2024 NHL Mock Draft: Final top 32

Congratulations, Florida Panthers. Stanley Cup champions. It feels good, doesn’t it?

The final on-ice NHL action is done and dusted. And in the pursuit of glory, both Florida and Edmonton traded their first-round picks away to snag some help for the postseason – a worthy exercise, which isn’t always the case when checking out the post-mortems for teams across the league.

But now the 2024 NHL Draft is set to kick off today, with teams hoping to change the trajectory of their franchises in a big way in Vegas. It’s all a gamble, of course, but playing your cards right could be the difference between finding your next superstar and recouping your previous first-rounders for scraps four years down the line.

After looking at Daily Faceoff’s top 120 prospects list, here’s our final mock draft ahead of the fun at The Sphere on June 28-29:

1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini, C (Boston University, NCAA)

This is essentially a done deal, so there’s not much speculation needed here. The Sharks have their No. 1 center for the next 15 years, with the Canadian-born pivot drawing comparisons to Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews. Celebrini is a dynamic two-way forward who can score, hit, set guys up and is committed defensively. He’s ready to step into top-line duty with the Sharks next year.

2. Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov, RHD (Michigan State, NCAA)

I really wanted to take Ivan Demidov because I truly think he’s the second-best player in this draft. But the sense around scouting circles is Chicago will go with Levshunov, who fits a need perfectly in the system and isn’t far away from playing in the NHL. He’s got everything scouts want in a high-end defender – size, mobility and puck-moving skills, just to name a few quality traits.

3. Anaheim Ducks: Beckett Sennecke, RW (Oshawa, OHL)

Sennecke is one of the draft’s top risers, and I feel like this is a good fit for a Ducks team that would love to have a skilled winger that’s difficult to play against. Sure, he’s not a safe bet, but he’s grown exceptionally this year and it didn’t take him long to figure out how to use his strength to his advantage. I can see him being a top-six forward for a team that just needs help, period. He might not be done growing, either, which is exciting given he’s 6-foot-2.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cayden Lindstrom, C (Medicine Hat, WHL)

Lindstrom’s injury-shortened season will definitely be a cause for concern for some teams, but the 6-foot-3 forward said he’s fully healthy and ready to go. He’s an absolute monster out there, and scouts love the potential for him to be a high-scoring wrecking ball. He’ll have a realistic shot at being a No. 1 center down the line, but even if he falls at No. 2, that’s one heck of a matchup advantage behind Adam Fantili.

5. Montreal Canadiens: Ivan Demidov, RW (SKA St. Petersburg, MHL)

Demidov is an elite talent that could easily be justified if taken No. 2. Demidov is a game-changer who dominated in the Russian junior league this year and is expected to play full-time in the KHL next year. Demidov’s skating isn’t great, but it’s not going to put him behind the eight-ball because his puckhandling makes up for it. He’s one of the best pure talents in recent years and would be a huge get for the Canadiens.

6. Utah HC: Zayne Parekh, RHD (Saginaw, OHL)

Parekh finished the OHL regular season with 33 goals and 96 points in 66 games to lead all U-18 OHLers. It was the third most productive U-18 season ever by an OHL defender, and he’s one of just two that age to crack 80 points in the 21st Century – the other being Ryan Ellis, who delivered an 89-point season in 2008-09. Oh, and he’s actually quite good defensively, too.

7. Ottawa Senators: Zeev Buium, LHD (University of Denver, NCAA)

A 50-point freshman season, World Junior gold and a national title? It’s hard to beat a freshman season like that for Buium, who has the potential to become another star defenseman for Ottawa. He took his offensive production to new heights this year, showing so much confidence with and without the puck. He’ll be a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL sooner rather than later, and he’ll be a cornerstone of the Senators’ moving forward.

8. Seattle Kraken: Sam Dickinson, LHD (London, OHL)

Adding a dynamic, two-way threat like Dickinson would be massive for a Kraken team that could use defensive depth. I love his game – he’s great with the puck, hits hard and has the size and mobility teams are looking for. There are times he’ll get caught trying to do too much with the puck, but his versatility makes him an attractive option for a team that’s still building out its pipeline.

9. Calgary Flames: Tij Iginla, C/LW (Kelowna, WHL)

Iginla is a top-five player in many drafts, and there are a ton of people who think he’s only scratching the surface in terms of his true potential. I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes higher, but this is a match made in heaven. He didn’t dominate at the U-18s like many hoped but he showed how deep his game can be. Iginla is more than just a goal-scorer; he works so hard, he can defend and he has made a habit of being extremely difficult to play against.

10. New Jersey Devils: Konsta Helenius, C (Jukurit, Liiga)

I think Helenius – one of the better two-way players in this draft class – is better than most people give him credit for. Helenius has a balanced skill set, knows how to play to it, and knows how to use it to overpower opponents, no matter their experience. I think Helenius doesn’t get enough love for the season he had, which saw him make big strides in Liiga and with Finland’s national team programs. He might not be dynamic enough at the next level, but I still like him.

11. San Jose Sharks: Anton Silayev, LHD (Torpedo, KHL)

At 6-foot-7 and more than 200 pounds, it’s hard to miss Silayev out there. And he’s got a great opportunity to become a long-term top-pairing blueliner for a Wild team that has a few good offensive pieces percolating on the blueline. He’s mobile, has some decent offensive instincts and power to kill, and might be one of the most competitive players in this draft. He’s drawing comparisons to Zdeno Chara for a reason. This combination just seems to make sense for a franchise that needs some serious defensive depth.

12. Philadelphia Flyers: Berkly Catton, C (Spokane, WHL)

Catton, alongside Matvei Michkov? Talk about dynamic. Catton had 54 goals and 116 points in 68 games this year, and also helped Canada win gold as the top player at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The Chiefs’ alternate captain is so good with the puck, often taking control of the game when Spokane is down and out. Few draft eligibles are as good at producing high-quality chances as Catton, and he works hard enough in both ends to earn the benefit of the doubt as a future NHL center.

13. Minnesota Wild: Carter Yakemchuk, RHD (Calgary, WHL)

The Wild could use another high-end defensive prospect and I think Yakemchuk’s ability to dominate with the puck and in physical matchups would be a perfect fit. Skating is still a work in progress, but he can lead a power play and bring the fans to their feet with a momentum-changing hit. With some seasoning, Yakemchuk could be a high-output defender in the NHL who might be a second-pair blueliner. The Wild will need to work with him to fix the skating, but Yakemchuk is still fun to watch.

14. Buffalo Sabres: Cole Eiserman, LW (USNTDP)

The Sabres could really use a right-handed defenseman, but as long as they’re picking 14th overall, it doesn’t make a ton of sense to reach on someone like EJ Emery or Charlie Elick. Instead, they’re snagging the best goal-scorer in the draft, someone who is uber-competitive and loves to hit everyone in sight. There are questions about his defensive game, but a few years at Boston University with Jay Pandolfo should really help him get that figured out.

15. Detroit Red Wings: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW (Mora, SHL)

MBN has proven he can take over against his own age group, and he’s a point-per-game player with Norway’s men’s national team, too. He had just under half a point per game with Mora IK in the second-tuer Swedish league, but he made a name for himself for just how much of a workhorse he is out there. It seems like he’s giving it his all every shift and he’s got a pro-quality shot already. He might not be flashy, but Brandsegg-Nygård will be a good NHLer.

16. St. Louis Blues: Stian Solberg, LHD (Valerenga, Norway)

Solberg is such a fluid skater at 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds. He has an excellent shot, but he also has a mean streak that makes him so difficult to beat in a 1-on-1 situation. It didn’t seem to matter who he battled against this year – Solberg didn’t lose many battles. For St. Louis, they can afford to be patient with him, and the timing might work for Solberg to take the next step forward and play against tougher competition in Sweden.

17. Washington Capitals: Igor Chernyshov, LW (Dynamo Moskva, KHL)

Chernyshov didn’t play much when he was in the KHL, but he got better as the season wore on. Among his age group, Chernyhsov was one of the best of the best. What stands out here is just how strong he is and how he leverages that to become a noticeable power forward. The 6-foot-2, 196-pind winger attacks defenders with purpose and has a nice toolkit to build upon. He’s still raw, but Chernyshov has some middle-six potential.

18. Chicago Blackhawks: Michael Hage, C (Chicago, USHL)

The Blackhawks made a big splash a few weeks ago, trading up two spots in a deal with the New York Islanders. They must have someone they like, and I do have to wonder if it’s Hage, who kept rising ever so slightly throughout the year. The 6-foot-1 center had to overcome injuries that knocked him out of most of his USHL rookie season but he was easily one of the league’s top players in his first full campaign. The University of Michigan commit is already a dangerous center with a great shot, high-end skating, and a detail-oriented work ethic. Plus, given he plays with the Steel, the Blackhawks had a short trip to see him often. Hage is a pure centerman, and while the Hawks have a handful of players who can play down the middle, I could see them moving someone like Oliver Moore to full-time wing duty instead.

19. Vegas Golden Knights: Liam Greentree, RW (Windsor, OHL)

Greentree had a disappointing U-18s, but there’s still some significant potential here. Greentree has a great shot, can overwhelm defensemen with his pace and works hard along the boards. Few first-year draft-eligible prospects were better in the OHL, with his 90 points giving him a 24-point cushion over second on the Windsor Spitfires. He can drive the play with the puck, gets physical and his teammates think he’s a great leader. The issue for me is that when he isn’t scoring, he isn’t as good, but the upside is still apparent.

20. New York Islanders: Nikita Artamonov, RW (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL)

Artamonov became one of my favorite wingers due to his high-end hockey IQ and his ability to get into scoring positions. Artamonov stepped into KHL duty and immediately started producing, which is something very few scouts expected after watching him last year. His energetic motor is noticeable, even if he’s just an average skater at best. He’s not a big kid, but he battles so hard and plays a nice physical game. That dog-on-a-bone mentality, mixed in with his hockey IQ, makes him an exciting option.

21. Montreal Canadiens: Sacha Boisvert, C (Muskegon, USHL)

Will the Canadiens chase a French forward? It was a great year for Boisvert, who had 36 goals and 68 points in 61 USHL games to put himself near the top of the scoring race. The University of North Dakota commit just does so many things well – he’s athletic, plays a ton of minutes, has an accurate shot release, and reads plays very well. Boisvert has speed but can get beat in short-area rushes. Will a quiet playoff run hurt his stock? It shouldn’t but I like him at this pick.

22. Nashville Predators: Trevor Connelly, LW (Tri-City, USHL)

Before his ejection in the gold-medal game ultimately sank his team at the U-18 World Championship, Connelly was one of USA’s top players. He’s so good with the puck, cycling at pace and putting up some key points alongside 2025 draft prospect LJ Mooney. Connelly’s high-end talent is undeniable – but there’s the off-ice concerns that scouts are worried about. From a skill perspective, though, Connelly is a top talent in this draft class and has the makings of someone who’ll be a top-six contributor sooner rather than later.

23. Toronto Maple Leafs: EJ Emery, RHD (USNTDP)

This would be a perfect fit for the Leafs, given they could really use a high-end, mobile, shutdown defenseman with size and shoots right. In terms of pure defensive play, I don’t know if there’s a better option in this draft, and someone I could see a team trading up or down to get just because he has the makings of a rocksteady, top-four option. The North Dakota commit isn’t too active on the scoresheet, but he’s difficult to play against, and you need that in the playoffs.

24. Colorado Avalanche: Adam Jiricek, RHD (Plzen, Czechia)

After trading away Bowen Byram earlier this year, adding Jiricek would give the Avalanche another high-quality young defenseman. Jiricek was injured at the world juniors and missed the rest of the year after suffering a knee injury in Czechia’s opening game. But before that, even with a disappointing start to the season against men, Jiricek was projecting to be a top 15 prospect who can plays a smart game with some physicality and high-end hockey IQ.

25. Boston Bruins: Jett Luchanko, C (Guelph, OHL)

I could see the Bruins banking on Luchanko’s upside and banking on a center who could give them a much-needed boost. After putting up more than 50 assists this year, his vision and hockey IQ are worth getting excited about. Luchanko does an excellent job in extra space on the power play, working mainly as a distributor. He has a great shot, too, although I wish he’d use it more. The thing that helps him here is a non-stop motor that works at both ends of the ice. There’s some middle-six potential here.

26. Los Angeles Kings: Emil Hemming, RW (TPS, Liiga)

Hemming could be interesting here. He’s capable of getting creative offensively, but I feel like he’s a future bottom-six forward who can outmuscle players while staying disciplined and grinding it out all game long. His defensive game is nice, too. If he improves his skating, I can see Hemming playing a more prominent role in the NHL, but at a minimum, I think he works hard enough to earn himself a spot deeper down.

27. Carolina Hurricanes: Cole Beaudoin, C (Barrie Colts)

Beaudoin was excellent at the U-18 World Championship, looking great as a bottom-six threat that did just about everything He just missed out on a point per game with Barrie this year, but between the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the U-18s and his strong play throughout the season, we’re looking at a multi-faceted scoring threat with size and a nice shot.

28. Calgary Flames: Charlie Elick, RHD (Brandon, WHL)

Elick moves well for a 6-foot-3 defenseman and many WHL players consider him one of the toughest defensemen to beat in 1-on-1 situations. For the Flames, this gives them another defender with top-four potential, and maybe more of a calming presence alongside the high-flying Hunter Brzustewicz. There isn’t high-end upside here, but he’s got the makings of a guy who’ll have a good 10-12 year career being effective in his own zone.

29. Dallas Stars: Dominik Badinka, RHD (Malmo, SHL)

There’s a lot to like here about Badinka, who took a chance on himself by leaving home a few years ago to get the best opportunity to shine in Sweden. Badinka has a good 6-foot-3 frame and solid hockey sense, and he doesn’t crumble under pressure. His mobility is solid, he’s elusive and makes things happen with the puck more often than not. If he can add some extra top speed, he’ll be golden because he’s got the own-zone play figured out.

30. New York Rangers: Dean Letourneau, C (St. Andrew’s, PHC)

I’m a big fan of Letourneau, even if he fell in my rankings. The 6-foot-7 forward moves so well for his size, and he has a net-front presence teams will die for. His numbers have been tremendous, scoring at more than a goal-per-game pace and lifting St. Andrew’s up more often than not. Letourneau can dominate puck possession with his frame, and he has quick hands, too. Lots of people compare him to Tage Thompson, and having watched TT closely in his draft year, it’s easy to see why.

31. Anaheim Ducks: Teddy Stiga, LW (USNTDP)

Stiga brings boundless energy to every shift, buzzing through the ice like his life depends on it. He proved this year can play with anyone, especially alongside James Hagens on the USNTDP’s top line. He put up 36 goals this year, which I feel doesn’t get talked about enough. Instead, so much of the focus is on his work ethic, something that few players in this draft can match. I think he’s a middle-six player in the NHL, but he can play with anyone and in just about any role. With the Ducks taking a defenseman early, this type of middle-six scoring depth will be a nice addition to the franchise.

32. Philadelphia Flyers: Egor Surin, C (Yaroslavl, MHL)

Surin was a man on a mission throughout the MHL playoffs, only getting outpaced by Ivan Demidov. He played great during the second half, where it seemed like he was more in control of his own body and not trying to hit guys for the sake of throwing a hit. Discipline can still be an issue at points, but he’s so skilled with a great shot and quick hands. If Surin can put everything together consistently without trying to get too cute with the puck, he’ll be a steal. The upside is real here.

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