A glance at how the first round of the 2024 National Hockey League draft unfolded on Friday night at the Sphere in Las Vegas:
1. San Jose Sharks — Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (NCAA)
The consensus No. 1 pick and complete player will be the foundation on which the Sharks base their rebuild.
2. Chicago Blackhawks — Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State (NCAA)
Belarus native should be a valuable contributor on the Blackhawks blue line for years. Full-package defenceman.
3. Anaheim Ducks — Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa (OHL)
Few mock drafts, if any, had Sennecke in the top three. Puck skills and size have him on right path.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets — Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Big body (6’4’’, 215 pounds) and skill help him control play. Plays with edge and honesty in his game.
5. Montreal Canadiens — Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg Jr. (Russia Jr.)
Canadiens fans will love his high-level skillset. Won’t be long before he’s driving the offence in Montreal.
6. Utah — Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna (WHL)
Son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla drives play and is smart at both ends. Brings a relentless effort.
7. Ottawa Senators — Carter Yakemchuk, D, Calgary (WHL)
Great shot and puckhandling skills will be welcomed on Senators’ blue line. Led WHL defencemen with 30 goals.
8. Seattle Kraken — Berkly Catton, C, Spokane (WHL)
High-level decision-making and skills in tight spots among his strengths. Led CHL draft-eligible players with 116 points.
Dynamic play, creativity and overall skill resulted in CHL defenceman of the year honours. Been compared to Erik Karlsson.
More to come …