Rachel Doerrie, ESPN
NHL draft week is officially upon us. The Stanley Cup was awarded Monday night after one of the greatest Finals in decades. The attention turns away from the game’s brightest stars, away from the silver trophy and toward players who teams hope can be part of their Stanley Cup success in the future.
For the San Jose Sharks, a franchise cornerstone awaits. For the other 31 teams, a plethora of talented forwards and impactful defensemen. What the draft may lack in generational star power, it makes up for in depth. Many of the players selected this weekend will go on to have brilliant NHL careers, win Stanley Cups and blow expectations out of the water.
The final ranking accounts for model projections, model confidence, viewings, combine results and industry intel. Moreso than previous iterations, players will rise and fall in this ranking based on viewings and industry expertise. Be it belief in a player’s ability to make things happen, defensive play that isn’t weighed as heavily in the model or industry hesitancy surrounding the player, there are many reasons players move up and down a list. I prefer to weigh upside and potential more than those within the industry but have gained an appreciation for players with lower ceilings and more projectable development curves.
No one wins or loses the Stanley Cup on draft day, but you can’t win one without nailing a few draft picks along the way. The first step to glory starts Friday.
Here is my final Big Board, with coverage beginning Friday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+) and Saturday, June 29 (11:30 a.m. ET, ESPN+).
1. Macklin Celebrini
F, Boston University
Previous ranking: 1
A franchise cornerstone center who will have an immediate impact, Celebrini is the top prize of the class for good reason. There is no area of the game where legitimate concerns exist. Simply put, he does not have a weak point. He excels as a 200-foot player, making significant contributions on both ends of the ice. A talent so rare, he became one of the few true freshmen to win the Hobey Baker as the top player in college hockey.
Offensively, he navigates the middle of the ice, disrupts defensive schemes and finds passing lanes that others cannot. His puck protection skills, willingness to play through contact, spin off defenders and maintain play are qualities that will translate well to the NHL. Even without the puck, he remains a scoring threat due to his ability to find open spaces, keep his stick away from defenders and release the puck quickly.
His exceptional toolbox suggests that he will be an elite play driver and two-way center at the NHL level. He’s a player whom coaches will be comfortable using in all situations against other team’s best players. While not generational, he is transformative for a franchise and someone a team can build a Stanley Cup contender around.
2. Ivan Demidov
F, SKA St. Petersburg (MHL)
Previous ranking: 2
If there were guarantees about his contract situation, Demidov would likely be the second player selected, and he still might be. Offensively, he’s the complete package and is projected to be a top-6 difference-maker in the NHL.
His dynamic ability to create offense combines an outstanding release, elite vision and elite puckhandling skills, perhaps the best in this draft class. He’s bigger and more physically mature than originally thought, which drew attention at the Florida showcase. Capable of driving play offensively, Demidov consistently took over games in the playoffs, earning the MVP award.
He ranks in the top 5% for shooting and passing metrics and is a transition threat. He drives the middle from the outside and consistently gets himself to the dangerous scoring areas. As a versatile offensive player, Demidov has the potential to be a 40-goal, 40-assist producer and is the only player with a ceiling close to Celebrini’s.
3. Artyom Levshunov
D, Michigan State
Previous ranking: 3
The Belarusian is widely regarded as the best defender in the draft class, impressing scouts in many areas. A right-shot defenseman, he imposes himself physically and dictates offensive play. His rapid development has led scouts to believe he could quickly become an impactful two-way defenseman in the NHL.
He excels at making good first passes, finding shooting lanes and taking control of the game from the blue line. Though still raw defensively, he has tremendous upside due to his physical attributes, excellent skating ability and high puck battle success rate. Consistently engaged and a play driver at both ends of the ice, he has the potential to shift momentum. Levshunov could become a top-pairing defenseman who dictates play in transition and tilts the ice in his team’s favor.
4. Cayden Lindstrom
F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Previous ranking: 4
Lindstrom combines speed, size and skill, making him a dominant force at the junior level. He effectively uses his 6-4 frame to protect the puck, win battles and play through contact in challenging areas of the ice. His physical package and skating ability make him a formidable opponent on the rush and in puck battles. If he continues to develop his ability to play through contact, he has the tools to be an excellent power forward at the NHL level. His speed in transition keeps defensemen on their heels and he changes gears to create space.
Without the puck, he reads off his linemates well and finds open pockets of space. As a versatile offensive player, he knows when to use his physicality to create scoring chances or hold the puck to set up plays in the offensive zone. Although his injury history is a concern, projections indicate that Lindstrom could become a second-line center with the potential to score 70 points over a long period. He may take longer to develop, but a player with his toolbox is intriguing to many teams.
5. Zayne Parekh
D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Previous ranking: 5
Parekh is the top offensive defenseman in the draft, without question.
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He has all the makings of a game-breaker on the blue line. His statistics and model projections stand out, surpassing every other defenseman except Levshunov. He is clearly in the top tier, projected as a top-4 offensive catalyst with an over 80% chance of playing 200+ NHL games.
Right-handed offensive dynamos are rare and seldom available via trade. Parekh has all the qualities of a top-notch power-play quarterback and even-strength play driver, capable of scoring upward of 60 points per season in the NHL. He had one of the best draft-eligible seasons in CHL history, which should not be overlooked. His elite four-way mobility allows him to evade opponents and create space effortlessly.
His defensive game improved throughout the OHL season, and while it’s not as robust as some might prefer, his skating and hockey sense equip him to defend effectively at the NHL level. His offensive instincts are innate and form the foundation of his play-driving offense. Combine his offensive instincts with demonstrated ability to move pucks to dangerous areas, create shooting opportunities and get pucks through, and Parekh presents an intriguing package. His ceiling is the highest among defensemen in the draft, confidently projecting him as an impactful top-4 defenseman over a lengthy NHL career.
6. Zeev Buium
D, University of Denver
Previous ranking: 7
One of the best defensemen in college hockey this season, Buium is confidently projected as a top-4 defenseman in the NHL. He consistently stands out by joining the rush, defending well in transition and excelling in man-to-man defense in his own zone. He’s an elite two-way defenseman at the college level, and is likely the most efficient puck mover in this draft class. He shows elite hockey sense and seems to be two to three plays ahead, allowing him to make plays that other players can’t.
Defensively, he maintains a tight gap, adapts to changes in pace and uses excellent edgework to avoid getting beaten in tight situations. His puck skills, combined with various head and shoulder fakes, enable him to create space and passing lanes. If there is a better one-on-one defenseman in this draft, I’ve yet to see him.
Buium elevates his play as games intensify and was one of Team USA’s best players at the World Juniors as an underage player, in addition to being a crucial part of the NCAA champion Denver blue line. With all the qualities of a play-driving, momentum-shifting defenseman, Buium could be ready for the NHL by the end of the 2024-25 college season.
7. Tij Iginla
F, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Previous ranking: 8
One of the biggest risers in the draft class, the second-generation Iginla finds himself at No. 7 here with a well-rounded offensive package. A good skater with the agility to beat opponents in a straight line or change pace to catch defenders off balance, Iginla is a formidable presence in the offensive zone.
His natural offensive instincts and lethal wrist shot make him a serious goal-scoring threat both with and without the puck. His puck skill steadily improved this season, and he became a serious offensive threat. When he has possession, Iginla displays excellent puckhandling, strong protection, and a release that surprises goaltenders. He has a unique understanding of how to blend competitive physicality with elite skill, a dangerous combination.
Without the puck, he finds open spaces, forechecks tenaciously and exhibits the competitiveness his father was known for. Although he needs to improve his defensive play, his combination of skating, puck skills, tenacity and shooting ability should enable him to contribute consistently in a top-six role, with a ceiling of a top-line winger.
1:26
Meet the top prospects of the 2024 NHL draft
Meet the top prospects ahead of the 2024 NHL draft, including Macklin Celebrini, Artyom Levshunov, Cayden Lindstrom and Zeev Buium.
8. Anton Silayev
D, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Previous ranking: 6
At 6-7, this hulking defender played significant minutes for one of the KHL’s better teams, a rarity at age 17, and this greatly enhances his projection. While he isn’t expected to be dynamic in the NHL, his developing offensive skills suggest he could become a 35- to 40-point producer.
He skates very well, with good edgework and agility, which is evident in his defensive transitions and his movement along the offensive blue line. If he can add strength without losing mobility, he could become a high-minute defenseman in the NHL, capable of shutting down the opposition’s best players.
His floor is higher than other top defensive prospects due to his proven ability to succeed in the KHL. Scouts are high on his skating ability, physicality and transition defense. There are concerns about his ability to read the play and make good puck decisions. He will need time to enhance his ability to facilitate breakouts, transition offense and read pressure.
9. Cole Eiserman
F, United States U18 (NTDP)
Previous ranking: 10
Eiserman is considered the best pure scorer in the draft, though opinions about him vary widely.
His impressive goal totals with the national team development program are hard to ignore, yet he often leaves scouts wanting more. With the best shot in the draft, his projection suggests he could score 35-40 goals per season if he reaches his ceiling. As a young player in the draft, he has more runway to improve his decision-making and develop a well-rounded offensive game. While habits can be fixed and skating will continue to improve, scoring instincts and the ability to catch and release the puck from awkward positions are innate, and Eiserman excels in both areas.
There are times he tries to do too much with the puck, leading to turnovers and forced shots — habits that can frustrate scouts and coaches. Despite this, his potential as a 40-goal scorer is undeniable if developed with patience. The model is confident he will produce at the NHL level in a top-six role. Eiserman has the talent to be an even-strength scorer, power-play asset and most importantly, a difference-maker.
10. Berkly Catton
F, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Previous ranking: 11
Catton is one of those “get you out of your seats” players. He’s dynamic with the puck, reading defensive structures, slicing through coverage and a nightmare to defend in one-on-one situations. His ability to manipulate defenders with his speed and skill is pure brilliance. He’s one of the most dangerous transition players in the draft, and even at 5-11, he’s shown an ability to execute high-skill plays in traffic.
As is the case with any player of this skill set, he needs to pick his spots a little better to improve his offensive efficiency. The turnovers are not going to fly at the NHL level, and he’ll need to develop his ability to create offense when he’s not in transition. The same manipulation, stick skill and deception he uses on the rush needs to be applied in smaller areas. If he can take pucks off the wall and get to the middle, there is a better chance he hits his ceiling of a top-six, point producer.
He’s already a dual threat with a promising arsenal of releases and shot types. Given that he understands how to put defenders in vulnerable postures, it is not a stretch to believe his offensive game will continue to improve. I’m not sure he’s a center in the NHL, but the dynamic dual threat should be an entertaining player to watch for years.
11. Sam Dickinson
D, London Knights (OHL)
Previous ranking: 9
There is a lot to like about the big, fleet-of-foot defenseman, and he showed every bit of it on London’s run to the Memorial Cup Final. Dickinson is one of the best all-around skating defensemen in the draft, and it is particularly evident in transition.
Offensively, he carries the puck with ease, evades defenders, cuts to the middle and creates scoring chances.
Defensively, he maintains a good gap, matches opponent’s speed and finishes his checks. His shot is above average, but he is unlikely to overpower goalies at the NHL level. His skating and defensive abilities will carry him in the NHL. These are all attributes scouts and coaches love. It is easy to see why the model projects him to be a top-four defender with a puncher’s chance of being a top-pairing guy.
The big question with Dickinson is decision-making on both sides of the puck. At the junior level, he’s so evasive and above his peers in the skating department, that it masks some awareness issues. On the rush, he can skate himself into trouble and make life more complicated when a simpler play exists. In the defensive zone, he gets caught on the wrong side of players and makes questionable decisions with the puck after he wins a battle. He’s a natural athlete who will play in the NHL, but time will tell if he can develop his awareness and reads to take advantage of his toolbox and become a difference maker.
12. Konsta Helenius
F, Jukurit (Liiga)
Previous ranking: 12
There are three things scouts and coaches love about players and Helenius excels at all three: awareness, compete level and versatility. Add in that his draft year production is in the category of Aleksander Barkov, Kaapo Kakko and Mikael Granlund, and you’ve got the makings of a fairly confident top-six player projection with a third-line floor.
Helenius is excellent defensively, and his play is immediately projectable to the NHL. Offensively, he is effective, not flashy. He retrieves pucks, enters the zone with possession, creates space with effective body positioning, and relies on his elite hockey sense to make sound decisions with the puck. The combination of his competitiveness, hockey sense and puck management make him a highly effective and reliable player in all three zones.
He lacks dynamic attributes that other players in the draft class possess, but he makes up for that his in his ability to be the engine of his line. He consistently drives play and showed flashes of offensive creativity, but Helenius does not have a standout offensive attribute. He’s a well-rounded, 200-foot player who will be impactful on both sides of the puck at the NHL level. Scouts see some Mikael Backlund in him, which is high praise for the young Finn.
A second-line center/top penalty killer who can drive play at even strength is something every contender needs. That is Helenius. If his offense develops, there’s a chance he fits the mold of a Joel Eriksson Ek or Elias Lindholm type of player.
13. Beckett Sennecke
F, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Previous ranking: 14
Sennecke’s rise felt like a meme stock this season. He had a quiet start where scouts liked his toolbox, and his production exploded in back half of the season and took another step in the playoffs. As the games got more important, he got better. The model values development over a season, and Sennecke’s development curve is the exact prototype of a player whose stock benefited greatly from that. In November, he sat in the mid-40s in the rankings with a mediocre projection. In June, his most likely NHL outcome is a second-line player.
Offensively, it is difficult to find a weakness. He is a dual-threat menace in the offensive zone and dropped more jaws in one-on-one play than any other draft-eligible player in the OHL this season. His ability to force defenders into bad spots and manipulate his way around them is terrifying. Not only is he a threat in tight situations, but he’s also a threat in transition. The puck follows him around the ice, and he slices defensive coverage with ease through excellent reads, decisive passing and a quality shot.
Off the puck, he uses his awareness to win pucks back. As the season progressed, he became a nightmare on the forecheck, routinely hemming players in and winning pucks back. For lack of a better word, he’s a gamer. If he wants the puck, he’s more than likely going to end up with it on his stick. He’s not an elite skater, but he gets to where he needs to go, plays two steps ahead of his peers and makes his teammates better. There are teams that have him in their top five, and while that is a little high for me, it is easy to understand why scouts believe Sennecke could be a top-line player.
14. Carter Yakemchuk
D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Previous ranking: 13
The right-handed defenseman is impossible to miss when he’s on the ice. Standing 6-3, he had a better offensive season than every draft-eligible defenseman not named Zayne Parekh. He’s got a bomb from the point that he utilizes well, and he should be a threat in the NHL. He’s immediately noticeable on the ice because he activates consistently in the middle of the play, trying to make a difference.
Yakemchuk is an offensive difference-maker at the junior level and showed glimpses of excellent puck distribution. He dictates the power play from the point, but he’ll need to develop the ability to facilitate offence to take advantage of his shot in the NHL. He manipulates defenders with excellent hands, fakes and sheer power. The lack of an explosive skating stride makes him easier to defend than a more elusive skater.
Defensively, he’s a work in progress. His skating mobility needs to improve to be an effective transition defender in the NHL. Scouts and executives love his mean streak, as he hits to leave a mark. He gets caught puck-watching or stepping out of position to be physical. He lacks the skating step to catch opponents when they beat him in those situations, an area he will need to develop before making the jump.
The offensive skills and shot are undeniable. Yakemchuk’s physical play, handedness and size will earn him more chances than similar players of smaller stature. There are tools, but there are warts. If Yakemchuk can improve his transition game through his skating and puck distribution, and understand how to use his size without running out of position, there is a chance he becomes a minutes-eating, second-pairing defenseman.
15. Trevor Connelly
F, Tri-City Storm (USHL)
Previous ranking: 19
The case of Trevor Connelly is one where much ink has been spilled. He is, without a doubt, the biggest wild card in the draft. He is a top-10 talent in the draft. Scouts love his hands, elusive skating and transition offense. When he’s playing his best, he is elite offensively and gets fans out of their seats. He’s all over social media feeds and highlight reels.
His offensive game is well-rounded and packs a dynamic punch that stands out in transition. He beats defenders using his speed, change of pace, excellent agility and elusiveness — he’s very difficult to contain. In tight areas, he dictates pace and keeps defenders on their heels, slicing through the tightest of areas. Like all players with his toolbox and raw talent, he has more than his fair share of frustrating turnovers in dangerous areas. His instincts are fantastic, but he’ll need to understand when to attack and when to make the simple play to hit his ceiling in the NHL.
On talent and talent alone, the model projects him to be a top-six forward with a fair chance at a top-line role. There are only a few players with better offensive attributes than Connelly, and they will go in the top 10. He leaves a lot to be desired defensively but should get a healthy dose of defensive development at Providence College. He is unlikely to be a two-way player, and that’s not his style. His style is flash, dash and pizzazz — a player with a true “wow” factor.
Connelly has a lot of maturing to do on and off the ice. The selfish major and misconduct at the under-18 championship kick-started the collapse against Canada in the gold medal game. Quite a few teams have designated him as “do not draft” due the information revealed in a story from the Athletic. As one NHL head scout put it, “top-10 talent, bottom-10 character. Can’t do it.”
Ultimately, he has a lot of questions to answer if he is to convince a team to draft him in the first round. If he makes it, he could be the steal of the draft. In a league that can’t get wax poetic enough about “high character” and aims to avoid the PR nightmare that accompanied Mitchell Miller, one wonders which team has the risk appetite to select a player with the potential to be a real difference maker. The definition of high-risk, high-reward for all the wrong reasons.
16. Liam Greentree
F, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Previous ranking: 17
Greentree has many attributes that scouts love — he plays in the middle of the ice, sees the ice very well, is an adept playmaker and a throwback build in the style of a power forward. He ranks highly across the board from his physical game to his hockey sense to his high-end playmaking. He lacks in the most important, yet most easily improvable, area: skating. Were Greentree an average or slightly above average skater, we’re likely talking about him as a potential top-10 pick because he’s that good in the other areas of his game.
Greentree was effectively a one-man show on a rebuilding Windsor team. His production is likely 20% better on a team that doesn’t finish near the bottom of the OHL standings. Not only is he a quality offensive driver, but he is also reliable defensively. He gets himself in good positions, wins puck battles and routinely outmuscles opponents all over the ice. He’s fun to watch because you wonder how he is as effective as he is with his skating deficiencies.
Scouts and executives have expressed an admiration for his game. His puckhandling, vision and shot make him a problem to deal with in the offensive zone. There are a lot of tools to work with and wouldn’t be the first prospect to improve his skating after being drafted. The problem with Greentree’s skating is that it is enough of a concern in today’s league that if it doesn’t improve, he may not be able to keep up. Functionally big and skilled power wingers are hard to find nowadays and Greentree is exactly that. If he does add a step or two to his game, there’s a real chance he’s a top-six point producer at the NHL level.
17. Adam Jiricek
D, HC Plzen (Czechia)
Previous ranking: 16
The most polarizing defenseman in the draft would be closer to the top 10 had concerns about his knee injury been less prevalent. The 6-2, right-handed defenseman has been on scouting radars for years, allowing for his game to be put under the microscope. He’s competitive, makes good puck decisions and activates in the play.
Losing nearly a full season of development during the most crucial years makes for a more difficult evaluation and model projection. Jiricek’s numbers are very volatile, and the draft year sample is not large enough for a confident projection. The tools to be an impactful defenseman are there, with good reads, aggressive defensive posture, strong puck retrieval skills and physicality. He needs the skating, which obviously took a developmental hit when he tore his ACL, to improve by a step and half or two to take advantage of his other skills. His stride lacks the explosive and aggressive attributes to complement the rest of his game and will hinder his ability to utilize other skills if he can’t keep pace.
He has a longer runway to develop because he’s rawer and lost nearly a year of development to his injury. There is a real chance he becomes a second-pairing defenseman and an outside shot at the top pair. A team with multiple first-round selections or one that lacks a blue chip defensive prospect would do well to nab him in this range.
18. Michael Hage
F, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Previous ranking: 15
A big, right-handed center who is a dual threat in the offensive zone and showed one of the most promising development curves of the season? Check. Check. Check. A dynamic transitioner of the puck, Hage is a cerebral player who picks apart defensive schemes in transition with ease. He gets the puck off the wall to the dangerous areas of the ice better than most players in the draft.
The deceptiveness of his shot and the array of shots in his arsenal makes him equally dangerous with and without the puck. He can pull the puck and fire it through defenders as easily as he receives the puck and releases in a single motion. A heady player, Hage understands how to manipulate defenders and open shooting lanes up. If he can add a step to his pace, he will be able to take advantage of the compromising positions he puts defenders in.
There are many parts of Hage’s game that scouts love, outside of his physical gifts. He wins puck battles, gets to the net front and makes his teammates better. He will develop hard skill by improving his ability to take contact and use it to his advantage. The details of his game are a strong point. He supports the puck well, and his ability to impact the game will only improve as his skating takes a step. The model sees him as a middle-six player with an outside chance at hitting his second-line ceiling.
19. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
F, Mora IK (Hockey AllSvenskan)
Previous ranking: 20
An impressive physical package complements a modernized power game with projectable two-way play. The Norwegian forward is one of the most well-rounded players in the draft. The blend of grit, skill and in-tight scoring ability has scouts believing he is a Swiss army knife at the NHL level. There is belief that he could be the best two-way forward in the draft not named Celebrini.
Defensively, he may be the best forward in the draft. He is consistently in the right positions, makes excellent reads in defensive transition and reads off his teammates well to support the puck. His ability to retrieve pucks, win puck battles, and position his body in ways that make is nearly impossible to knock him off the puck will only improve has he physically matures and adds strength. He’s unafraid to deliver a board-shaking body check to shift momentum, but does not put himself out of position to do so. He separates opponents from the puck, drives forward and uses his powerful frame to cut to the middle or the net. Truthfully, if there is a weakness in his defensive game, I have yet to find it.
The drawback with Brandsegg-Nygard is that he isn’t dynamic. His ceiling isn’t as high as other players’, but his floor is higher than nearly every forward outside of the top five. There is little doubt he will be a middle-six power forward who will be deployed to shut down opponent’s best players and finish offensive opportunities in tight. As one scout put it, “He isn’t the guy you build around, but certainly the type of player that every contender wants in the middle of their lineup.”
20. Ryder Ritchie
F, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Previous ranking: 18
He’s flash and dash. He’s not a straight-line player in that can beat you with speed; in fact, his skating needs some work. However, the speed at which he makes plays, reads defenders and squeaks by opponents is among the best in the draft class. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for in elusiveness. He’s difficult to contain because he’s able to handle the puck in tight areas, catch the defense off balance and execute passes before his opponents recognize the threat.
He’s a high-ceiling player, and those players get harder to find the further you get from the top 10. Ritchie’s ability to impact the game in transition was noticeable all season and is largely transferrable to the NHL. He understands how to attack off the rush, create scoring opportunities at the net front and have patience to hit the trailer in space. He dictates the pace of the play in transition and forces defenders to play to him, a task of which many are incapable. A dual-threat offensive player, Ritchie’s shot must be respected, making it more difficult for goalies and defenders to cheat the pass. Ritchie is an equal opportunity creator and will attack in a variety of ways, using deft puck skill and elusiveness.
His lack of uptick in production is concerning, and when accounted for, the model sees him as a top-six forward with less confidence. A factor that cannot be overlooked is Ritchie is one of the youngest players in the draft class and has nearly a full year less of development than many of his peers. The runway is longer for him to physical mature, improve his strength and, with that, add some explosiveness to his skating.
21. Igor Chernyshov
F, Dynamo Moskva (MHL)
Previous ranking: 21
There is a lot to like about Chernyshov’s game, starting with his play style. He’s a modern power winger who beats opponents with soft hands or his ability to power through checks. No matter what style the game is played in, he creates chances because he’s a well-rounded offensive player. More enticing, he’s got the footspeed and physicality to be unpredictable on the rush.
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A good playmaker, Chernyshov dominated the MHL with soft skill and appropriately adjusted his game in the KHL to use more physical, hard skill. He’s got the hands to make moves in tight, making the powerful inside drive with a quick finish over the goalie a transferable skill in the NHL. He reads defenders well and understands how to catch them in bad posture to beat them cleanly and create scoring opportunities.
Chernyshov lacks an elite skill but has many tools to be an impactful power forward in the NHL. He needs to improve his first few strides to be more powerful, and his hands in tight areas, if he is to take advantage of the opportunities that his skill set and competitive nature afford him. It is rare to see a player at this age with unpolished soft and hard skills. There is a unique opportunity to work with a player and meld those skills into a toolbox that may prove lethal.
The model sees a middle-six forward, with a fair chance at a top-six winger spot to produce offense. However, if he doesn’t stick offensively, his defensive details and physical game bring a different style and the model is confident in Chernyshov hitting the 200-game mark.
22. Nikita Artamonov
F, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Previous ranking: 23
You want speed? He’s got it. You want skill? He’s got it. You want consistent compete level? He’s got that, too. Not only that, but Artamonov produced at the KHL level, a rare feat for a draft-eligible player. His development curve had a sharp uptick, going from a relatively unimpressive draft-minus-1 season to one of the best draft-year seasons the KHL has seen.
For a midsized player, Artamonov understands his body, positions it well and gets himself in positive positions on both sides of the puck. Off the puck, he supports well, forechecks with tenacity and applies pressure to disrupt the transition game. He’s an excellent puck handler, a skill he can become over reliant on when he doesn’t have his A game. Instead of overhandling and turning pucks off, development will help rely on his passing skill to simplify and use his teammates more effectively.
The playmaking and intelligence are his calling card. Artamonov understands defensive patterns and how to break through them to create advantageous positions with the puck. When he’s at his best, he picks apart coverage, gets pucks to dangerous areas and creates scoring chances. His two-way game is more polished than most at his age, and should be a good fallback if his skating and offense don’t click in the NHL. The production level indicates he’s got top-six potential and a fair shot to be a long-term NHL player in a team’s middle six.
23. Andrew Basha
F, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Previous ranking: 29
Well-rounded, elite compete level and high-end hockey sense — that’s Andrew Basha. Taking advantage of the hole that Cayden Lindstrom left in the lineup, Basha’s production exploded this season. More importantly, his underlying numbers showed the production uptick was no fluke, and only adds to the belief he can be an effective two-way player in the NHL.
Basha demonstrated an ability to be an impactful transition player, using his pace, agility and a strong skating base to drive the puck through zones, draw defenders in and beat them off the wall with ease. He understands how to read the rush when he’s not carrying the puck and finds open space to receive the puck. He needs to add changes of pace and understand when to slow the rush down to become less predictable with his on-puck plays.
There are questions about his ability to execute the plays his vision computes. It is clear he reads the play well, particularly on the defensive side. He positions himself well on the forecheck, uses his skating to close angles and quickly turns forced turnovers into scoring chances. To be an offensive threat at the NHL level, he’ll need to improve his shot to prevent becoming too predictable as a playmaker. Failing that, he has the speed, sense and competitiveness to become an effective energy player in a third-line role who can chip in offensively.
24. Sacha Boisvert
F, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Previous ranking: 25
Boisvert is a shooter. But his playmaking ability is underrated, largely because of questions about his ability to read the game. He is a deft passer, but he doesn’t read coverage as sharply and leads many to believe he’ll be a power forward.
Boisvert can really shoot the puck, and regardless of where he receives the puck, he is a threat. He gets pucks through layers with accuracy and has excellent hands to finish plays at the net front. There is reason to believe his deceptive release will transfer to the NHL level, but if it does not, his ability to finish plays in tight will surely make him worthy of attention.
Without the puck, Boisvert is still impactful. He tracks back well, disrupts transition play and delivers hard hits to separate players from the puck. There’s a noticeable edge to his game that will only improve as he gets stronger. His skating posture is off balance, and he lacks the explosiveness required to create more space offensively. An improved skating stride with more power and better ability to read defensive coverage will allow Boisvert to take advantage of his NHL-ready shot and two-way game.
25. Emil Hemming
F, TPS (Liiga)
Previous ranking: 24
Hemming is a fun topic of discussion among scouts. He’s considered a safe pick by many, with a very high floor and lower offensive ceiling. The model sees him fitting in quite well as a third-line forward who can contribute offensively. Hemming is one of the few players in which the model predicts he has more than an 80% chance of playing 200 NHL games with less than a 10% chance of becoming a star — true “safe” vibes.
He’s a strong two-way player with a quality release that borders on being a separating skill. He can shoot off both legs, off balance and in many catch and release positions. He’s a threat to score from distance, gets pucks through defenders and can score when he drives the net. He understands how to use contact to his advantage, wins puck battles, is in excellent spots off the puck and never cheats defensively. Those hard skills should easily translate into a bottom-six role, and he’s likely ready for the AHL next season.
Offensively, there have been flashes of good puck distribution and hockey sense. However, he is reliant on his shooting ability and two-way play. If he can add a step to his skating, there is legitimate upside as a power forward who contributes 40-50 points per season, playing on a top penalty-killing unit and secondary power-play unit. The ceiling isn’t as high as that of other players, but he is far more likely to play meaningful games.
26. Jett Luchanko
F, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Previous ranking: 26
Another beneficiary of a production uptick, Luchanko has all the makings of a dream bottom-six role. Given the offensive instincts and abilities he has shown this season, Luchanko has a better ability to drive play than many belive. He’s an excellent two-way player, a rare feat for a very young player in a draft class. The combination of production, development and a later birthday give Luchanko a projection closer to middle six than bottom six.
Luchanko was the main benefactor of Matthew Poitras’ move to the Bruins, allowing him to become the primary driver on both sides of the puck. His skating takes the pace of the game to another level, forcing his opponents to play at speeds in which they are uncomfortable. His ability to dictate the play is eye-opening, beating defenders clean with his speed while being a royal pain to deal with on the forecheck and backcheck. He is in the middle of everything that happens, showing off a detail-oriented game that includes awareness, shiftiness and skill that scouts love.
27. Aron Kiviharju
D, HIFK (Liiga)
Previous ranking: 27
A lot of ink has been spilled about the diminutive defenseman over the last few seasons. One of the first players to hit the scouting radar, Kiviharju has been under the microscope for nearly half a decade. He’s recorded gaudy totals in the Finnish junior leagues and made a meaningful appearance as a double under-ager in 2022. He was impossible to ignore, and many thought he could be a lottery pick at some point.
He’s struggled to develop offensively, and his overall development stagnated due to injury, playing only seven games in Liiga this season. He’s got excellent instincts combined with high-end transition play. As an underage player, his ability to break the puck out is among the best in the draft class, attacking the middle and hitting players in stride. Through this, it is easy to envision a power-play quarterback as a facilitator in his future. He needs to learn to add the deception from his breakout plays to his offensive zone play to take the next step, offensively.
A 5-11 defenseman that lacks elite skating needs to be an excellent puck mover and defend at an elite level. If Kiviharju can develop his skating to be a plus attribute, he has the sense and foundation to be a quality transition defenseman in the NHL.
28. EJ Emery
D, United States U18 (NTDP)
Previous ranking: 28
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: a big, right-handed defenseman who skates well has scouts enamored. Add in elite transition defense, and EJ Emery has the makings of an impactful defenseman who can anchor a second pairing. Emery is a perfect complementary piece to an elite offensive defenseman who needs a reliable partner to augment their game.
Emery is a top transition defenseman, whose one-on-one defensive play stands out. He maintains excellent posture, effectively uses his stick to guide opponents, take away passes and poke pucks off opponent’s sticks. In transition, he maintains good gap control, doesn’t allow attackers to beat him to the outside and forces them to relinquish the puck. When the game needs a calming presence, the opponent’s best players kept off the scoresheet and a quality defensive play, Emery is that player. From that perspective, he is a coach’s dream. His defensive development this season has me believing he will continue to improve and likely become one of the best defenders in the draft class.
Offensively, there is not a lot. That isn’t Emery’s calling card. That is likely why the model doesn’t project him to be more than a second-pairing defenseman. He doesn’t activate in the play, makes simple breakout passes and doesn’t get caught up ice. While that is generally concerning, as a lack of offense at the junior level leads to a less confident statistical projection, his ability to defend in all three zones, skate well, and win physical battles should make him a top-four defenseman in the NHL.
29. Teddy Stiga
F, United States U18 (NTDP)
Previous ranking: 31
Stiga’s development curve this season boosted him in the model, and his overall package of tools is difficult to ignore. He lacks a truly elite skill, but he possesses high-end hockey sense and as coaches say, “he gets the job done.” At 5-10, he lacks the size many teams prefer, but he is engaged and effective in all areas of the ice. Playing him must feel like a chess match where you’re constantly two moves behind.
He doesn’t get knocked off the puck easily; in fact, his puck protection skills are some of the best in the class. His passing game is underrated, finding teammates in open spaces with laser precision. He doesn’t manipulate defenders to create space or lanes, and still manages to make things happen.
Without the puck, he wins battles, backchecks efficiently and create havoc on the forecheck. His instincts make him dangerous, given his ability to strip pucks and make a quick pass for a scoring chance. If Stiga can add another gear and learn to manipulate defenders, there’s a real chance he becomes an effective middle-six NHLer.
30. Terik Parascak
F, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Previous ranking: 22
His production is reminiscent of a player who should be selected in top half of the first round. His skating, like Jason Robertson’s in 2017, worries scouts. He doesn’t have the physical package of Robertson, but his production is much better. Parascak has all the capabilities to be a dual threat at the NHL level if his skating improves.
Parascak’s instincts on and off the puck are high-end. He understands defensive schemes and how to penetrate them, but his skating holds him back from driving play. This is evident in transition, where he lacks the pace to attack the middle and relies on his instincts to find open space and arrive at the perfect time. When he gets the puck in space, he’s terrifying. His catch and release shot, one-timer and ability to shoot opposite his momentum make him challenging for goalies to stop.
A team taking Parascak is getting a player with an elite hockey sense and many shots in his arsenal. If he can add strength and more power to his skating, there is a real chance he’s a top-six, difference-maker in the NHL. He’s unlikely to be a true play driver, but a complementary piece that can ignite a power play.
31. Charlie Elick
D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Previous ranking: Honorable mention
A towering right-handed defenseman best known for his ability to defend. In every viewing, Elick punished opponents with heavy hits, separated players from the puck and showed astute transition defense. He’s got two play styles: one is the calm, reliable defender who makes simple plays. The other is a full-blown physical menace who dictates the tone of the game. Both are effective and his ability to adapt to what the game calls for is impressive.
Elick could go much higher than this and it wouldn’t surprise me. He is noticeably effective, consistently breaking up passes, taking away time and space, delivering thunderous hits and winning races to retrieve pucks with ease. On the breakout, he’s shown flashes of creativity, always looking to make high-value plays and get pucks to good areas. He lacks the execution to make the plays his offensive vision sees, but the instincts are there, and he can develop his puck-moving ability.
The team that drafts Elick is likely getting a long-term NHL defender, with questions about his ceiling. Scouts believe he is a player you win with because he sets the physical tone and makes life difficult for skilled players. He is unlikely to provide anything but positive defense, but the steady, mobile defender is likely to tilt the ice in his team’s favor with his transition defense and devastating physicality.
32. Cole Beaudoin
F, Barrie (OHL)
Previous ranking: Honorable mention
Combine an elite motor, good two-way play and a healthy dose of compete, Cole Beaudoin is simply a gamer. If I was giving each draft-eligible a superlative or vibe, Beaudoin’s would be “gamer.” The model is lower on him than this ranking, but the belief that he should become a bottom-six player that checks well, kills penalties and bring energy to the lineup.
A big, strong player who may be most effective on the wing at the NHL level, Beaudoin reads the play well, gets into traffic, wins nearly every puck battle and grinds opponents down. There is no OHL player who enjoys going into the corner with him — and more than a few came out worse for wear. He’s got the strength and desire to be an impactful physical player in the NHL. If his skating continues to improve, there is reason to believe he has a higher ceiling than current projections indicate. Teams will need a more patient approach with him, but added pace could see him jump into a third-line role as a player coaches trust implicitly.
33. Maxim Masse, F, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
34. Dean Letourneau, F, Saint Andrew’s College (HIGH-ON)
35. Harrison Brunicke, D, Kamloops (WHL)
36. Stian Solberg, D, Valerenga (Norway)
37. Ben Danford, D, Oshawa (OHL)
38. Marek Vanacker, F, Brantford (OHL)
39. Dominik Badinka, D, Malmo (Sweden Jr.)
40. Miguel Marques, F, Lethbridge (WHL)
41. Tanner Howe, F, Regina (WHL)
42. Alfons Freij, D, Vaxjo (Sweden Jr.)
43. Jesse Pulkkinen, D, JYP (Liiga)
44. Yegor Surin, F, Yaroslavl (MHL)
45. Leo Sahlin Wallenius, D, Vaxjo (Sweden Jr.)
46. Henry Mews, D, Ottawa (OHL)
47. Sam O’Reilly, F, London (OHL)
48. Lucas Pettersson, F, Modo (Sweden Jr.)
49. Justin Poirer, F, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)
50. Cole Hutson, D, U.S. U-18 (NTDP)
51. Luka Misa, F, Mississauga (OHL)
52. Tomas Galvas, D, Olomouc (Czechia)
53. Julius Miettinen, F, Everett (WHL)
54. Tomas Mrsic, F, Medicine Hat (WHL)
55. Tarin Smith, D, Everett (USHL)
56. Matvei Gridin, F, Muskegon (USHL)
57. Adam Jecho, F, Edmonton (WHL)
58. Lukas Fischer, D, Sarnia (OHL)
59. John Mustard, F, Waterloo (USHL)
60. Adam Kleber, D, Lincoln (USHL)
61. Ryerson Leenders, G, Mississauga (OHL)
62. Brodie Ziemer, F, U.S. U-18 (NTDP)
63. Linus Eriksson, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
64. Eemil Vinni, G, JoKP (Finland)