With the trade deadline having come and gone, there’s much more clarity on who are the haves and have-nots. Teams that started the season with high hopes and expectations they have failed to meet have likely acquired additional draft capital. For those looking to make a playoff run, they’ve likely moved off some 2024 picks, knowing there’s a first-round ledge that falls off this year from around pick 20.
The draft board is also starting to come into focus, save for conditional picks and of course the lottery, which we expect to occur in late April or early May. Anaheim, Calgary, Montreal, Philadelphia, San Jose and Ottawa all have additional first-round picks.
While that doesn’t have an impact on the rankings, it will have an impact on how teams with multiple picks approach the draft and the impact will be seen in various mock drafts that typically start to filter out after the lottery.
From a pure rankings perspective, one thing hasn’t changed is Macklin Celebrini’s place at the top of the charts. Celebrini projects to be a future NHL star. His 29-goal regular season fell just three short of a goal per game pace. He failed to record a point in only four games, he produced 19 multi-point games and did all of this as the youngest player in college hockey. The numbers are matched by his effort, his compete and his smarts, making him the most coveted player in this draft class.
Other than that, it’s crowded at the top. Defencemen everywhere keep pushing the limits on their potential and the scramble for the most important position to draft and develop will be fun to watch. There are a number of things to consider. After Celebrini, will the teams following the first pick covet a big, stay-at-home type? A two-way dynamo with room for growth? Will the smaller, offensively gifted defencemen be the flavour of the day? Defencemen come in all shapes, sizes and tools in this draft class. It’s so diverse and so tough to call that organizational need may be the deciding factor in a number of picks inside the top 10.
The fly in the ointment is Ivan Demidov. The Russian sensation exhibits a lot of the same characteristics Celebrini does, but the level of play he faces in the MHL is nowhere near that of college hockey, where Celebrini plies his trade. Demidov’s two points per game rate is second in MHL league history for any player who has played 30 or more games.
There remains an abundance of risk when selecting players out of Russia. Will the path for those players continue to be muddled by the geo-political circumstances that aren’t changing? Is there a PR element to selecting players from Russia knowing how things have been handled politically? Will the player be pressured into staying at home? Some NHL teams have better relationships than others with their Russian counterparts and those teams, if picking inside the top 10, will have some serious things to consider when it comes to Demidov versus one of the top available defencemen.
As we venture down the rankings, a few more forwards start to enter the fray. Spokane’s Berkly Catton is loaded with intangibles and is a dual threat offensively. Tij Iginla leans goal scorer, but plays a quick game that enables him to shrug off defenders. Konsta Helenius is a solid two-way player, while Cayden Lindstrom possesses the traits of a prototypical power forward. And surely we can’t forget about the prolific goal-scoring ability of Cole Eiserman, who started the year as our No. 2 ranked player.
From a scouting angle, the men in black coats who watch from the stands have used the past few weeks to do their due diligence on players whose teams may not make league playoffs, or whose high school teams have ended their seasons. They’re also getting final looks at late birthday players as they aren’t eligible to play in the U18 World Championships. That tournament represents the last big scouting event, and it takes place in Finland beginning April 25. Until then, playoffs are right right around the corner in North America and those viewings provide great context.
With that, we turn to our latest rankings:
1. Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (NCAA)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 190 pounds
There are no circumstances where he deviates from his game. He’s a high skill, high compete player who has dominated as the youngest player in his loop.
2. Anton Silayev, D, Torpedo (KHL) 6’7, 211 L
Height: 6-foot-7 Weight: 211 pounds
He isn’t likely going to be the power play specialist he was at the start of the season, but he skates extremely well and handles the puck without issue. Reminds me of Nikita Zadorov.
3. Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg (MHL)
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 181 pounds
In a vacuum he’s the most talented forward this draft class has to offer outside of Celebrini. Demidov possesses many of the same traits Celebrini does, only his track record is against younger, more unproven talent.
4. Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State (NCAA)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 208 pounds
All the elements in his game are translatable to the NHL. There are times when he tries to force plays as opposed to taking the simpler way out, but his talent will outgrow that picky criticism.
5. Carter Yakemchuk, D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 194 pounds
With good size, deft puck handles and a wicked shot, he resembles a skilled power forward. Instead, he’s an high-end offensive defenceman.
6. Sam Dickinson, D, London Knights (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 204 pounds
Everything about his game screams pro, especially his elite skating ability. There are times when he could make better and quicker decisions with the puck.
7. Berkly Catton, C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 170 pounds
A little undersized for the position, but there’s no glaring weakness in his game. He’s a play driver and a dual threat offensive player as evidenced by his 50-goal, 100-point season to date.
8. Zeev Buium, D, Denver (NCAA)
Height: 6-foot Weight: 183 pounds
Transitional defenceman who processes the game quickly. Is patient with the puck, creating time and space to break it out, or to be successful on zone entries.
9. Zayne Parekh, D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 181 pounds
An Erik Karlsson-type player who is the best defenceman at creating offence in this class. He has a boatload of confidence with the puck on his stick, often baiting and evading defenders to open pass or shooting lanes.
10. Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 210 pounds
Timeline for his return is still uncertain, but getting into game action before the year closes will help solidify him into a top 10 position come June.
11. Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 186 pounds
A 50-goal campaign is well within reach. While goal-scoring pops, he’s a wickedly creative offensive player who specializes in making space.
12. Konsta Helenius, C, Jukurit (Liiga)
Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 180 pounds
Plays a pro style game and is often on the right side of the puck when he doesn’t have it, but is also competitive and skilled enough to make things happen when he does have it.
13. Cole Eiserman, LW, USNTDP
Height: 6-feet Weight: 195 pounds
The hardest thing to do in hockey is score, and he’s doing that at an elite level.
14. Liam Greentree, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 211 pounds
Plays a pro-style game and understands what’s needed from him each and every shift. His elite shooting ability will always make him a threat to score.
15. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Mora (Allsvenskan)
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 194 pounds
A player you can trust in all situations and someone who has produced well at the pro level despite getting only mid-tier minutes.
16. Igor Chernyshov, LW, HC Dynamo Moscow (KHL-MHL)
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 189 pounds
Would rate out as average to slightly above average in puck skills and skating ability, but he has continued to find a way to produce points at an elite level because his effort is consistent and he thinks the game well.
17. Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 175 pounds
Some of his identity as an underaged player has been forgotten and replaced by noticing his super slick hands and creativity. His continuous growth hasn’t impacted his ability to handle the puck with pace.
18. Adam Jiricek, D, Plzen HC (Czech)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 178 pounds
The low offensive numbers have never been in line with his skill set. Add in the injury issues and there remains a ton of questions as to whether or not he can reach the potential that his talent teases.
19. Andrew Basha, LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 185 pounds
The type of player who won’t be denied. He’s able to use his sturdy frame to work underneath opponents and then utilize his escapability to create offence.
20. Sacha Boisvert, C, Muskegon (USHL)
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 176 pounds
Will have to fill out and improve his play away from the puck, but when he has it in the offensive zone, he’s a threat to strike from anywhere.
21. Michael Hage, C, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 187 pounds
Has turned it up over the past month and a bit. He moves well, shoots it well and has a little bit of grit in his game.
22. Trevor Connelly, C, Tri-City Storm (USHL)
Height: 6-feet Weight: 156 pounds
As slight of frame as he is, he remains one of the most dynamic offensive players this draft class has to offer. However, off-ice issues may bump him out of round one and, for some teams, off their list completely.
23. Aron Kiviharju, D, HIFK Helsinki (Liiga)
Height: 5-foot-9 Weight: 170 pounds
With injuries consuming a large portion of his season, scouts would like another chance to corroborate what’s been seen from him as an underaged player in the past.
24. Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 176 pounds
production hasn’t slowed from the start of the year. Yes he’s benefitted from playing with great linemates, but he’s also been a play driver for his linemates.
25. Ryder Ritchie, RW, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 175 pounds
After missing more than two months, he’s starting to find his stride just in time to leave a lasting impression with scouts. He still has a chance to impress with perhaps some WHL playoffs and potentially some time with Canada at the U18s.
26. Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight 185 pounds
Has been remarkably consistent in effort and production. Has learned that he belongs amongst the best in this draft class. Extremely smart player whose confidence continues to grow.
27. Marek Vanacker, LW, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Height: 6-foot Weight: 165 pounds
Has steadily improved over the course of the season. His skating and edge work are notable. Crafty player who drives offence.
28. Dean Letourneau, C, St. Andrew’s (HS)
Height: 6-foot-6, 210 pounds
Banged up in his final high school game, his highly anticipated return to USHL Sioux Falls has been derailed. Will he be ready in time for the U18 worlds?
29. Adam Jecho, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 201 pounds
Given his journey and injury issues this season, he’s more of a project pick than a sure fire hit. His size will win out in any benefit of the doubt argument.
30. Leo Sahlin-Wallenius, D, Vaxjo U20 (Sweden)
Height: 6-foot Weight: 176 pounds
Like a number of Swedes last year, he has shown marked growth. He may not end up going as high as Axel Sandin-Pellikka did last season (17th), but his rise to prominence is similar.
31. Julius Miettinen, C, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 205 pounds
Adjustment to North America took longer than even he expected. Plays a hard-nosed game where he’s able to ward off defenders and find his way to the net. Point production has increased dramatically since the start of 2024.
32. EJ Emery, D, USNTDP
Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 185 pounds
There’s value in self awareness and this player knows that his defensive play, athleticism and simple puck moving abilities are keys to making him a projected late first round pick.
