; he often breaks up passes, eats up time and space, unleashes powerful hits, and easily wins races to retrieve pucks. He has displayed bursts of inventiveness when breaking out, constantly trying to make big plays and get the puck to open spaces. Though he can improve his puck-moving abilities, he lacks the execution to create the moves his offensive vision sees.
Although Elick’s peak is uncertain, the team who selects him in the draft will probably acquire a long-term NHL defenseman. Because he sets the physical tone and makes life difficult for skilled players, scouts think he’s a player you win with. With his devastating physicality and transition defense, the reliable, mobile defender is sure to tip the odds in his team’s favor. He is unlikely to produce anything but positive defense.
Beaudoin Cole
Barrie, F. (OHL)
Prior standing: Commendable remark
Cole Beaudoin is just a gamer when he combines an excellent motor, strong two-way play, and a healthy dose of competition. Beaudoin’s superlative, if I had to assign a feel to each draft-eligible player, would be “gamer.” His model isn’t as high as this rating, but he should develop into a bottom-six player who can check in well, kill penalties, and add some zip to the lineup.
Beaudoin is a powerful, big player who may be most useful on the wing in the NHL. He grinds opponents down, reads plays effectively, gets into traffic, and wins almost all puck battles. Not a single OHL player loves to go into the corner with him, and many of them ended up looking worse for it. He has the physical prowess and drive to make a significant physical contribution to the NHL. There’s reason to think he has a greater potential than current forecasts suggest if his skating keeps getting better. Teams should be more patient with him, but with more speed, he might be able to move into a third-line position as a player that coaches have complete faith in.
